If your dog has suddenly started flinching all of a abrupt, you may want to consider taking it to the vet. Flinching may be a sign of an upset stomach or a neurological condition, such as a tumour. However, if it occurs frequently or is not related to any other ailment, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Your dog might flinch when it is excited or in pain. It could also be a sign of an infection, disorientation, or an illness. Fortunately, most causes of sudden flinching in dogs are treatable. Your veterinarian can rule out serious health issues before treating your pet. Flinching can be caused by a variety of issues, including seizures, lack of socialization, and old age.
Physical problems can be the cause of flinching, and they may just be going through a phase of fear. You should give your dog opportunities to meet new people and play in dog parks. Providing social opportunities to your dog can alleviate a lot of the stress and anxiety associated with this behavior. Also, be patient and consistent with your training sessions. Eventually, the flinching will subside.
Past trauma is another possible cause for flinching. Some abused dogs flinch when their handler raises a hand close to them. If the problem does not seem to have occurred in the past, seek medical attention as there could be other causes. A recent incident may not mean anything traumatic, but the dog might have experienced a recent trauma and be afraid of the same thing.
The prolonged twitching can also be an indicator of a neurological problem, such as diabetes, hypothermia, or kidney or liver dysfunction. Veterinary care should be sought if the twitching continues for more than five minutes. Another reason for the twitching is a possible ingesting of human foods or poisonous substances. The twitching could be a sign of a dream.
