Your dog is snoring sweetly on the rug, but suddenly his paws start moving madly, as if he is racing across a field, and plaintive groans escape from his chest?
You are touched, thinking that he is dreaming about chasing a ball, but in fact, there may be something serious hidden behind these twitches.
When a dog enters REM sleep, its brain replays the events of the day: games, encounters with other animals, or even moments of stress.
Puppies, for example, often “run” in their sleep, practicing new skills, and adult dogs can relive conflicts or joyful moments.
But if the movements become abrupt, as if the pet is convulsing, or if he wakes up with a confused look, this is no longer just a dream.
Neurological problems manifest themselves in seizures during sleep. You can distinguish the norm from pathology by accompanying symptoms: if the dog is drooling, the eyes are rolling back, and the body is tense as a string - go to the vet immediately.
But even without alarming signs, frequent twitching can indicate stress. For example, dogs that have experienced trauma “play out” moments of danger in their dreams for years. Noisy holidays with fireworks, quarrels in the family or the arrival of a new pet - all this overloads the nervous system.
What to do to help? Never wake the dog abruptly - it can get scared and bite, not realizing where it is. It is better to call it softly by name, giving it time to come to its senses.
If cramps recur, review your diet: a lack of magnesium and calcium provokes muscle spasms. Add cottage cheese, pumpkin or special additives to your menu.
Play calm games before bed, such as searching for treats around the house. This will relieve excess energy and prepare the nervous system for rest.
Also check if there are any sources of constant noise in the house: the hum of a refrigerator or a ticking clock can unnoticeably stress your pet.
Interesting fact: dogs see colorful dreams, but their palette is limited to yellow and blue. However, the main thing for them is not colors, but movements and smells. Therefore, in a dream, a dog often "runs" after a familiar aroma, rather than looking at pictures.
And yes, if your pet moves his lips in his sleep as if he is eating, he may be dreaming of his favorite treat. But if he whines as if he is in pain, do not ignore it. Even in his sleep, a dog may feel discomfort from an uncomfortable bed or a draft.
Author: Kurchev Anton