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Dog jerking is often an involuntary muscle spasm that might look like a jump or twitch. Dogs twitch, jerk, or jump on multiple occasions; when they\u2019re excited, relaxing, or sleeping, much like humans do. It doesn\u2019t seem to bother dogs too much, unless it\u2019s continual and caused by irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n But you might be worried if your dog is jerking every few seconds. Let\u2019s jump to it and find out why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reasons your dog jerks can be harmless; simple twitches, jumps, or muscle spasms, but jerking can also indicate an underlying health problem too. We\u2019re knocking on wood for that one. In the meantime, let\u2019s get into the 9 most common reasons that dogs jerk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Muscle spasms happen for many reasons; nervous system problems, nutritional deficiencies, and electrolyte imbalances due to lack of fluids like when your dog is dehydrated being the most common. Muscle spasms can also be caused by certain medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Itching due to allergies is another reason that your dog might jerk or jump. Some dogs will scratch their ears<\/a>, or rub themselves up against things too\u2026you know what it\u2019s like to have a crazy itch, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs can be allergic to food or things in their environment. Allergies make the immune system go into overdrive which causes problems with your dog’s skin, thus making your dog scratch and jerk a lot. It\u2019s not rocket science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joint pain caused by arthritis, growing<\/a> pains, or back problems can all make your dog jerk or twitch if things are a bit sore. If your dog is in pain, it can make their muscles seize up to try and protect the painful area, and cause your dog to jerk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fleas<\/a> are terribly annoying little buggers. They are extremely itchy for your dog to have – just thinking about the sensation of them crawling might even make you jerk. Fleas might make your dog do more than twitch, they can even bite and gnaw at their fur. Any kind of irritation is going to make your dog twitch, itch, jerk and jump. It truly is unbearable sometimes and your dog can\u2019t help it. They\u2019ll want to scratch until they get rid of it. Irritation can be caused by multiple things as well like injuries, parasites and skin-related issues like hot spots, or ear infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few different neurological conditions which can make a dog jerk. For example, white dog shaker syndrome, also known as terrier trembles or terrier tremors, generally affects small breeds of dogs like Westies and Poodles. The name is silly by the way, white dog syndrome affects dogs of all colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog has eaten something<\/a> toxic like rat poison, certain insecticides, cleaning products or even a food that they shouldn\u2019t have eaten, it can cause them to convulse, shake or jerk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Touch wood you won\u2019t have to worry about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll often see nervous or anxious dogs shake, tremble or jerk when they are scared<\/a>. But dogs who are overexcited can also shake or tremble. Dogs\u2019 emotions are just loud, okay?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs really feel the cold, especially low to the ground small dogs without much fur like French Bulldogs<\/a> and Jack Russells<\/a>. Feeling cold can cause them to shake or jerk every once in a while; poor things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog is awake and jerking or shaking<\/a> excessively, then we do recommend you seek Veterinary help;<\/a> especially if it\u2019s come on all of a sudden. While some kinds of jerking are harmless, it\u2019s best to speak to a professional to cross out any worrying medical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s normal for dogs to jolt, twitch and even look like they\u2019re running when they\u2019re asleep<\/a>. Sometimes, they\u2019ll even pair it with some woofing<\/a> or some creepy eye rolls! Dogs have different stages of sleep and this is when they are in the REM state, so is totally natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s normal for a dog to jerk or twitch a certain amount, but if you notice your dog not being themselves or showing any other behaviors like shaking<\/a>, whining excessively, panting or breathing fast<\/a>, or can\u2019t be calmed down<\/a>, you definitely want to seek veterinary advice. Depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s jerking, there are steps you can take to help manage their jumpy behavior. Remember, though, if your dog’s jerking is due to a medical condition, you should keep your Vet<\/a> informed so nothing is looking too out of the ordinary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs thrive on predictability and routines<\/a>, so having a stable environment with reliable times for walks<\/a>, mealtimes<\/a> and play<\/a> sessions will feel like a soft blanket and roses to a nervous dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a well-trained dog<\/a>, is a dog who can make the right choices and has a repertoire of behaviors<\/a> to work through. These tools can help nervous or anxious dogs cope with day to day<\/a> life; especially if you teach them using reward based training<\/a>. By doing this, you\u2019re helping them make being relaxed their default state of being, bringing agitation and nervousness to take more of a backseat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We know it\u2019s grim, but if the twitches or jerking are caused by creepy crawlies like fleas<\/a> or worms<\/a>, then you want to be equipped to know how to deal with them. Some dogs might even take twitching to the next level and turn to biting their skin and bum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog is eating something<\/a> that doesn\u2019t agree with them, and it\u2019s making their skin itch, consider changing their food<\/a>. Dogs can also have allergies from other things in their environment, like strong cleaning products or washing products used on their bedding<\/a>. Sometimes if a product smells good, it means there are way too many chemicals in it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve got plenty more information about that time your puppy just can\u2019t get enough of putting things in their mouths and other funny behaviors. Our full guides on how to stop your puppy from eating everything<\/a> and why is my puppy scratching their ears<\/a> will fill you in on what you can do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By downloading the Zigzag app<\/a> today, you can get started on your puppy\u2019s training journey pretty much immediately. We\u2019ll equip you with personalized lessons on socialization, potty training, sleep and crate training and much, much more. Don’t worry, we\u2019ll hold you by the hand the entire way; our team of professional dog trainers<\/a> will take care of that. They\u2019re available to talk to you 24\/7 over the phone or text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"corgi](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/jerk-1.png\")
What is dog jerking? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9 reasons why your dog is jerking <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Muscle Spasms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You might want to read our guides to puppy nutrition<\/a> or why your puppy might be drinking so much<\/a> to know more about how to prevent nutritional deficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Allergies <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Fleas <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Read more in our guide to puppy fleas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Irritation or infections <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Neurological <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other neurological reasons for dogs to jerk or shake<\/a> are symptoms of Canine Distemper<\/a>, head injuries or trauma, and strokes. These can all cause seizures, which inevitably make your dog jump or jerk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Poisoning <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Emotional reasons <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Cold <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"spaniel](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/jerk-2.png\")
What to do if I notice my dog jerking every few seconds? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Of course, your dog might be jerking every few seconds if they\u2019re asleep<\/a>, dreaming of chasing bunnies. But it\u2019s a good idea to keep a diary of times your dog is jerking or jumping to see if you can find a pattern that\u2019s worth looking at with the vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy does my dog jolt more in their sleep? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve written heaps of articles on puppies and sleep – you might want to take a look at them. All your questions on why do dogs sleep on their backs<\/a>, how often do puppies sleep<\/a>, and how long does a puppy sleep for<\/a> will be answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShould I be concerned about my dogs jerking? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remember to keep track of your dog\u2019s jerking so you can refer back to it when you visit the Vet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"puppy](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/jerk-3.png\")
How do I prevent my dog from jerking? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keeping your dog calm<\/a> and providing a stable environment can generally help them feel better. But in other cases, they may require medical attention. But let\u2019s look at what you can do first, if you think your dog\u2019s jerking or jumping is caused by excitement or nervousness:<\/p>\n\n\n\nProvide a stable environment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use positive reinforcement training <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check for fleas <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check their diet and your home for allergens <\/h3>\n\n\n\n