Miya Pearson
Newborn puppies jerk in their sleep due to involuntary muscle spasms, which are a normal part of their healthy development. This twitching is often accompanied by vocalisations, such as barks or yelps, and movements that indicate they are running or playing in their dreams. While it may look concerning to owners, this behaviour is simply a result of the REM sleep stage, during which dogs dream vividly, just like humans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Dreaming, strengthening muscles and brains, healthy development |
| Frequency | Common |
| Age | Puppies and older dogs may twitch more |
| Body parts | Back legs, tail, entire body |
| Sounds | Barking, whining, yapping, growling |
| Eyes | Open, moving |
| Sleep stage | REM sleep |
| Similarities with humans | Humans also move during the REM sleep stage |
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What You'll Learn
Twitching is a sign of healthy development
Puppies may dream about playing, chasing rabbits, or other exciting activities they experience in their daily lives. This is why you might see them making little leg movements as if they are running, or even barking and growling in their sleep. Just like humans, dogs go through the same sleep stages, including short-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM). During the REM phase, it is normal for there to be movement in the body, and this is when dogs are most likely to dream.
Twitching is also an indicator that your puppy is in a deep sleep. While it may look like they are in distress, there is usually no need to wake them up. However, if you are ever concerned about your puppy's twitching, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
As puppies grow into adult dogs, they tend to move less in their sleep, although adult dogs can still twitch and move around while dreaming.
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Puppies dream vividly
Puppies enter the REM phase of sleep much faster than humans, taking only 20 minutes to reach this stage. During REM sleep, puppies may move their legs as if they are running, and their eyes may move around, which can look a bit creepy. However, this is all part of normal puppy sleep behaviour.
Puppies may dream about chasing rabbits, playing, or other exciting activities. They might also have nightmares or night terrors, but it is generally not recommended to wake them unless they are clearly in distress. If you need to wake them, gently call their name from a safe distance.
Puppy twitching and movement during sleep is not cause for concern and is an important part of their development. It is fascinating to observe their sleep behaviours and imagine what they might be dreaming about!
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Sleep paralysis is weaker in puppies
Puppies jerk in their sleep because they are dreaming. Just like humans, dogs go through the same sleep stages, including the REM stage, which is when we dream vividly and it is normal for there to be movement in the body. Puppies, especially newborns, twitch often because it is part of their healthy development. They are strengthening their muscles and their brains, and this twitching is a key indicator that the puppy is healthy and developing normally.
While it may look concerning, this twitching behaviour is perfectly normal and even considered cute by some owners. It indicates that the puppy is in a deep sleep and dreaming. Puppies are active dreamers, processing and strengthening their new experiences, motor coordination, and muscle memory. They may dream about chasing rabbits, playing with toys, or running and exploring their surroundings.
If you are ever concerned about your puppy's twitching or sleep behaviour, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian for advice and to ensure your puppy is healthy and developing properly.
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Puppies may be exposed to toxins
Puppies, especially newborns, often twitch in their sleep as it is part of their healthy development. They are also very active dreamers, as they are strengthening their muscles and brains. However, if you notice that your puppy is jerking excessively or displaying other abnormal behaviours, it may be a sign of toxin exposure.
Toxins can impact a puppy's body in different ways, depending on the specific toxin involved. Common causes of poisoning in dogs can be found in bathroom cabinets, backyards, or even in the form of spoiled food or human food dropped from the table. Toxins can also be found in plants, chemicals, and foods that are poisonous to dogs. For example, common foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs. Other toxins that dogs may be exposed to include drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, or stimulant medications like methylxanthines and pseudoephedrine. Household items such as rodenticides, ethylene glycol (antifreeze), insecticides, certain plants, wood glue, essential oils, cleaning products, and tobacco products can also be harmful to dogs.
If you suspect your puppy has been exposed to any toxins, it is important to contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control centre immediately. Some signs of toxin exposure in puppies include drooling or foaming at the mouth, irritation of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, increased or decreased heart rate, respiratory rate changes, excessive salivation, tremors, seizures, ataxia (wobbly gait), collapse, bleeding, and swelling in or around the mouth. In some cases, puppies may become very hyperactive or excitable after ingesting a toxin, especially if they have consumed a stimulant. Conversely, they may become depressed or minimally responsive if they have ingested a sedative or alcohol.
If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect your puppy has ingested something toxic, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting in some situations but not in others. They may also administer intravenous fluids, flush your puppy's stomach, give activated charcoal to absorb the toxin, or perform surgery. Always provide as much information as possible to the veterinarian, including the type of toxic substance, the amount ingested or touched, and any other relevant details.
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Puppies need more sleep than adult dogs
Puppies, especially newborns, sleep a lot more than adult dogs. They need up to 18-20 hours of sleep per day, with younger puppies requiring even more sleep. This is because puppies need all that extra sleep to support their growth and development, both physically and mentally. During sleep, their bodies repair and build tissues, while their brains process all the new information they have learned throughout the day.
The amount of sleep a puppy gets is also dependent on its breed and size. Generally, larger breeds tend to require more sleep than smaller ones. For example, a Great Dane puppy can sleep up to 20 hours a day, while a toy poodle may only need 15 hours of sleep. Activity levels also play a role, with highly active puppies needing more downtime to recharge. It is important to note that over-exercising a puppy can negatively impact their sleep, and they need a balance of rest and activity to stay healthy.
The sleeping environment is crucial for a puppy to get quality rest. Puppies need a quiet, comfortable, and safe space to sleep. A cozy bed or crate that is the appropriate size for their breed and age can provide them with a sense of security and help them settle down for sleep. It is also important to block out excess noise or light, as these can be distracting and disruptive to a puppy's sleep. Ensuring that the room is at a comfortable temperature is essential, as puppies are more sensitive to temperature changes than adult dogs.
Puppies also tend to wake up more at night than adult dogs and may not be able to sleep through the night. This is where a consistent sleep schedule and a predictable sleep pattern come in handy. Morning walks can help keep your puppy's sleep schedule on track by signaling when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborn puppies jerk in their sleep because they are dreaming. This twitching is an involuntary muscle spasm that occurs rapidly and suddenly in almost any part of a pup's body. This is a key indicator that the puppy is healthy and developing normally.
Yes, it is normal for newborn puppies to jerk in their sleep. Puppies are especially active dreamers because they are strengthening their muscles and their brains.
Although it is not known for sure what newborn puppies dream about, experts believe it is probably similar to human dream themes—a mashup of daytime reality infused with other memories.
You don't need to do anything if your puppy is jerking in their sleep. However, if you are concerned, you can wake them by gently calling their name without touching them.
Adult dogs also jerk in their sleep. However, they do so less than newborn puppies.
