My puppy holds breath in sleep with eyes open. Is it normal?

Fast breathing, twitching, and vocalizing are all normally seen when they are sleeping and is not a concern as long as they don't do it when they are awake. If he is otherwise OK when he is awake, then no need to worry about this. He appears to be a well-cared for pup. I recommend taking him to a vet for an exam as soon as you can. The vet can scan him for a microchip (in case he's owned) and make sure he's up-to-date on vaccines and deworming. I hope that helps and all is well with Rock.

If River is normal when she wakes up and acts normally during the day (eating, drinking, playing, no vomiting, no diarrhea, etc) then I would not worry about it. If she seems sick in any way then I would get her to the vet for an exam. I suggest you take a video of this behavior so you can show your vet when you take River in for her next set of vaccinations so they can give you better advice. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi. This could be normal, especially if dreaming. If he is normal otherwise and breaths normal when awake, you can monitor. If he acting quiet and breathing fast awake, I would get him seen right away.

Hello. It is very common for puppies to have deep, vivid dreams. There can be slight movements, strong paddling, small yips to loud yelps. It is all to develop a strong brain & it is all perfectly normal. She will be fine. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Minnie is a very cute name! I would not be concerned about her breathing while she is sleeping unless she is not eating,drinking,seems painful or cannot rest. If is possible for her to have changes in her breathing while she is sleeping. Anytime you have a new addition to the family it is best to take them to the vet to make sure they are healthy. IF you have no had a routine vet visit it would be a good idea! hope that helps. thanks for using pet coach

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is normal for puppies to have a fast respiration rate, even at rest. As long as her gums are nice and pink and she’s not struggling to breathe she should be fine. Kisses to Iana!