It can be quite strange to see your Great Dane twitching while asleep. It is concerning as well because it could mean they are not ok.
The question is, why does Great Dane sleep twitching happen? Is it normal or is there something more to this?
Learn why your Great Dane is twitching in his sleep, what to do about it and when to seek help.
Here’s why your Great Dane is twitching in his sleep
A Great Dane twitching in sleep can happen due to active dreaming, pain, separation anxiety, underlying medical conditions, and aging. It is not uncommon for a Great Dane to twitch in their sleep, and in most cases, the behavior is not a cause for concern, however, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Is it normal for Great Danes to twitch in their sleep?
Yes, it is normal for Great Danes to twitch in their sleep, just as it is normal for humans to make small movements or sounds during sleep. It is also normal for dogs to move around and change positions during sleep, which can sometimes result in twitching or other small movements.
There are different reasons for dog twitching in sleep but it is important to note that every dog is different and what may cause one dog to twitch in their sleep may not be the same for another.
Reasons for Great Dane twitching in sleep
Dreaming
Great Danes do have dreams during their sleep, just like humans. Dogs, like humans, go through different stages of sleep which include the non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) stage and the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage. Dog dreaming, barking, and twitching typically occur during the REM stage of sleep.
This stage is characterized by rapid eye movements, an increase in brain activity, and muscle paralysis. During the REM sleep stage, your Great Dane may show various behaviors, including crying, howling, growling, or barking.
Dreams in dogs are thought to be similar to human dreams, in that they may include representations of the dog’s daily activities and experiences such as playing with toys or running in the park.
Dreams can be about various things including something exciting, stimulating, or frightening which could lead to a defensive twitching.
Pain or discomfort
Pain or discomfort can also cause a Great Dane to twitch in their sleep in the same way that it can cause them to bark when they are awake.
When a Great Dane experiences pain, they may make sounds as a way to communicate their discomfort. This can include whimpering, growling, twitching, howling, or barking, which can be vocalized in their sleep.
Therefore a Great Dane that is experiencing pain or discomfort while they are sleeping may twitch.
Related: Great Dane howling in sleep (Here’s why)
Underlying medical conditions
A Great Dane twitching in its sleep may also be due to an underlying medical condition. This includes but is not limited to:
- Infections cause fever, pain, and other symptoms that can disrupt a dog’s sleep and cause them to twitch.
- Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, seizures, or a brain tumor, can cause twitching and vocalizations including twitching during sleep.
- Pain or discomfort can cause a Great Dane to bark or twitch in their sleep.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem and can present in different ways, including barking, twitching, restlessness, destructive behavior, or house soiling.
This occurs when a Great Dane becomes anxious and distressed when they are left alone or separated from its owners.
This behavior may also occur during sleep, as a dog may dream about being separated from its owner and experience anxiety or distress in their dreams.
This will result in a Great Dane twitching in its sleep.
Aging
As Great Danes become older, they may experience changes in their sleep patterns, which include an increase in sleep disturbances.
These changes can be due to a variety of factors, including changes in the brain, the onset of medical conditions, or the effects of medications.
Some of the signs that a senior Great Dane may be experiencing sleep disturbances due to aging include:
- Being vocal during sleep including twitching
- Restlessness or agitation when sleeping
- Increased waking up during the night
- Difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep
Older Great Danes may also experience age-related health conditions such as arthritis or other illnesses that cause discomfort or pain leading to twitching in their sleep.
See Also: Why does my Great Dane sleep so much? (Explained)
What to do when your Great Dane is twitching in his sleep
It is recommended to do nothing when your Great Dane is twitching as they sleep. This is because waking them up is disruptive and will be startling and confusing for them.
It is best to let them sleep and allow them to process their dreams naturally even if they seem to be having a nightmare. However, monitor your dog’s behavior.
Waking them up is necessary for certain circumstances if the twitching is becoming a problem such as causing a disturbance if you notice fast breathing, panting, or having trouble breathing.
In this case, wake them up gently by calling their name until they wake up. Do not touch your Great Dane during this time because you might startle them and they might bite you.
When to seek help for a Great Dane twitching in sleep
While Great Dane twitching is common and normal in most cases, there are some situations where it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention.
A veterinarian should be consulted for Great Dane twitching in sleep when:
The behavior is new or sudden: If your Great Dane’s twitching is sudden or out of character, it could be a sign that there’s an underlying medical issue.
The behavior is accompanied by other signs of illness: If they are showing other signs of illness, such as fever, restlessness, or behavior changes in behavior when they are awake, consult your veterinarian.
The behavior is causing a disturbance: Consult with your veterinarian if the twitching in sleep is excessive and disrupts your household or neighbors.
The behavior is persistent: Also talk to your veterinarian if your Great Dane’s twitching in sleep is persistent.
What not to do for a Great Dane twitching in sleep
Avoid the following when you see your Great Dane twitching in sleep:
Do not wake them up: Do not wake up your Great Dane because you may startle them and disrupt their sleep cycle, causing them to feel more anxious or disoriented.
Also, if your Great Dane is twitching due to a nightmare or a stressful dream, waking them up suddenly can increase their anxiety and stress levels.
It is important to let sleeping dogs lie and avoid waking them up unless it is necessary for their health and well-being.
Do not ignore the behavior: Twitching in sleep is common behavior in most dogs and in most cases, there is no cause for concern. However, it does not mean you should ignore the behavior.
It is important to keep an eye on your Great Dane’s general behavior and health. Consult your veterinarian if you notice other concerning behaviors, if the behavior is new, or if your dog acts strangely when awake.
Do not give them any medication: Do not give any medications to your Great Dane for twitching without consulting your veterinarian.
If your Great Dane’s sleep twitching is due to a medical condition such as anxiety or due to pain, your veterinarian may recommend medications to help manage the symptoms.
It is important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and not give your dog any medications without their guidance.
Do not punish them: It is important to keep in mind that your Great Dane does not consciously realize that they are twitching while they are sleeping, so do not punish them for it.
Punishing them will make them more anxious and confused, making the issue worse.
Key Takeaway: Great Dane twitching in sleep
Twitching in sleep is a normal and common dog behavior, but it can be due to an underlying medical or behavioral problem.
Do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian so that they can determine the possible cause and rule out any underlying conditions. Also, seek medical care if they present signs of sickness or discomfort.
By understanding the cause of your dog’s twitching in their sleep, you can take the right steps to address the behavior.