🐶 Activated Sleep – What Those Puppy Twitches Mean! 💤 (January 2025 litters)

Have you ever watched a newborn puppy sleep and noticed their little paws twitching, noses

wiggling, or even tiny squeaks and tail flicks? This adorable phenomenon is called Activated Sleep, and it’s an important part of their development!

🔬 What is Activated Sleep?

Activated Sleep is a unique sleep stage in newborn puppies where their bodies appear active, even though they are fully asleep. It’s completely normal and essential for their neurological and muscular development.

🧠 Why Do Puppies Twitch in Their Sleep?

✨ Muscle & Nervous System Development – These movements help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, preparing them for walking, playing, and exploring.

✨ Brain Growth & Learning – Even at this young age, their brains are developing connections that will help them process new experiences.

✨ Stimulating the Body for Healthy Growth – Since newborns can’t regulate their body temperature well, this movement may also help with circulation and warmth.

🐾 What Does It Look Like?

Some common signs of Activated Sleep include:

✅ Twitching paws, legs, or tails

✅ Little mouth movements, like suckling

✅ Soft whimpers or tiny barks

✅ Subtle head movements

💤 When Does It Stop?

Puppies experience Activated Sleep most intensely in the first few weeks of life, as their bodies and brains rapidly grow. As they get older and more mobile, the twitches become less noticeable.

📢 Fun Fact: Adult dogs still experience REM sleep (where dreams happen!), so don’t be surprised if you see an older dog twitching while dreaming of running through a field! 🌾🐕

Watching our Dolly & Reba litters during Activated Sleep is one of our favorite things—it’s like seeing their little bodies preparing for all the adventures ahead! Have you ever noticed a puppy twitching in their sleep? Let us know in the comments! 👇😊

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