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My puppy shook violently while sleeping. Is it a seizure? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 3 months and 23 days old | 9.7 lbs

My puppy was sleeping and started shaking pretty violently, he didn't appear to actually be awake. We picked him up immediately to wake him up and he seemed a little weak for a a couple minutes and now is playing with a toy. he's never done this before, i'm worried he's not okay. what can i do tonight to help him ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2016

I would just keep an eye on him and if it should happen again take a note on how long does the shaking last, if he is salivating, passing urine or feaces, as this could be signs of a seizure. It' s important not to overstimulate him so let him come out of the seizure spontaneously, make sure he is not on an elevated surface and turn off lights and avoid loud noises.The seizure should last a couple of minutes and then stop. If it doesn't stop you should seek veterinary help. Hopefully it will not happen again, if it does appear to have another seizure make sure you offer some water and food once it' s over. There is a chance that Ted did not have a seizure but he was just twitching in his sleep .. so try not to worry too much ! If Ted should have seizures, he will need further investigations to understand what is causing them and remember that at no point he should have a seizures after another, if this should occur you should take him to see a vet asap. One off seizure is not an emergency though, and it' s normally contraindicated to rush them to a clinic as this could trigger more seizures. If you are worried and you are not sure about what s happening, call for advice/have him checked over.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm not sure there is anything wrong with him, it could have been a dream or maybe he was a little cold, usually shaking is due to either pain, cold or fever but as he is playing and acting normally I do not believe it is one of those.

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