Something seems to be wrong with your sleeping dog. It looks like she is going through a seizure, something you have never seen. At first, you think your beloved dog is dreaming. But you dispel the notion due to the jerking, uncontrolled movement, and foaming mouth. What you are seeing is a dog seizure in sleep.
This article discusses remedies for sleep seizures in dogs, best practices for pet owners, and a deeper understanding of the issue your pet is facing.
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to find your furry friend twitching paddling their legs or even making little whimpering sounds while they sleep? I know I have, and it can be pretty worrying! The first time I saw my dog Charlie doing this, I panicked and thought something was seriously wrong. But before you jump to conclusions like I did, it’s important to understand what’s actually happening.
Yes, dogs can have seizures while they sleep but those twitches and movements could also just be normal doggy dreams. The challenge is knowing the difference between the two so let’s dive into this topic to help you understand what might be happening with your pup.
What Are Seizures in Dogs?
Seizures are abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that affects a dog’s movements, behavior, senses, or awareness. Dr. Christine Rutter, a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explains that seizures can manifest in various ways.
While many of us imagine a seizure as a dog lying on its side drooling and shaking (known as a grand mal seizure) there are actually different types of seizures that can look quite different
- Fly biting (snapping at invisible flies)
- Facial twitching
- Staring into space and not responding to their name
- More subtle manifestations
Dogs experiencing seizures may also:
- Have excessive drooling
- Urinate or defecate on themselves
- Show changes in mental functioning before, during, and after the seizure
- Appear clingy, compulsive, fearful, aggressive, unresponsive to voice, or seem lost
These episodes can last minutes to hours, making them particularly concerning for pet owners.
What Causes Seizures in Dogs?
There are many potential triggers for seizures in our canine companions:
- Epilepsy: When no underlying cause can be identified
- Metabolic disorders: Such as low blood sugar or kidney failure
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Neoplastic growths (tumors)
- Toxins: Including antidepressant medications, muscle relaxants, pesticides, stimulants, workout supplements, study aids, chocolate, decongestants, recreational medications, and sugar-free products containing xylitol or birch sugar
Dr. Rutter notes that pets are more likely to have a seizure at night or when sleeping, and some dogs may seize when stressed or overly excited. This timing factor is precisely what makes it easy to confuse seizures with dreams!
Dreams vs. Seizures: How to Tell the Difference
All dogs dream. Just like humans, dogs experience different stages of sleep, including short-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM). During REM sleep, you might notice your dog’s eyes moving rapidly beneath their eyelids as they dream.
But how can you tell if your dog is dreaming or having a seizure while sleeping? Here are the key differences:
| Dreams | Seizures |
|---|---|
| Movements are brief (usually less than 30 seconds) | Movements may be longer and more sustained |
| Twitching is intermittent | Limbs tend to be rigid and stiffer |
| Movements are usually gentle paddling or twitching | Movements are typically more violent |
| Dog can be easily woken | Seizing dogs cannot be easily woken |
| Dog returns to normal immediately upon waking | Dogs are often disoriented afterward and may drool and pant |
| Rarely involves urination or defecation | May involve urination or defecation |
Remember the old saying “let sleeping dogs lie”? There’s good reason for it! It’s best not to wake or touch a dreaming dog, as it may startle them and they could possibly bite or scratch involuntarily. If you’re concerned, try calling your dog’s name loudly or making a noise to see if they respond. If they wake up, they were probably just dreaming.
What to Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure
If your dog is having a seizure (whether awake or while sleeping), here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm – Your dog needs you to be in control of the situation
- Do NOT try to prevent them from swallowing their tongue – This is a myth and could result in you getting bitten
- Protect them from falling or hurting themselves – Move furniture away if possible
- Time the seizure – This information will be valuable for your vet
- If the seizure lasts more than 3-4 minutes, prevent overheating by gently cooling your dog with cool wet towels on the head, neck, and groin
- After the seizure, reassure your dog – They don’t understand what happened and may be confused
- Contact your veterinarian right away – All seizures should be reported to your vet
Pay special attention if your dog has multiple seizures within 24 hours (called cluster seizures), as these require emergency veterinary attention.
When to See a Vet
You should consult with your veterinarian if:
- This is your dog’s first seizure
- Your dog has had more than one seizure in 24 hours
- A seizure lasts longer than 3-4 minutes
- Your dog’s behavior doesn’t return to normal within 1-2 hours after the seizure
- Your dog shows persistent behavior or neurologic changes
- Seizures become more frequent or severe
Your vet may recommend blood testing to rule out underlying metabolic diseases. In some cases, they might suggest evaluation by a neurologist and advanced imaging such as an MRI for a complete workup.
Useful Tip: Record the Episode
If you’re unsure whether your dog is having a dream or a seizure, try to videotape the event on your smartphone. This can be extremely helpful for your veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes what we think is a seizure might just be a particularly active dream, or vice versa.
My Personal Experience
We went through this with our family dog a few years back. Max would twitch and paddle his legs while sleeping, and occasionally make little yipping sounds. At first, we were terrified that he was having seizures, but our vet helped us understand that these were just normal dog dreams.
However, when Max actually had a seizure months later (while awake), the difference was obvious. He was much more rigid, the episode lasted longer, and he was confused afterward. That’s when we started him on medication to manage his epilepsy.
Prevention and Management
While not all seizures can be prevented, you can minimize the risk by:
- Keeping toxic substances out of reach
- Maintaining regular vet check-ups to catch potential issues early
- Following a consistent routine to reduce stress
- Administering any prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Keeping a seizure diary to track patterns or triggers
If your dog is diagnosed with a seizure disorder, your vet may prescribe anti-seizure medications that need to be given regularly. Never change your dog’s medication schedule without consulting your vet first.
The Bottom Line
Yes, dogs can definitely have seizures while they sleep. However, what looks like a seizure might just be your pup chasing squirrels in their dreams. Learning to tell the difference can save you unnecessary worry and ensure your pet gets proper care when they really need it.
If you’re ever in doubt about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They’re the best resource for helping you navigate your pet’s specific needs and ensuring they live their happiest, healthiest life.
Remember, our furry friends count on us to look out for them, especially when they’re at their most vulnerable during sleep. By knowing what to look for and how to respond, we can be the advocates they need us to be.
Have you ever experienced this with your dog? I’d love to hear your stories and how you handled the situation. Feel free to share in the comments below!
What Do Dog Seizures Look Like?
Dog seizures involve sudden, uncontrolled muscle movements and altered behavior. During a seizure, dogs may convulse, paddle their legs, drool, or even lose consciousness. The intensity of seizures varies, ranging from mild twitching to more severe episodes. Recognizing these signs is crucial for distinguishing seizures from other behaviors and seeking proper veterinary care.
Caring for Dogs With Seizures: Things to Strictly Avoid
When the uncontrolled movement starts, your first thought will be to help your dog. But please practice extreme caution when dealing with dog seizures in sleep.
No matter how distressing, do not try and wake the dog up. Doing so can only heighten her disorientation and confusion.
Please do not put your hand in her mouth to prevent tongue swallowing. Remember, the movements are involuntary and could result in accidental biting.
Also, avoid having anything that may harm the dog during the seizure. Make sure the area is hazard-free, devoid of sharp objects or edges. The same applies to choking hazards.
The following answers were generated and reviewed by the Lolahemp team.
What to Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure
FAQ
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