My dog yelped in his sleep last night. No injury, what's wrong?

It’s impossible to know without an exam if that episode was a bad dream or related to pain. Watch Orlando very closely for any repeated episodes, limping or reluctance to move. Once he wakes up, check his nails and make sure none are broken and that there aren’t any wounds on the feet. If you see anything questionable, have him seen by his veterinarian. It’s possible he got a toe nail stuck in the bed and it twisted and if the nails are long, get them trimmed. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It could be that Noble felt some pain, such as from his spine, neck, hips, or leg joints that caused him to yelp, and then it passed. Given that he seems fine now, I wouldn't be too concerned about it, but I would monitor him. Should he do that again, I would have him seen by a vet in the morning for a health check.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Frankie is super cute! That sounds like a scary situation to wake up to! I think he will be fine. Some dogs dream "actively"! My own dogs whole body convulses and he makes a lot of noise when he dreams. Frankie was either having a very active dream or did have a charlie horse type cramp. Just check where he was sleeping to be sure there wasn't something poking him or an insect that bit him. Watch him carefully over the next day or 2 to see if a limp develops in that leg. Keep us updated and I hope this reassures you in some way! Good luck to you and Frankie!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Milo but it sounds like this was an isolated incident since he has been normal today. I would continue to monitor him for any return of problems that you noticed and if they appear, I would have your vet evaluate him to make sure his legs are normal and that he seems physically within normal limits. Hard to say what happened. He may have been dreaming and was startled, possibly straining his legs. Sounds like he's good today so I don't think you have anything to worry about. But, keep monitoring him. Good luck with Milo

I would be worried that Lui has an injury (Not necessarily from anyone petting or harming him) or something such as ear or tooth pain that is radiating out and causing the yelping when he is pet. It is a good idea to bring him to a vet ASAP so they can check in his ears, mouth, and neck to rule out any issues such as an infected tooth or ear that could be causing the problem. In the meantime, being careful with handling him may help reduce pain until he can be seen. If health issues are ruled out, it's also possible that Lui is a bit fearful of people, and so is yelping if he doesn't feel comfortable with being handled. Speaking with a local trainer about how to help with fear and socialization may be a good idea.

Dream bahaviour patterns can be very varied and a wide range of sounds and movements can be considered as normal (as can open or blinking eyes). I recommend you video the episodes and ask your vet or vet nurse to review them if you are concerned

Oh no, poor Zangus! It could be that he injured himself causing him to yelp in pain. Given that tomorrow is Friday and I'm not sure if your vet is open on Saturday, I would rest him tonight and take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing him pain so he can be treated. If he isn't acting this way in the morning, then I would monitor him for the next couple of days; should he appear painful again, then take him into the vet. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe Zangus pain medications as needed.