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Is my dog shaking and rolling eyes in sleep normal or dreaming?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

While my dog was sleeping I noticed her eyes were rolling back. Along with that she was shaking as if she was having a sesure, this has never happened I was so nervous I picked her up and she felt as thought she wasn’t even breathing as if I was holding her lifeless body because she felt very light . Then she woke up and seemed completely fine running around and as healthy as ever. I’m not sure what this means please help.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 26th, 2019

It is normal for dogs to go someone limp and have rapid eye movement while in deep sleep, just like with people. In some cases, you may see your dog whimper or even twitch their limbs if they are dreaming or deep in REM. If your pup seems in distress, or this happens often or when she isn't asleep, a vet checkup is always a good idea.

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 5th, 2017

    It is possible that Toby is dreaming in his sleep, which would cause him to shake and look like his eyes have rolled back. It can be a sign of seizures in dogs, as they can occur when they are sleeping, and the way to know for sure is to call his name and try to wake him. If he wakes up, then he was just dreaming. When a dog is seizing, they will not respond to sound or touch. If he is seizing, then I would have him seen by a vet.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2017

    Usually seizure episodes do not happen during sleep and most of rapid eye movement episodes (and other signs) during sleep are actually dreaming kind of activity. Try to wake him up, if you actually can stop these episodes by calling him and touching him they are definitively NOT seizures. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2020

    Pets can dream and it can be a little hard to know the difference. Typically if a pet is having a seizure, they don't respond normally to calling their name or a light touch. During a seizure the brain is not firing normally so their mentation is altered. A pet who is dreaming can be gently awoken and should be normal. Do be gentle because startled dog can nip. I hope this helps.

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