As I sit watching our neonate puppies sleep, I can't help but smile at the little twitches and movements they make. Last year, my daughter asked me, "Why do they keep twitching?" as she observed our previous litter on the puppy cam and talked to me on the phone. It's an adorable sight that fills me with joy, knowing it's a positive sign of their healthy development.
Those tiny twitches are called myoclonic twitches - involuntary little muscle movements that are completely normal and actually play an important role as these precious pups grow. They are particularly noticeable during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep when their developing brains are hard at work.
In these first couple weeks, our puppies will spend up to 90% of their time simply sleeping and eating, as they require an incredible amount of rest for their rapid growth. Just yesterday, I texted my mom that these puppies eat like starving pups and immediately go into a deep sleep; my mom replied, "That seems to be my life, too." While sleeping most of the time, the twitching during their slumber is such a reassuring indicator that their development is on track.
The benefits of those twitches are remarkable. It strengthens the neural connections in their developing nervous systems, ensuring their muscles and nerves can effectively communicate. As their muscles gain tone and coordination through those movements, they'll be better prepared to explore their world once mobile. Perhaps most importantly, the twitching shows they are experiencing healthy sleep patterns and cycles, which are critical for physical and mental development at this fragile stage.
If a puppy doesn't twitch during sleep, it could potentially signal an issue that needs attention. A lack of neural stimulation could delay proper muscle growth and coordination. In more severe cases, it may indicate an underlying neurological problem or illness that requires veterinary care. From my puppy posts, it may appear that I'm overwrought with concern for my puppies’ health. However, the reality is I feel a calm composure that I have studied diligently, recognize positive milestones, and am poised to seek veterinary support if indicated. My veterinarian practice has a separate reproduction clinic with a few theriogenologists, so specialized experts are readily available.
Seeing those tiny twitches reassures me that my litter is thriving. I cherish witnessing every milestone, from their first sleepy movements to their eventual playful romping. Providing them with the best possible start in life is my top priority. Each twitch fills me with loving pride for these little bundles of joy growing right before my eyes.
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