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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: S’mores!
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Meme of the day: That is just a baby!
The Secret Dream Lives of Our Canine Companions: Why Dogs Twitch in Their Sleep
There's nothing quite as heartwarming as watching your beloved dog curled up, sound asleep, perhaps letting out a soft snore. But then, you see it – a little leg starts to jerk, an ear twitches, maybe even a soft whimper escapes their lips. Your immediate thought might be, "Are they okay?" The good news is, in almost all cases, these sleepy twitches are perfectly normal and point to something rather enchanting: your dog is likely dreaming!
Just like humans, dogs go through various sleep cycles, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This is the stage where most vivid dreaming occurs, and it's also when those adorable twitches are most prominent. While we can't definitively ask our furry friends what fantastical adventures they're embarking on in their slumber, the scientific consensus and our own observations strongly suggest they're experiencing a rich inner world.
So, what exactly is going on when your dog twitches?
Dreaming of Chasing Squirrels (or Rabbits, or Mail Carriers!): One of the most common theories is that dogs are acting out their dreams. Is your dog a keen hunter? They might be chasing a phantom squirrel through an imaginary park, their legs twitching as they "run." Do they love to play fetch? Perhaps they're retrieving an endless supply of tennis balls in their dreamscape. The possibilities are as varied as our dogs themselves!
Muscle Memory and Nerve Firings: During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, and it's believed that the brain sends signals to the muscles, even if the body is largely paralyzed, to prevent us (and our pets) from physically acting out our dreams too much. These twitches could be residual signals, a bit like a "misfire" as the brain processes information and sends commands.
Processing the Day's Events: Just as we often dream about the things we've experienced during the day, dogs likely do too. An exhilarating walk, a new toy, an engaging training session – all these memories could be sorted and replayed in their minds, leading to those subtle body movements.
Growth and Development: In puppies, you might notice even more frequent twitching. This is often attributed to their rapid growth and neurological development. Their brains are incredibly busy making new connections and processing a huge amount of new information, even while they sleep.
When to Relax and When to Be Concerned
For the vast majority of cases, a twitching, softly whimpering, or even "running" dog in their sleep is a sign of a healthy, deep sleep. It's a testament to their vibrant inner lives and a beautiful reminder of the complex creatures they are.
However, it's always good to be observant. If the movements are prolonged, violent, or resemble a seizure (e.g., rigid body, uncontrolled thrashing, loss of consciousness, urination/defecation), then it's important to consult your veterinarian immediately. True seizures are different from normal sleep twitches and require professional medical attention.
Embracing the Mystery
Next time you see your dog twitching in their sleep, resist the urge to wake them. Let them enjoy their dream adventures! Instead, take a moment to marvel at the fascinating world unfolding behind those closed eyelids. Are they soaring through the clouds? Leading a pack of loyal friends? Or simply enjoying a giant, delicious bone? We may never know for sure, but the very thought adds another layer of charm and wonder to our bond with our incredible canine companions. Their sleepy twitches are just another endearing peek into the rich and joyful lives they lead, both awake and in their dreams.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
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