Dog shaking and convulsing while sleeping

If a dog only shakeS and convulse while sleeping, it is usually due to dreaming or external environmental stimulation. Dogs dream during the shallow sleep stage, which may cause shaking and convulsing due to the content of the dream. In addition, if the external environment is very cold and the dog is susceptible to cold, it will have a natural reaction of shaking and convulsing. However, if the dog also shakes and convulses while awake, and is accompanied by symptoms such as foaming at the mouth, constant circling, excitement or depression, it is basically caused by disease factors such as calcium deficiency, epilepsy, and nerve damage. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time and choose a treatment plan according to the dog's condition.

I. Physiological factors

If the dog's convulsion frequency is low and there is no regular pattern, and it only occurs while sleeping, it is most likely due to low environmental temperature or dreaming. Basically, disease causes can be ruled out.
When a dog is asleep and dreaming in the shallow sleep stage, it may convulse if it is frightened or performs actions such as running and jumping in the dream. This is a normal phenomenon and owners do not need to be overly concerned.
If the dog's sleeping environment is cold, the cold air stimulation may cause the dog to shake and convulse. This indicates that the ambient temperature is too low for the dog, and the dog needs to be moved to a warmer place else it may easily catch a cold.

II. Pathological factors

If the dog's convulsion frequency is high, it may be due to calcium deficiency or neurological diseases. Owners are advised to consult a doctor first and use calcium supplements such as calcium tablets and liquid calcium to supplement the dog's calcium. If there is no improvement, it is necessary to check promptly whether the convulsions are caused by diseases.
Pathological convulsions are usually accompanied by painful screams and even vomiting. They usually occur when the dog is awake and are completely different from physiological convulsions caused by dreaming. Owners can usually notice this.
When neurological symptoms such as convulsions occur, it indicates that the dog has a serious disease, such as distemper, neuritis, epilepsy, etc., which can cause severe convulsions and even threaten the dog's life. Therefore, if owners discover any abnormalities in their dogs, they should take them to the hospital for a detailed examination promptly.