Being in a situation where your dog is twitching all the time can be scary.
You will not want to see your dog in this condition and rightly so. It’s important to get to the bottom of what’s going on and why the dog is twitching.
The first question to ask is, why does my dog twitch while awake?
A dog will twitch while awake due to environmental or situational stimulation. This can include thunder, anxiety from a new pet, or moving to a new house. This can cause the dog’s body to jolt due to the sudden change.
The best thing a dog owner can do is make sure it is not a neurological issue by speaking to a vet for a complete diagnosis. This should be the first thing you do and then it’s best to improve the dog’s environmental situation.
This is why it’s important to figure out why a dog is twitching when it’s awake. This article will look at the main reasons for a dog twitching and what to do about it.
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Reasons Dog Is Twitching While Awake
1. Thunder or Loud Noises
If you are someone that is saying, “my dog is jerking every few seconds!” then it is likely a fear-related issue.
Some dogs suffer from neurological conditions that can cause twitching. This will become apparent when the dog continues to twitch in all types of situations even when it is comforted.
However, one of the more common reasons has to do with the dog hearing thunder or other loud noises. This can cause it to get scared and jolt as soon as it hears any type of noise. It is a nervous twitch that will take time to settle.
You might notice the dog’s face twitching while awake and this might be the reason.
The best thing you can do is observe the dog to see how it’s doing. This can include helping soothe it by giving treats and reducing some of the noise that enters the house.
2. New Pet or House
A dog twitching and flinching might come down to a new pet or house.
Imagine you have moved to a new house and all of a sudden your dog begins to twitch. It’s important to make the connection and understand it has something to do with the dog feeling anxious or out of its comfort zone.
This is natural because all of the new scents will cause the dog to get defensive. Each dog is different and some will twitch.
The best course of action is to look at potential catalysts including a new house or pet. You will have to get the dog used to specific parts of a new house to get it to calm down. If it is a new pet then you should separate them and first get the dog used to the scent.
3. General Fear
Another reason can come down to the dog having a general fear that it is coping with.
This can be something as simple as feeling it is going to put its life at risk whenever it is near a specific part of the house or another animal.
This happens depending on the dog’s relationship with that other person or animal. The goal is to ensure they are aware that they are not dealing with a threat. Until this happens, the dog is not going to be easy-going.
It will always twitch and it is going to remain fearful too.
This is a natural reaction for the dog because it is unsure about its surroundings. When this happens, a dog will start twitching suddenly and you will notice it too.
This can include a dog twitching from its face and looking to hide all the time. You should draw these connections on your own especially if the dog is not acting like it used to.
Final Thoughts
Why does my dog twitch while awake?
A dog can twitch while awake due to loud noises such as thunder, anxiety, or general fear. This can include being scared of a new pet that has been introduced into its life.
The best course of action is to help keep the dog calm and get it used to parts of the house. This lets it remain calm within that domain as it looks to rest and heal up. Over time, the dog’s twitching will also calm down.
Please note, there are situations where the twitching is out of the dog’s control (i.e. neurological issues). It’s best to consult with a vet in cases such as these.
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