Don’t be alarmed if a sleeping dog twitches or shifts its paws. A report on Radio 1 quoted Vladimir Golubev, who serves as president of the Russian Dog Federation. He noted that these moments mostly happen during the rapid eye movement phase of sleep when the body’s movements can become garbled or minimal. He also explained that the part of an animal’s brain that governs voluntary motion can momentarily quiet down, leading to those involuntary feints and leg movements that owners sometimes notice without cause for concern.
“Light limb twitching should not trigger alarm,” the canine expert reassures, yet he adds a caveat. If a dog shows intense, jerky movements even while awake or alert, it could indicate an underlying issue worth medical evaluation. In such cases, a thorough check by a veterinarian is prudent to rule out potential central nervous system dysfunction or other neurological conditions that may require early treatment.
For pet owners, the guidance is clear: when suspicious signs appear, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Early assessment can make a difference in diagnosing problems that might otherwise worsen over time, so arranging a visit to a veterinary specialist becomes a sensible step rather than a risky guess.
Before concluding, Golubev weighed a common domestic question: is it advisable to sleep in the same bed as a dog? He suggested weighing the positive and negative points before sharing sleeping space. He pointed out that the level of comfort can depend on the dog’s temperament, breed, and size, and on how well the dog responds to training and routines. The discussion reflects a broader conversation about household harmony, personal boundaries, and the practicalities of co-sleeping with a canine companion.
Earlier commentary from experienced dog breeders touched on a separate, familiar behavior: some pets display urination when they see their owner. This is often a sign of anxiety, submission, or play, depending on the dog’s background and training. Understanding the context—whether the dog is greeting, excited, or seeking attention—helps owners respond calmly and reinforce good habits through consistent, positive reinforcement.