Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

My doberman has spasams during his sleep a lot of the time. His body shakes e.t.c. Even when he is inside in the warmth he does this. I have heard this is beacuase dogs have nightmares or dream? Is this true and is it normal for him to do this?

Whenever my dobe wakes up he stretches a good few times. I am assuming all dobermans do this?? Do all dogs do this or just dobermans?

Thanks.

>>Hi,
>>
>>My doberman has spasams during his sleep a lot of the time. His body shakes e.t.c. Even when he is inside in the warmth he does this. I have heard this is beacuase dogs have nightmares or dream? Is this true and is it normal for him to do this?
>>
>>Whenever my dobe wakes up he stretches a good few times. I am assuming all dobermans do this?? Do all dogs do this or just dobermans?
>>
>>Thanks.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dogs twitch, jerk and even cry out in their sleep, apparently due to dreams. It's normal. Stretching is normal, too, just as it is in humans. A lot of stretching in people and dogs happens without being quite as obvious. You have to awaken your muscles when you come out of sleep. During sleep, your muscles are actually "paralyzed."
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

My guy does this too. I guess it's normal. Kinda funny when he has nightmares 'cause he'll whine and sometimes even barks. LOUD.