Why Does My Dog Twitch in Their Sleep?

Twitching paws, fluttering eyelids, little woofs and soft whimpers during sleep are a normal part of how dogs sleep.

What's happening

Like people, dogs cycle through sleep stages, including REM sleep, when the brain is very active. Small twitches and paddling during this stage are common, and puppies and senior dogs often twitch more.

Dreaming or something else?

Normal sleep twitching is loose and irregular, and your dog wakes up easily and acts normally. Stiff, rhythmic jerking of the whole body, drooling, or a dog that seems confused afterward can be signs of a seizure. If you're unsure, take a short video and show your vet.

What you can do

Let sleeping dogs lie. Waking a dreaming dog suddenly can startle them.

This article is educational and is not veterinary advice. If a behavior is new, sudden, or comes with other changes in your dog, check in with your vet.

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