Is it normal for puppies to whimper and seem to have dreams while sleeping?

1. 83

   Faith Reaperposted 9 years ago

   Is it normal for puppies to whimper and seem to have dreams while sleeping?
   
   Our new puppy will sometimes cry and whimper while sleeping and have a little bit of convulsions too, is that normal for puppies to do while sleeping?
   
   

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   Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years ago

   Hi! I think he is just missing his family. Try a jar of hot water wrapped in an old towel to put with him when he goes to bed at night. (He would no doubt chew up a hot water bottle, lol) Too bad kitty doesn't sleep with him, but he will eventually get over it I am sure.

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Jackie, yes, I am sure he is missing his siblings.  They had separated them from the mother, but he was still with his siblings.  He and George are making good friends and have slept in the recliner together LOL.  That is a great idea!  Hugs.

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      If it is wrapped in something warm it will not get him cold when it cools. We always did this with new pups as long as I can remember. Kittens too. Actually all they are trying to do is con their way in your bed! lol

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, LOL, he hops up in an effort to get on the bed. Last night we saw him flop down on George, our cat, like a rug, and George allowed him, and he slept away! LOL  So, he had his warm body.  They both love getting in the recliner with my hubby.

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   Genna Eastposted 9 years ago

   Hi Faith;
   I agree with Jackie…the warmth of a hot water jar inside the towel will remind him of being next to his mother and brothers and sisters.  Dogs continue to dream into adulthood.  My Sunny used to dream, with her legs twitching as she dreamed of running in the woods on our property.  Your new puppy sounds adorable. :-)

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks so much dear Genna.  Yes, he does a lot of twitching of sorts, which is concerning, but I guess normal.  He is a sweetie.  He likes to crawl under our bed and lay on top of the vent to get warm.  So the warm water jar might be the ticket. Hugs

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   cjaroszposted 9 years ago

   Yes, its just like some babies do when they are little.

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks cjarosz, Yes, but sometimes it seems like he is having a nightmare and convulsions or something, but I guess he is okay.  Thank you for answering.

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   catgypsyposted 9 years ago

   Yes, perfectly normal and is probably dreaming. Jackie had a good idea about the hot water. You might also try putting a small stuffed animal in there with him, something for him to cuddle with.

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much, catgypsy, he has some stuffed toys to sleep with too.  But the warm water sounds like a good idea.  Sometimes, it seems like he is having a nightmare and convulsions, but I hope it is normal.

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   Bob Bambergposted 9 years ago

   It's reasonable to expect that dogs dream, Faith.  The dog brain is structured similarly to the human brain, has electrical activity similar to that of humans, and during sleep, goes through cycles the way human brains do.  It would be so interesting to know WHAT they dream about.  Actually, it would be interesting to know what's going through their mind at any time.  I used to observe my cat when she was just sitting or reclining somewhere, and wonder what must be going through her mind.

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks so much, Bob, for answering!  Yes, it would be so interesting as to what they are actually dreaming about for sure, especially at such a young age.  Have a great weekend.

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   CraftytotheCoreposted 9 years ago

   What was that bear they used to sell for babies?  It had a heart beat?  I saw that recommended once too.

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi CraftytotheCore, oh, yes, I remember that too.  I cannot remember the name of the bear.  I have heard to place an old tick tock clock next to them so they can hear it ticking and maybe remind them of their mother's heartbeat?

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   VVanNessposted 9 years ago

   I sure hope so! My two 100 pound babies (chocolate and yellow lab, 2 years old and 1 year old), sure twitch and kick and run, and whimper in their sleep. My Bruin has even woken himself up with his noises and jumped up and ran for the door. lol

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi VVanNess, oh good, that makes me feel much better!  Thank you for sharing that with me.  Yes, this puppy sometimes sounds like a little pot belly pig with his snorting. LOL  Have a great weekend.

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      VVanNessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Cody has made a variety of animal sounds. Lol So far we normally hear pig sounds, but we've even heard him moo. Lol

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      LOL, I am waiting on that too LOL

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   Diana Leeposted 9 years ago

   Grown dogs will dream and bark.  Sometimes they will make their legs move like they are running or chasing rabbits in their sleep. This is very normal.  I'm sure puppy dreams are too, but if you really think it could be more than that a vet check will ease your mind.

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      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much Diana Lee.  From all the answers, it sounds normal, but if it gets worse, I will sure check with the vet.  Have a great weekend!

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    DrMark1961posted 9 years ago

    
    
    Firstly, please be careful with the suggestions about the hot water bottle. They cool off quickly, and when they do they will suck the heat right out of your little dog´s body.
    Secondly, puppies do twitch and cry and whimper when sleeping. Dogs dream, just like Bob and some others mentioned below. The little puppy sleeping next to me at the moment (almost 8 wks old) still "nurses" as she sleeps, so I am pretty sure what she is doing.
    The twitching/convulsion like movements are pretty normal too. I have not been able to find out if it is because of low blood sugar, but puppies have a high metabolic rate. By the time you took a twitching puppy in for an exam it would be over. If this lasts more than a few minutes, during sleep, you do need to have your puppy examined.

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    1. 83

       Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Oh, thank you so much for the heads up. I think the suggestion was for a glass jar of hot water wrapped in something and not a bottle. I will be sure do so if it keeps up.

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    alexadryposted 9 years ago

    Faith Reaper, it's perfectly normal and a sign of a very healthy puppy! I have heard that the exaggerated sleep twitches in newborns are meant to trigger bursts of neuronal firing that are known to be important for good neural development and motor coordination.

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       Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Hi alexadry, Wow, thank you so much!  How interesting and makes a lot of sense.  I appreciate your great answer.  Well, his neural and motor coordination development must be dong quite well!

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    grand old ladyposted 9 years ago

    Yes, they dream. My big dog, Ashley Pumpernickel makes this dog - coo sound when she talks to me. She once did it in her sleep as a pup. Mocha Barney, my dachshund, sometimes moves her feet, as if she's running, in her sleep. I think that happens on days when we had gone to the park.
    
    However, regarding the convulsions, I think you should consult a vet.

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       Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Hi grand old lady, Oh, I just love your dog's name, how precious!  Well, both of your dogs' names are great!  That is too funny about the coo sound.  Yes, the convulsions have subsided, but I will keep watch.  Thank you so much for answering!

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    Shefali Kposted 9 years ago

    Yes its pretty much normal for puppies to dream and some times they cry and whimper. Cause i remember during my dogs puppyhood, i was watching television and Belgie (my dog) was sleeping and suddenly he started crying loudly.and it really scared me to death, then i realized he was dreaming. Then i looked it up online and found that its nothing to worry about and is normal.

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       Faith Reaperposted 5 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Shefali, Thank you so much for sharing about your Belgie! Yes, it does make one wonder if they are hurting but it’s good to know they are dreaming but hate to think they might have nightmares.

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    BellatheBallposted 5 years ago

    Dogs do dream just like people do. They may whimper or sigh and even make running motions with their feet. But if it excessive, if they cry out in pain or seem to be having a seizure, a veterinary consultation is called for.

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       Faith Reaperposted 5 years agoin reply to this

       Hi BellatheBall, thank you for answering and giving good advice!  Like your user name too.

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