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My dog twitches in sleep and won't wake. Is it sleep paralysis?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 7.2 lbs

I’ve heard people talk about how dogs can get sleep paralysis too. And I was wondering what sleep paralysis is like for dogs and how can you tell if your dog has sleep paralysis ?? I told a friend my dog was twitching in his sleep one time and wouldn’t wake up and she said that it could be that my dog has sleep paralysis. So now I’m wondering how you can tell if a dog does have sleep paralysis and what to do about it ??

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 16th, 2019

Sleep paralysis is not a recognized syndrome in dogs. Most dogs will dream and have some twitching and even whining while they sleep. We assume they are dreaming but since they can't tell us no one knows for sure. If you dog is twitching in his sleep and won't wake up I would be more worried it is seizure activity. If he does it again I suggest you video the behavior with your phone and show it to your vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Liz DeWandeler, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 8th, 2017

    Thank you for asking about Chouli! Seizure activity in dogs can sometimes happen during sleep, but most often they occur when the pet is awake. If Chouli is twitching or shaking in her sleep, but when she wakes up she is normal, than this is likely normal behavior (dogs do have dreams!). However, if she has seizure-type activity when she is awake, and she shakes, loses consciousness, or loses control of her urine or bowels, be sure to take her to see your vet.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 26th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bailey. Most dogs will twitch in their sleep and we assume this is dreaming. In this case, the dog should be able to be awakened with gentle stimulation. When a seizure occurs, the dog is generally unconscious. They will not respond if you say their name, pick them up or gently rub them. If this seems to be the case, you will need to seek veterinary care for Bailey. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 24th, 2016

    This isn't necessarily true. Dogs can twitch in their sleep because they are dreaming, but seizures during sleep can cause a dog to twitch. One way to tell if a dog is dreaming vs having a seizure is to call Bella's name or make a loud noise. If she's just dreaming, then she will wake up and respond to you. If she was having a seizure, she wouldn't react at all. Then I would take her into the vet.

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