Cocker Spaniel Has Leg Spasms Often While Sleeping, Sometimes When Relaxing. Any Idea What Why? Suggestions?
A woman at my office has a cocker spaniel who often has leg spasms while he’s sleeping. He’s about 11 months old. They will also sometimes happen when he’s relaxing or just playing. She was thinking it that it might be that she’s over exercising him, but she has cut back on their daily routine and he’s still getting them. They are very noticable spasms, and worry her a lot. She’s not sure why he’s having them, if it’s something she should be concerned about, and basically wants to know what to do. It’s only in his back legs. His breathing doesn’t change and he doesn’t seem to be in any pain. Has anyone heard of this before? Or know anything about leg muscle spasms with dogs? Thank you for any help you may provide!
She might want to call her vet. Sounds normal, but there’s never a dumb question about your pet.
Tell her to relax, and keep up the play!
Most dogs do this for a period of their lives, my 6 year old lab still does it. Randomly while playing, you’ll see her leg lift up and start spasming, but she’ll go right on playing.
We’ve asked our vet and had a check up, but nothing has ever been found.
If he is only 11 months, and is isn’t happening all the time, then it might be a phase. Let it go for a little while, writing down when it happens, and how long it lasts, and what reaction, if any, the dog shows. This information will be helpful if she decides to take a trip to the vet for the problem.
Also, most twitching in sleep is normal, just the same as us moving in our sleep. If it lasts too long in her sleep, I just pet our dog until she calms down or wakes up, but that’s just so I can feel I’m helping, it doesn’t help or hinder the dog.
Tell your friend good luck with her puppy, and don’t stress the twitches, the dog will learn it is a way to get her attention, and fake them! Trust me, dogs ARE that smart.
Dogs do dream. Sometimes when they do their legs will move or they will start barking or wimpering. If you really think there is a problem call a vet up. Most will give you some quick free advice. If they think it is a problem they will ask you to come in, if they don’t then they might just give you what to do to help out or tell you it is nothing.
dogs do this when they are dreaming
It sounds like the dog is dreaming, I would have her call the vet and make sure it is nothing other that dreaming.