Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, can be a frightening experience for anyone, including our beloved pets. These episodes occur when the brain is partially asleep and partially awake, typically during non-REM sleep at the beginning of a sleep cycle. Unlike nightmares where you wake up rattled from a bad dream, during a night terror, you may scream and shake but eventually fall back asleep with no recollection of what happened. Unfortunately, night terrors are not exclusive to humans and can also affect our furry friends.
### Can Pets Have Night Terrors?
Mammals such as dogs, cats, rats, and elephants are particularly prone to nightmares and night terrors. If you have ever heard your pet whimper or scream while they are sleeping, they may be experiencing a night terror. Some common behaviors exhibited by pets during night terrors include rapid eye movements, rapid breathing, twitching, barking, growling, howling, purring, intense chewing or biting, and sudden uncontrolled body movements.
### Do Animals Remember Having Night Terrors?
One of the terrifying aspects of night terrors is that pets may not recall the experience at all. This lack of memory can lead to confusion and fear when they wake up briefly in the middle of a night terror episode. According to a study published in the Journal of Aesthetics and Phenomenology, night terrors can result in a very brief and abrupt awakening accompanied by automatic defensive movements. Pets may exhibit aggressive behavior such as growling, barking, or biting upon waking up from a night terror episode.
### What Causes Night Terrors in Animals?
Research on rats has shown that physical and emotional trauma recall and stress can lead to heightened brain activity during sleep, potentially causing night terrors. Scientists observed brain activity in rats that had experienced a traumatic event during their waking hours, noting increased activity in regions associated with memory recall and emotions during their subsequent sleep. This suggests that animals, like humans, can experience nightmares after traumatic experiences, with anxious or stressful activities manifesting in their dreams.
Additionally, night terrors in animals can be triggered by psychological and physical factors such as fever, seizures, physical pain, or medications. If you suspect that your pet’s medications may be causing night terrors, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes.
### Treating Your Pet’s Night Terrors
If your pet is experiencing night terrors, seeking medical attention is crucial to addressing the issue effectively. Recording video or audio evidence of your pet’s night terrors can help veterinarians understand their needs better and provide appropriate treatment. Creating a low-stress and relaxed environment for your pet during the day through play and cuddles can promote deep and anxiety-free sleep at night.
To ensure your pet gets the best quality sleep, provide a quiet, dark, and comfortable sleeping environment. If your pet’s night terror episodes are particularly violent, consider using a crate for their safety. When your pet experiences a night terror, avoid waking them suddenly as they may feel unsafe and disoriented. Instead, let them sleep through the episode while monitoring their behavior for later evaluation by a veterinarian. If you believe your pet is in extreme physical pain, it may be necessary to wake them up gently by calling their name.
In conclusion, night terrors can be a distressing experience for both humans and animals, impacting the quality of sleep and overall well-being. By understanding the causes and symptoms of night terrors in pets, we can take proactive steps to create a supportive environment and seek appropriate medical attention to help our furry friends through these episodes. Remember to prioritize your pet’s health and comfort by addressing any sleep disturbances promptly and seeking professional guidance when needed.