Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why are my dog's front legs twitching before/after sleep? Distemper?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 21 days old

Bebong's both front legs is twitching before and after sleeping. What could it be? Is it a sign of distemper?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 28th, 2017

That is unlikely to be related to distemper but could be completely normal (due to fatigue or involuntary movements before sleeping).
From the picture I noticed he may have skin disease (there multifocal bald red patches). This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites.
First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation.
If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy.
Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc).
Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics).
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question.
    I would consider itch as the main sign.
    Generally speaking, this could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites.
    First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation.
    If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy.
    Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc).
    Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics).
    Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My puppy's leg shakes when sitting. Is it distemper without other signs?
That is very unlikely as neurological signs are late signs in distemper infection and come after respiratory ones (such as discharge from eyes and nose and sneezing and so on). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my 5-month puppy in pain, twitching, and struggling to walk?
Muscles twitches can be caused by weakness or neurological problems affecting long nerves which are supplying legs and peripheral muscles in general. Unfortunately without having a look at her it is really difficult to be able to provide a more specific advice. Given her young age an infective or congenital cause is possible and I would strongly recommend a check up to be able to understand and investigate this sign. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog's back legs are shaking after itch shots. Is this serious?
Muscle tremors in the back legs can be a sign of pain, anxiety, or a neurologic problem. It's difficult to know if the injections might be related without knowing exactly what they were. If the tremors are the only symptom and your dog is not walking normally and does not seem painful you might be safe to monitor this weekend and see your vet when they open. If your dog is weak, having trouble walking, appears painful or has other symptoms like a decreased appetite or vomiting I'd recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my dog twitching? Is it heat exhaustion or distemper?
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Distemper can cause upper respiratory, GI and neurological signs. If Jasper has been completely and properly vaccinated, meaning completed his puppy series and is up to date then it is unlikely he has distemper. Dogs twitch for many reasons, a lot of them are normal. If he isn't eating well, breathing heavily, feels warm, starts vomiting or having diarrhea or is lethargic then I would take him in for a recheck. If your Vet is concerned about distemper then they can send out the appropriate tests. I hope this helps and I wish Jasper the very best!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my puppy's legs twitching, whining, restless, and can't sleep?
Poor pup. Muscle twitches in a pet so young can be caused by a toxin ingestion, a metabolic imbalance (i.e. Low calcium), an underlining neurological disorder, or it can just be a sign of pain somewhere in the body. If the muscle twitches are happening for more than a few hours then it is best to take Chevy to you nearest veterinarian for a complete neurological examination so that he receives the appropriate treatment. At the very least they can give him muscle relaxers to help with his symptoms and then any pain medication he may need. I hope your puppy gets well soon. Best wishes and good luck at the vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My puppy has weak legs, limps, and a pus-filled pimple. Vet needed?
It sounds like Charlie has a bunch of problems at the moment. Twitching during sleep can be normal, as dogs dream and can move in response to those dreams. But the weak back legs, walking limpy, and sitting crooked isn't normal. He also could have puppy pyoderma causing the pimple. You need to take him into a vet first thing in the morning. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my dog's head shaking uncontrollably and preventing sleep?
Oh my. Poor guy. This sounds like muscle tremors and is a sign of a severe neurological abnormality that can be caused by a toxin ingestion, underlying brain/spinal cord tumor, or even an underlying metabolic imbalance (not as common). I would highly recommend taking KyCzar in to your vet to have him evaluated. Baseline bloodwork will likely be recommended and perhaps even a referral to a neurologist, if you wish to pursue further treatment and work-up. Unfortuantely there is not a good way to share videos using the free posting to the forum service. You will likely need to open up a private chat with an expert in order to share a video of your pet. But from the description, this sounds like potential muscle tremors or a neurological disorder for sure. I do hope that your fur baby is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog SuppliesDog Health & WellnessDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Seizure MedicationDog Allergy Medicine & Itch ReliefPrescription Allergy Medicine for DogsPrescription Shampoo for DogsAt-Home Dog VaccinesAntifungal Medication for DogsDog Anxiety MedicationDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsElectrolytes for DogsDog Vitamins & SupplementsPrescription Flea & Tick Medicine for DogsDog Asthma MedicationDog Thyroid Medication & Hormone CarePrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationPrescription Dewormer for DogsPrescription Dog AntibioticsPet Pharmacy
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button