My dog is having tremors in her sleep, should I be worried?

[Frankie Flowers]

My dog is about 14 years old, and she's started having some tremors in her sleep. Sometimes, she also whimpers. She seems fine in the daytime and does not limp or anything, but I've noticed these sleep tremors a few times now. What could this be, and should I go to the vet? I can get an appointment in a few weeks, but I am not sure if this is more pressing.

 

[SnoopDoggyDog]

Are you sure she isn't just twitching in her sleep? My dog does this sometimes.

 

[Sally Jones]

Hi Frankie Flowers, my dog often twitches when he's sleeping. He also whimpers at the same time -- and it's the only time he howls. Never when he's awake. But I was concerned too, which is why I researched and wrote an article about why dogs twitch in their sleep. In all likelihood, it means your dog is having a dream and exhibiting physical responses to the dream. If your pup seems fine during the day, it's likely not a problem. But please check out my article to know when this behavior could indicate a problem.