Do dogs legs "fall asleep"?

cowgirlsrc80 · 10-11-2007, 06:29 PM

Can a dogs legs fall asleep like a persons?

My husband and I have been noticing that my 4 yr old blue heeler seems to have no control over her legs after she has been in her crate for awhile or when she gets up in the morning. She sleeps in bed with us all night.

She kind of drags her front paws and her back legs are all over the place. It goes away after she has been out to go potty or has been moving around for a few minutes. I would say that she has to be laying in the same position for at least 5+ hrs before we see this. I say 5+ because that is how long she is in bed at night or in her crate during the day while we are at work.

I have rubbed her legs and back all over and she does not seem to be in any pain. If she lays for shorter amounts of time she seems to have no problems. Should I be concerned or is this typical?

Crazy4paints · 10-11-2007, 06:30 PM

Does this happen daily or just once and awhile?

cowgirlsrc80 · 10-11-2007, 06:34 PM

We have been noticing it several days a week. I will have to pay attention and see if it is everyday. Somethimes she gets up with hubby before I get up. I will ask him too.

gypsy · 10-11-2007, 06:34 PM

I would have her checked. How old is she?

cowgirlsrc80 · 10-11-2007, 06:35 PM

She is 4 yrs old.

Crazy4paints · 10-11-2007, 06:37 PM

I would hate to make the wrong assumption, could be neurological, or could any # of issues. I would watch her, take some notes and seek the advice of a qualified vet.

Pony express · 10-11-2007, 07:27 PM

Is she in the crate alot? Does she have plenty of time to run and play? Maybe a pinched nerve from the way she is laying on it for so long?? Just guessing here, I know what it feels like when I pinch my nerves in my back.

cowgirlsrc80 · 10-11-2007, 07:34 PM

She is only in the crate during the day while we are at work 6-8 hrs day 5 days a week. When we get home around 5pm she is out all night and sleeps in our bedroom and goes back in her crate in the morning after doing chores. Beside just being "out" we play with her and our aussie for at least 20 minutes a day. We mostly play ball or go for a walk.

Like I said, we are only noticing this after she has been laying down for extended periods of time.

Pony express · 10-11-2007, 08:04 PM

If it were nerological it would seem like it would happen all the time, not just when she gets up from laying for long periods. Is there anyway you can shut her up in a room for awhile while you are gone instead of putting her in a crate? Maybe being able to get up and walk around during that time would help. It would be worth a try. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How Hard To Work Him? Photos added "before" and "after"	NoniMe	General Horse Advice	26	08-29-2007 09:10 AM
"Cowboy" and his first filly"Boo"	EK'S MA	Meet the Horses	6	08-14-2005 09:26 PM

10-11-2007, 06:29 PM
cowgirlsrc80 Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vermontville,Mi Posts: 419	Do dogs legs "fall asleep"? Can a dogs legs fall asleep like a persons? My husband and I have been noticing that my 4 yr old blue heeler seems to have no control over her legs after she has been in her crate for awhile or when she gets up in the morning. She sleeps in bed with us all night. She kind of drags her front paws and her back legs are all over the place. It goes away after she has been out to go potty or has been moving around for a few minutes. I would say that she has to be laying in the same position for at least 5+ hrs before we see this. I say 5+ because that is how long she is in bed at night or in her crate during the day while we are at work. I have rubbed her legs and back all over and she does not seem to be in any pain. If she lays for shorter amounts of time she seems to have no problems. Should I be concerned or is this typical? __________________ Cowgirl:A better looking cowboy with brains! Sarah

10-11-2007, 06:30 PM
Crazy4paints Coming two Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 1,699	Does this happen daily or just once and awhile? __________________ Offering for your pleasure and enjoyment,exceptional AQHA and APHA Palomino horses.

10-11-2007, 06:34 PM
cowgirlsrc80 Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vermontville,Mi Posts: 419	We have been noticing it several days a week. I will have to pay attention and see if it is everyday. Somethimes she gets up with hubby before I get up. I will ask him too. __________________ Cowgirl:A better looking cowboy with brains! Sarah

10-11-2007, 06:34 PM
gypsy Coming two Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North Central AR Posts: 1,641	I would have her checked. How old is she?

10-11-2007, 06:35 PM
cowgirlsrc80 Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vermontville,Mi Posts: 419	She is 4 yrs old. __________________ Cowgirl:A better looking cowboy with brains! Sarah

10-11-2007, 06:37 PM
Crazy4paints Coming two Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 1,699	I would hate to make the wrong assumption, could be neurological, or could any # of issues. I would watch her, take some notes and seek the advice of a qualified vet. __________________ Offering for your pleasure and enjoyment,exceptional AQHA and APHA Palomino horses.

10-11-2007, 07:27 PM
Pony express Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Mid Michigan Posts: 2,583	Is she in the crate alot? Does she have plenty of time to run and play? Maybe a pinched nerve from the way she is laying on it for so long?? Just guessing here, I know what it feels like when I pinch my nerves in my back. __________________ I don't regret the things I've done. I regret the things I didn't do when I had the chance.

10-11-2007, 07:34 PM
cowgirlsrc80 Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vermontville,Mi Posts: 419	She is only in the crate during the day while we are at work 6-8 hrs day 5 days a week. When we get home around 5pm she is out all night and sleeps in our bedroom and goes back in her crate in the morning after doing chores. Beside just being "out" we play with her and our aussie for at least 20 minutes a day. We mostly play ball or go for a walk. Like I said, we are only noticing this after she has been laying down for extended periods of time. __________________ Cowgirl:A better looking cowboy with brains! Sarah

10-11-2007, 08:04 PM
Pony express Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Mid Michigan Posts: 2,583	If it were nerological it would seem like it would happen all the time, not just when she gets up from laying for long periods. Is there anyway you can shut her up in a room for awhile while you are gone instead of putting her in a crate? Maybe being able to get up and walk around during that time would help. It would be worth a try. Good luck and let us know what you find out. __________________ I don't regret the things I've done. I regret the things I didn't do when I had the chance.