Is it Normal for my Puppy to...

Is it Normal for my Puppy to…?

               Puppies are both a joy and a challenge and they can often have unpredictable behavior. How do you know if your puppy’s behavior is normal?  Let’s look at 3 common behaviors that may seem concerning but are totally normal in young pups.

• Is it normal for my puppy to have hiccups?  Hiccups in puppies are completely normal. The nerve that controls the diaphragm known as the phrenic nerve is less mature and more easily stimulated in puppies which is why hiccups are more common in young pups than adult dogs.  Things like eating or drinking too quickly, excitement and being cold can all trigger hiccups.  Most puppies will only have hiccups for a few minutes and they should pass.  No treatment is generally necessary but if hiccups seem to be frequent or lasting a long time, distracting the puppy, rubbing or massaging her chest or belly and limiting food or using a slow feeder bowl may help if your pup frequently gets hiccups after eating too quickly.  If a bout of hiccups seems extremely prolonged, if your puppy seems to be panting or wheezing or if he seems to have difficulty breathing or irregular breathing, see your vet.
• Is it normal for my puppy to twitch while sleeping?  Dogs will frequently display facial twitching with lips and eyes moving or even twitch their paws, make a running or paddling motion or yip or vocalize while sleeping. This is normal behavior that occurs when dogs are in a deep sleep or dream state.  It can look a little scary but if it only occurs when your pup is sleeping, is intermittent and only lasting about 30 seconds or so and if it stops immediately when you wake your pup it is likely normal sleep behavior. If your puppy is very stiff, twitches when awake or you cannot wake your puppy up during the behavior, it could be a seizure and you should seek veterinary care.
• Is it normal for my puppy to sleep so much?  Young puppies much like newborn infants need a lot of sleep. But, what’s normal?  Young puppies 6-8 weeks old should have short periods of activity followed by sleeping and they can sleep 18-20 hours a day.  As puppies get older, they should have longer periods of play behavior and activity and will sleep less—a four month old puppy may sleep 12-15 hours and a six month old puppy, 10-12 hours.  Even adult dogs may sleep 10-14 hours a day!  Some breeds are also less active and may sleep more.  If your puppy is lethargic and not playful, seems difficult to rouse or has a poor appetite, he or she may be ill and should visit the veterinarian.

Hopefully, this alleviates some concerns about normal puppy behaviors that may seem a little odd or scary if you’re new to having a puppy.  When in doubt, ask your vet about any behavior that seems strange or abnormal to you. Chances are, it’s a perfectly normal puppy behavior, but it never hurts to get peace of mind.

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and surrounding communities.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-get-hiccups/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/why-dog-twitch-in-sleep/