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New Georgia Animal Hospital

770-505-7387

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  • Does Your Dog Have a Sleep Disorder?

Does Your Dog Have a Sleep Disorder?

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Dog sleeping in bed

Most Common Sleep Disorders in Dogs

You and your dog may have more in common than you realize. Just like people, dogs can suffer from sleep disorders too. These four issues can keep your furry friend from enjoying a good night's sleep.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea triggers short breathing pauses that can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. Breathing troubles start when your dog's airway becomes too narrow during sleep or collapses completely. When this happens, air can't reach your pet's lungs. A build-up of fat in the neck can increase your pet's risk of developing sleep apnea.

Dogs that develop this sleep disorder are understandably tired during the day. Snoring can be a sign that your dog has sleep apnea, although not all dogs that snore have the disorder. Sleep apnea is more likely to affect obese dogs and dogs with flat faces, such as Boston Terriers, Pugs, and English Bulldogs, according to PetMD.

Losing weight may ease sleep apnea symptoms in overweight and obese dogs. Surgery might be needed for a flat-faced dog. Your veterinarian might perform a surgical procedure to widen your dog's nostrils and may also remove extra tissues that can interfere with breathing.

Narcolepsy

Dogs with narcolepsy fall asleep without warning. One minute your dog is happily playing with you, and the next it's fast asleep. Although narcolepsy doesn't harm your pet, it can be frightening to watch your pet suddenly collapse and fall asleep.

According to the Sleep Foundation, narcolepsy can be related to a problem with the production of hypocretin, a chemical that regulates your dog's sleep and wake cycles. The problem is inherited and may affect Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Poodles, PetMD notes. Narcolepsy can also occur for unknown reasons or may happen if your pet is overweight or not very active.

You may notice that narcolepsy episodes occur when your pet is active or excited. Medications prescribed by your pet's veterinarian may help keep your dog awake or at least reduce the number of episodes.

    Insomnia

    If you've ever suffered from insomnia, you can probably empathize with your pet. After spending the night tossing and turning, both you and your dog are bound to feel tired and irritable.

    Insomnia can be a problem if your dog doesn't get enough exercise during the day or has a health condition that causes pain or the need for frequent potty breaks. Insomnia may also be a symptom of dementia in older dogs.

    Treating the underlying cause of insomnia will help your pet sleep better. If your dog is in pain due to arthritis or another condition, your veterinarian may recommend pain medication. Don't give your pet human pain medication without checking with your vet first, as some medications can be toxic to dogs. Taking your dog for an evening run or walk or playing a game of fetch can help burn off excess energy and improve sleep.

    Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Behavior Disorder

    No one knows for sure what dogs dream about, but chasing rabbits or rolling around in the mud are probably favorite topics. Normally, when your pet enters a dream state, its brain shuts down limb movements. At most, you may notice that your dog's legs twitch during a particularly good dream.

    REM behavior disorder happens when there's a glitch in the process that prevents movement while dreaming. Your dog's limbs may move freely, and your pet may howl, bark, growl, or bite. Unfortunately, your dog can hurt itself or others if it has this rare sleep disorder. If your pet is diagnosed with REM behavior disorder, prescription medicine can be helpful.

    We can help you manage your pet's sleep issues. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

    Sources:

    Sleep Foundation: The Connection Between Animal and Human Sleep

    PetMD: 4 Sleep Disorders in Dogs

    Texas A&M University: Veterinary Medicine and Biological Services: Sleeping Disorders in Animals

    University of Florida News: Dog with Rare Sleeping Disorder Sent Home After Unique Diagnosis at UFS Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

