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froggy7 · Nov 14, 2007, 09:02 PM

Just recently, I've noticed that Trink does some violent twitchy jerky movements of her legs when she's lying down resting. I'm thinking that it's just that "running in their sleep" thing that dogs do, but her eyes aren't closed when she does it. They are sort of slitted, with part of the white visible. Saying her name makes the twitching stop, and the eyes will generally close fully after that. So, is this just the doggy version of REM sleep? It's jerkier than what I've seen in other dogs, but she is also much larger than most of the dogs I've known before, so it just may be more noticeable with her.

And soon I will stop asking all these questions! It's just that when I think that I've got her all figured out, a new facet of her personality is revealed with new traits.

charlotte234s · Nov 14, 2007, 09:20 PM

XD Puppy! Unless she seems to be acting VERY strange and maybe drooling or jerking in very unnatural ways or won't snap out if it, it's probably just REM sleep, some of my pets do the same thing, and they're all just fine, so I don't think it's a seizure or anything to worry about.

labman · Nov 15, 2007, 04:14 AM

If she responds by quiting, I am sure it isn't a sizeure.

RubyPitbull · Nov 15, 2007, 04:29 AM

Froggy, there is no doubt in my mind that she is sleeping and dreaming. Possibly the reason that she is more "jerky" in her movements than other dogs sleeping is due to her past as a race dog. Although I will say that there are times that my dog, who is not a racer, will twitch very violently in her sleep. The slit of the eye, looking as if she is awake, is normal. Happens at times to my dog too and I know she isn't awake.

If she was having seizures, it wouldn't occur with any frequency and it wouldn't always be while she is lying down at rest. Seizures can happen at any time.

katieperez · Nov 16, 2007, 08:19 AM

Hi froggy! This is what my pups do after a long morning at Ft. Woof (our dog park) where they run and play full speed for a while. The running legs, twitches, half open eyes, and they even let out some high pitched grunts/almost barks. I noticed that they ONLY do this after Ft. Woof. I honestly think that it's the overload of fun and exercise that makes it happen. I think I remember you mentioning she is a test dog for race courses or something along those lines. Is Trink doing this all the time or just after a day full of fun and exercise? Either way, I agree with everyone that it doesn't sound like a seizure. I just thought I'd let you know, my pups do it too, but after a bit of taking note when it happens, I've concluded it's because of Ft. Woof. But hey, that's just my opinion :D

froggy7 · Nov 16, 2007, 08:23 PM

Well, I am convinced that it's just dreaming now. :)

I think I just noticed the eyes and legs more in her than other dogs I've dealt with. The eyes because they are so white in her black face, and the legs because they are so long! A small movement up in the shoulder translates into a large sweep by the time it works it way all the way down to the paw.

She is being more active recently. I think the cooler weather agrees with her.