My dog goes into a trance when lying on her back. Is it normal?

Hello. Well, it looks like your pup is having a good back rub? Is any of this behavior concerning you? Are you seeing any lesions, or is the puppy acting out in any distress? If you could supply additional information, perhaps we can be a little more specific. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

His doesn't sound like anything to be concerned about. She is getting older so it is udnerstandsble that she may not rouse as easily as she once did in her younger years. Also the description of events suggest she was having very vivid dreams and the eye twitching is normal when a pet is asleep. This is an indication of REM sleep. Also pets are often limp when they are completely asleep. However if you still are concerned about Precious, then there are no issues with taking her in to your vet for a standard physical exam to ensure she is in healthy condition.

It is possible that it was a seizure, or it may have been what we call a syncopal episode. A syncopal episode occurs when there is a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, often due to an abnormal heart rhythm or other heart condition. Its also possible that was neither---if she remained conscious (was responsive and aware of her surroundings), it could just be that she had a itch or uncomfortable spot on that side she was trying to get to. As long as she's been acting normal since, its fine to just keep a close eye on her and get her to your vet for the appointment. Your vet may recommend running some lab work (probably some blood tests) to see if there are any abnormalities. Ask yourself and your mom if there is any possibilities of toxin exposures your dog could have gotten into, and be sure to let your vet know. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This is quite strange. Without more information, it is difficult to give you a great answer. If he is non-responsive when his eyes roll back, this could be a seizure or seizure like activity. If he is just doing it while he sleeps, this could be normal and I wouldn't be concerned. If this is new behavior, I would have your vet take a look at him. If you are able to get it on video, this may help your vet in figuring out what is wrong with him. I hope this helps!

Some dogs do this for unknown reasons just like with some people that sleep with their eyes open. Every person sleeps with their eyes rolled backwards because the nerve that innervates the eye is inactive therefore the eyes return to their most relaxed position. There is nothing to worry about in this situation. Belle is still just a normal dog. I hope this helps!

If he is otherwise normal I'm not concerned. He may be stressed from moving to a new home or dreaming. If it was a seizure you would notice him going from normal to having muscle spasms, then getting back to normal in a few minutes. It's a good idea to video the behavior and write down when it occurs so you have a history to discuss with your veterinarian should it get worse. I like to write down the episodes on a calendar so I can go back and check the frequency. Willis may stop this as he becomes settled in your house and as he gets older. If he appears agitated, weak or ill please take him right in for an exam. You may want to double check with his breeder to see if any other pups or the parents are doing this. Cavaliers do get heart disease, but usually when they are old, and purebred dogs can get epilepsy but seizures often don't start until they are six months to a year old. Again I would just watch him to make sure there are no other symptoms. Enjoy your new puppy! I love Cavaliers, it's a fun, gentle and loving breed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Willis.

It is normal for dogs to go someone limp and have rapid eye movement while in deep sleep, just like with people. In some cases, you may see your dog whimper or even twitch their limbs if they are dreaming or deep in REM. If your pup seems in distress, or this happens often or when she isn't asleep, a vet checkup is always a good idea.