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    Testimonials

    Google Reviews
    4.6
    David Keever
    Karen Coffey
    Heather Tackett
    sandra cox
    recommended by 168 people
    The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They work in a timely manner and genuinely love animals.
    sandra cox
    14 hours ago
    Heather Tackett
    2 days ago
    The staff working here are very personable. We have taken our pets there for over 10 years.A couple of years ago, we had to make the hardest decision ever. Our little Doxie was very sick and Dr. Alexander explained all the options available but we all knew the best thing to do was to let her go. Dr. Alexander got Lowe as comfortable as possible and let us stay with her as long as we wanted. Everyone there was so kind and sympathetic to us and they took care of the cremation for us. They gave us Lowe's paw print in plaster and Dr. Alexander even sent a card to us a couple of weeks later. That meant so much to us. They have always been available to see our pets any time we called or came in for an emergency. It means so much to know we have New Ga Animal Hospital as our veterinarian. We can always count on them. We're thankful we tried them and you will be too!Karen Coffey
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    Karen Coffey
    4 days ago
    I have 3 dogs and 2 cats. I live 30 minutes away from this Clinic. I choose to drive to New Georgia because I personally know the Doctors and Staff, whom are very open and friendly. I know them to be very conscientious about their work and my (and all) animals they treat. I always get a follow up phone call if the situation calls for it. This is one of the few remaining family owned veterinarian clinics in our area. I highly recommend that you and your pet(s) check them out.
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    David Keever
    5 days ago
    Dr Alexander's team is courteous, competent, & caring. My beloved pup recently passed, but before, Dr Alexander prepared my family, tended to her, took care of her, & explained to us how to give the special TLC she needed. We love this crew of talented & caring individuals. Advocate for this extremely rare group to everyone. Well worth the praise!♡
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    Vanessa Turner
    6 days ago
    Andra Maulding
    6 days ago
    Dr. Alexander is the best! She is very patient and listens to all questions and concerns. She has a love for fur babies like no other! She helped me figure out an alternative treatment for my dog when the one previously recommended turned out to be more expensive than I originally thought. You will not find a better clinic to take your babies to.
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    Kaitlyn Pickel
    6 days ago
    Great doctors that care for your furry family members, always have a great experience when I’m there!
    Kayla White
    6 days ago
    Living out of town, I have had the opportunity to reach out to this company for expert advice which was gladly given and appreciated as a first time canine owner. The owners are eager to help and love your fury friends!!!
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    Bernd Toro
    6 days ago
    This place is awesome, Dr. Alexander took great care of my Toby. Great Service and very Friendly!
    Tyler Wright
    6 days ago
    Great staff! Compassionate and caring toward my 80 lb lab! My lab had a fatty tumor and was removed with the utmost care. Detected other tumors and kept a good eye out monitoring any growth. Wouldn’t take my girl to anyone else! Thorough with at home instruction in caring for her.
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    Patricia Keever
    6 days ago
    Dr. Alexander cares for her patients and their people, and because of that (and many other reasons) she’s the only vet our animals see. I highly recommend New Ga Animal Hospital.
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    Joy Leaphart
    6 days ago
    Compassionate and caring staff. Personal interaction with owners and their pets. Great medical care and follow up.
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    Ramona Duncan
    6 days ago
    We were greeted with a super friendly staff. They were quick to take our dogs back and were great with them during their shots. Dr. Alexander was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions and gave us several suggestions to better help our pups. They even have Disney movies playing in the lobby all day, so that’s a plus for those with kids. We will continue to take our animals here!!
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    Aliah Keever
    6 days ago
    I adopted my 1st dog over the weekend and took him to New Georgia Animal Hospital expecting an easy fix to his problem. Instead I found out a lot more. Everyone in the staff seems very knowledgeable in every question they're asked. They were very kind and seemed to really care about all their animals. I have found the final part of his family and would reccomend them to anyone needing someone to help care for their pets.
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    Theresa Perdue
    3 weeks ago
    I wouldn’t take my pets anywhere els! They are very sweet and take very good care of my baby.
    katlyn Stover
    1 month ago
    Highly recommended New Georgia Animal Hospital. We brought our Aussie in today and they were all so sweet and helpful. I came in with a dog in one arm and a baby carrier in the other. They brought me paperwork to my seat, carried my puppy to our room, and even offered to help me back out to my car. Definitely a small, local feel. I’m glad we chose them to care for our sweet Autumn Girl!
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    Kyle Huff
    1 month ago
    Professional Hometown VetWe moved to the area recently. First experience we had was with our elderly cat who had a Urinary Tract Infection. They took such an interest in her, were so kind and gentle and got her on the road to recovery right away.Our next experience was with a middle-aged cat who suffered from severe anxiety. They were very considerate and proactive in making sure we tried everything we could to give her the best life possible. Unfortunately, with the severity of her anxiety it was doing her more physical harm than good keeping her alive. It was also putting our family at risk when she would lash out and attack unexpectedly and unprovoked.Dr. Duncan handled the moment we had to say our final goodbye to our baby. She was so kind, understanding and considerate. I felt like she genuinely felt my pain. I was allowed to be in the room for her last moments and Dr. Duncan even offered personal comfort.When all was over, they even gave us a clay heart with her paw prints to bake and keep, something we will treasure forever. Following up with a sympathy card from Dr. Duncan apologizing we couldn't do more for our baby... Thank you Dr. Duncan and New Georgia Animal Hospital for being so amazing in everything.
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    Mama Berry
    1 month ago
    savannah alexander
    1 month ago
    Abigail Naomi
    1 month ago
    They treat us and the animals so well. Love them
    Deborah Farah
    1 month ago
    Great staff
    Gary Hopkins
    1 month ago
    Awesome Vet! Love this place. Really cares about your animal and it does not over charge
    Tina Watts
    1 month ago
    Amazing service, nice and friendly! My dogs love coming here, reasonable prices, great service, & I can certainly trust them with my dogs.
    Show more
    Isabel Marin
    2 months ago
    Friendly staff, clean and comfortable waiting and exam rooms. Very personalized service and care. Wouldn’t take my pets anywhere else!
    Show more
    Sammy Alexander
    2 months ago

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