why is my dog flinching all of a sudden?

What is flinching?

Flinching is a sudden, involuntary sudden movement of your canine companion. This could be due to many reasons. The causes of sudden flinching in dogs can be either long-term or short-term. The frequency of flinching can vary between days and weeks. You must find the cause of your pet’s flinching before it becomes a problem and causes any injuries.

What are the signs of sudden flinching in dogs?

If your dog suddenly starts to flinch, it could be a sign of something wrong. A variety of symptoms can cause these behaviors. Your pet may become hyperactive or overactive, for example. You might notice signs of tiredness as well. He/She might show unusual behaviors, such as circling the feet or pawing at the floor.

Causes of why dog flinching.

• Lack of socialization
• Naturally shy personality
• Disorientation
• Pain
• Seizure
• Vision problem

Dogs flinching from disorientation, pain, dog seizures, or vision problems will need to be seen by your veterinarian for your dog health and determine the cause and course of treatment. Also, it could be because of Vestibular ataxia. Ataxia affects dogs vestibular system. This system is made up of your inner ear and ear canal.

Here are other causes of vestibular disease according to VCA:

• Brain tumor.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Ingesting toxic drugs.
• Ear Infection that located in the middle and inner ear.

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Don’t neglect symptoms of flinching!

Although flinching may sound harmless, you might not be able to spot signs of behavior problems. This can cause frustration for both you and your pet. You don’t want to have to give up a sweet, affectionate dog for displaying annoying behavior. You don’t want your pet to think you are putting him down. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It is possible to solve your pet’s behavior problems without drastic measures.

A reason would be vestibular disease. 

This illness is common in older dog’s more than in senior dog’s. As the name suggests, this disease affects a dog’s vestibular system. That part of their body is the one responsible for a dog’s balance. Disturbance of the vestibular system can cause disorientation and, consequently, flinching in canines.

Find out when your dog flinches!

You may notice when your pet is showing signs of flinching. This is an indication that your dog may be experiencing pain. Dogs suffering from pain often experience itching, whining, or even biting. Itching, excessive barking, and whining can all be signs of pain.

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Pain can be a reason for flinching in dogs!

Your pet’s sudden behavior is because it is experiencing pain. Old dogs are less likely to flinch from experiencing pain because they have been trained to submit to the dog owner’s. If your pet’s behavior problems persist despite all the love and affection you have given, it is worth getting checked with a vet.

Dog seizures.

In some cases, what might look like a small flinch can be something more serious. Other fur parents might dismiss dogs seizure as normal squirming or a non-threatening action. There are some behaviors in your dog that shouldn’t be dismissed easily. One of these would be flinching, especially if it often happens without any identifiable triggers. It’s the same for dogs. And seizures are one of the reasons why they flinch.

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Flinching can have a genetical origin.

Some dogs are predisposed to this condition due to their genetics. Your dog may have epilepsy, kidney disease, cancer, or other health problems. To get the full picture and to learn the best way to treat epilepsy in your dog, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian.

Dogs can flinch when they are stressed!

Dog flinching can also be caused by circumstances beyond your control, such as a sudden weather change or a new puppy that scares your dog. Your dog’s behavior could be a result of anxiety and stress. A good massage or a cuddle can calm him. A petting session would also help to calm him down.

What diseases can cause flinching among dogs?

Flinching can be caused by disorientation in dogs. Mange, flea infestations, and dehydration are other conditions that could cause disorientation in dogs. You must ensure that your dog stays hydrated. Dogs need water and food to survive. You should take your dog to the vet immediately if he seems unwell or is in pain. While you may be able to solve the problem of disorientation by yourself, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. It is better to be safe than sorry.

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Conclusion.

In most cases flinching in dogs is not a serious matter. However, it is possible for a dog’s flinching to be a sign of a severe problem. Dogs mostly flinch because they are probably in pain or just because they are scared. In some cases, flinching can be a sign of something severe. Therefore, it is recommended to observe your dog’s behavior and consult with a qualified vet.