Do you ever wonder why your dog cries in her sleep? Many dog owners have the same question. You’re probably worried about your pet’s well-being, but there’s an easy solution: let her sleep. Dogs enter a state of sleep paralysis while they’re asleep. This is similar to the way we humans dream. They may whimper, spin around, or even startle themselves awake.
There are several reasons your dog may be crying in her sleep. It may be alerting you to a nearby animal or going potty. However, letting your dog out in the middle of the night could jolt her from her sound sleep. It might also be crying for playtime or attention. Whatever the cause, it’s a good idea to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. If your pet does startle easily, you could cause more damage.
The REM stage of sleep is when your dog is most likely dreaming. Unlike during a power nap, REM sleep doesn’t happen as quickly. Your dog’s muscles twitch and whiskers may tremble. REM sleep also includes intense dreaming. While your dog may not be conscious of it, you can often tell if she’s dreaming by her actions. But if your dog is crying in her sleep, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
Whimpering and twitching during sleep can be signs of seizures or neurological problems. It is easy to distinguish between dreaming and seizures based on the intensity of the twitching. Seizures in dogs can also cause your dog to thrash around and tremble in particular body parts. If your dog is experiencing seizures, she may wake up disoriented and with a drooling face and a whimpering sound.
If your dog is whimpering during her sleep, it’s probably not a serious issue. Most of the time, the whimpering is harmless and accompanied by twitching. Your dog’s sleep cycle is similar to our own. She goes through a deep phase of sleep and a REM stage. Usually, it’s not a medical emergency, but if it continues, it can cause a lot of problems.
While your dog is sleeping, she might not be dreaming. This is normal for dogs, but waking your dog from a scary dream can put her in a dangerous position. It can result in a bite or stress for you. Instead, the AKC recommends calling her name gently until she wakes up on her own. A gentle touch or petting her can also help. Remember, your dog is trying to communicate with you and it may be communicating a message in different ways.
