1. Dreams
Dogs dream just like humans do. As they sleep, their brain is actively processing information from the day, and this can cause their muscles to twitch or move. Common dog dreams include chasing balls, chewing on something , and encountering the animal friends.
2. REM Sleep
During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, dogs' brains are very active. This is when they are having dreams and their bodies are essentially paralyzed to prevent them from acting out their dreams. However, sometimes their muscles can still twitch or move slightly, even though they are asleep.
3. Myoclonic jerks
These are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can occur during sleep. They are not usually harmful, and dogs may not even wake up when they happen.
4. Neurological disorders
In some cases, twitching during sleep can be a sign of a neurological disorder. If your dog is twitching excessively or if the twitching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as seizures or loss of balance, it is important to take them to a veterinarian.