I have started to notice a problem with Lola's bed time habits. Now she sleeps in bed with me mainly because I have a big enough bed, love her company, and don't mind my own personal space heater at night. However, lately I have been waking up to a strange sensation every morning at about 5:45-6:00. Now, in my half asleep state I realize that Lola is wide awake shaking like crazy, like she's terrified of something. She shakes so hard, and so far I just can't get her to stop.
I'm worried that during the summer while we were going through living arrangement changes that she ended up getting a little traumatized. I spent some time staying at my father's house and one morning at about 6:00 the garbage truck stopped in the alley right outside our bedroom window. It was really loud and startled her terribly. So now I worry that she may be afraid that the sound may come back.
Normally I work about 40 hours a week and that often involves a night shift followed by a very early morning shift. So when I get a chance to sleep a couple extra hours I take it, but with Lola's shaking it wakes me up and keeps me up so I have no choice but to kick her out of bed for the last couple of hours. I really hate to do this because I know that she must just sit on the floor shaking by herself waiting for me to wake up. I want to find a way to correct or redirect this behavior so I can keep her with me all night!
Please help! We are both losing a lot of sleep over this!

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Comment by Chris Payerl on December 8, 2013 at 11:13am
Paige Taking notes on each episode is also a great idea, as Vicky said. Even if it does turn out to be seizures, don't worry too much (easy to say, right?). Most seizures are manageable with meds nowadays. Sophie just had her 9th b-day and has had epilepsy for at least 71/2 years, since we got her from rescue. She's doing great. Is Lola a rescue or from a breeder? If from a breeder, you may want to contact him/her and ask if there have been any other reports of pups from that kennel doing this. They may or may not be forthcoming, but a responsible breeder will tell you and will want the info so that they know not to breed those parents anymore.
Comment by Linda on December 8, 2013 at 11:09am

Duffy, our Irish Wolfound, never paddled his feet either and only once did he pee but that was a rare one early morning.  I was still in bed so he hadn't been out all night.  He would look at me as I talked to him, they weren't severe ones.  He seemed to know when they were coming and he would come looking for me.  The hardest part for me, besides watching it, was to hold on to him...he sometimes would try to walk....he always had to go out immediately after...and I was afraid he would hurt himself.  Trying to hang on to a 130 lb dog is not an easy thing.

I'm glad you are going to call the vet and a video is a great idea.  Please keep us posted.  Just try to bear with her until you can get her in.  I know you said you were putting her off the bed but she may find a lot more comfort in being close to you during those times.

Comment by Vicky Hay on December 8, 2013 at 11:08am

Is it possible for a dog to have such intense nightmares they terrify the animal? A cursory google search doesn't bring up much that looks credible. Here's something of possible interest, but not to take to the bank: http://www.petsadviser.com/behaviors/my-rescue-dog-has-nightmares/  Here's another one that indicates dogs definitely can manifest symptoms from nightmares: http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/health-issues/121425-nightmare...

None of the manifestations described are just shaking. But...hmmm....  I've certainly had dogs that would shake if something made them nervous -- not frightened but just on the QV. And trying to reassure them doesn't stop the shaking; the only thing that works is some time. Maybe she's dreaming of some situation that wires her up.

From the Hypochondriac's Treasure Chest (WebMD): http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/my-dog-shivering-trembling. Good grief...neurosis-inducing! This is definitely a matter for a vet. In the meantime, you might want to check that she's not getting into anything that contains caffeine, chocolate, xylitol (artificial sweetener), tobacco, alcohol, onion, garlic, or other canid toxins. If you mulch your garden with cocoa mulch, you might want to fence it off to be sure the dog can't get into that: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp.

Comment by Jane Christensen on December 8, 2013 at 10:54am

Dreaming????? Are you sure there's no chemicals that she could be licking??? Just some thoughts.

Comment by Lola and Paige on December 8, 2013 at 10:09am
I don't think she paddles her feet when doing it...and I know that she doesn't go to the bathroom at all. She does look at me when I call her name and I try to pet her, but she doesn't stop shaking when I try to calm her down. It does happen every morning and I am going to set up an appointment for her right away Monday morning. I hope she's ok....
Comment by Vicky Hay on December 8, 2013 at 9:04am

Second and third Linda and Chris. Great idea to make a video -- vets love it when you can bring images showing the problem in progress. Also you might want to make a little diary noting the exact times this happens, how long it lasts, and what specifically happens before, during, and after.

Comment by Linda on December 8, 2013 at 7:47am

I agree with Chris.  My first thoughts were seizures too.  When my Irish Wolfhound had them it was always within a certain time frame at night.  Definitely a vet appointment is in order.  Please keep us posted.

Comment by Chris Payerl on December 8, 2013 at 1:09am
I hate to say it, but it sounds as if she may be having seizures. Video tape her having one of these episodes and make a vet appt. ASAP. Show the video to the vet and see what he/she thinks. How long do these episodes last? Does she urinate, defecate and/or drool excessively while it's happening? Does she look at you and/or come out of it if you call her name or if you pet her? Is she just shaking or does she paddle her feet as if she's "swimming" too? What is she like when the shaking stops? Does she pant a lot and seem dazed afterward? Since this is a regular occurrence, I think a vet appointment is in order to rule out a medical issue first. Good luck!

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