Is Your Dog Dreaming or Having a Seizure? Here’s How to Tell

You’ve probably seen your dog sleeping peacefully, then suddenly his legs twitch or he lets out a soft whimper. Dreaming, right? Most likely—but not always. 💤 Dreams are completely normal. Dogs experience REM sleep, just like we do. During this stage, they might paddle their legs, twitch, or even bark softly. These movements are usually short and gentle. ⚠️ Seizures, however, are involuntary and often more intense. Limbs may become stiff or thrash violently, the dog may drool, lose control of bladder or bowels, and appear disoriented afterward. Seizures can even happen while a dog is asleep. So how can you tell the difference? Try calling your dog’s name. If he wakes up, it was likely a dream. Don’t touch him while he's twitching. Startling a dreaming dog can lead to accidental bites. If in doubt, record the event and send the video to your vet. Any seizure-like behavior should be checked by a professional ASAP—especially if it lasts longer than 3–4 minutes or happens in clusters. A little observation and quick action can make a big difference. #DogHealth #PetSeizures #DogDreams #VetTips #LetSleepingDogsLie