Help, I'm really worried about my dog! I don't know what's happening, but I need some advice or reassurance. My sweet 4-year-old Labrador, Max, has been acting strangely during the night. A few times now, I've woken up to him twitching and paddling his legs like he's running in his sleep. At first, I thought he was just dreaming, but last night, it seemed more intense, almost like he was having a seizure. When he finally ‘wakes up,’ he seems a little confused but otherwise fine. I’m really torn about whether this is a case of a sleep issue, like some kind of unusual sleepwalking, or something more serious like a seizure disorder. Has anyone else experienced anything like this with their fur baby? I’m starting to lose sleep over it—no pun intended—and I’m not sure if I should rush him to the vet or wait it out a bit longer. Any thoughts or similar experiences would be really helpful right now!
Thanks for reaching out about your concerns. It can be quite worrying to see your pet displaying unusual behavior. It sounds like you might be describing a seizure or a sleep disorder, both of which can share some overlapping symptoms.
Seizures in pets can manifest as twitching, paddling of the limbs, or losing consciousness. Sometimes it’s just a brief episode, while other times it can last several minutes. Causes can range from epilepsy to underlying issues like liver disease or toxin exposure. On the other hand, sleep disorders might include conditions like narcolepsy, where your pet suddenly falls asleep during regular activity, or REM behavior disorder, where pets physically act out dreams.
At home, you can try to keep a log of these episodes—note the time, duration, and what seems to trigger them. Make sure your pet is safe by removing any nearby objects they might bump into during an episode.
Signs that you should seek immediate veterinary attention include episodes lasting more than a few minutes, repeated episodes in a short span, or if they appear disoriented or aggressive afterward.
To get a clearer picture, consider booking a video consult with a vet through Dial A Vet. It’s a convenient way to discuss these symptoms and determine the best next steps for your furry friend.
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