Deep sleep or a problem?

Rafa · 02-03-2013, 04:37 PM

For some reason I am unable to post in the first time owners section, so I'm posting this here.

Yesterday I brought home a 3 year old rescue GSD. He's absolutely lovely-friendly and lively.

This evening however, I gave him a chew, which he was very pleased to have, but a few minutes later the chew was untouched and Rafa was asleep at the side of the sofa.

About 15 mins later, I decided to present the chew to him again, but he was completely unresponsive to me calling his name. I had to give him quite a few shakes before I could waken him. When he finally opened his eyes, they appeared to be unfocussed for a few seconds as if he was forcing himself to wake.

On touching him, I felt his temperature was cooler than I expected it to be. Not cold, but not warm either.

In every other respect he appears to be a healthy, happy dog.

Do you think this was just a deep sleep or is there reason for concern?

GusGus · 02-03-2013, 05:07 PM

Gus has done this a few times before, but not often. Its usually during a dream where he makes a ridiculous a mouth of "woofs" so I try to ease him awake but sometimes I have to give him a few good shakes. I've never thought it was something to worry about. But I could be wrong..

doggiedad · 02-03-2013, 05:20 PM

could be a deep sleep. how's his hearing? i would monitor
the situation.

**JeanKBBMMMAAN** · 02-03-2013, 10:22 PM

Contact the foster home and ask if this is unusual behavior. I am guessing you have his vet records from them? If not, find out last vetting. Not sure how well you would do with a brand new dog taking his temp, checking his gums, etc. Capillary Refill Time (CRT) in Dogs & Cats Depending on his stress levels, he could be tired, but it is always good to get as much info and talk to a vet when you have questions.

Rafa · 02-04-2013, 03:38 AM

Thanks. There's nothing in his records, but I'm taking him for a check on Thursday so I'll see what the vet has to say.

I did consider his hearing, but it seems to be OK.

He's been fine since, thank goodness.

02-03-2013, 04:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rafa New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 6	Deep sleep or a problem? For some reason I am unable to post in the first time owners section, so I'm posting this here. Yesterday I brought home a 3 year old rescue GSD. He's absolutely lovely-friendly and lively. This evening however, I gave him a chew, which he was very pleased to have, but a few minutes later the chew was untouched and Rafa was asleep at the side of the sofa. About 15 mins later, I decided to present the chew to him again, but he was completely unresponsive to me calling his name. I had to give him quite a few shakes before I could waken him. When he finally opened his eyes, they appeared to be unfocussed for a few seconds as if he was forcing himself to wake. On touching him, I felt his temperature was cooler than I expected it to be. Not cold, but not warm either. In every other respect he appears to be a healthy, happy dog. Do you think this was just a deep sleep or is there reason for concern?

02-03-2013, 05:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
GusGus Master Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Clarksburg, West Virginia Posts: 746	Gus has done this a few times before, but not often. Its usually during a dream where he makes a ridiculous a mouth of "woofs" so I try to ease him awake but sometimes I have to give him a few good shakes. I've never thought it was something to worry about. But I could be wrong.. __________________ Gus- 07/21/2011 Daine- Doberman 10/19/2012

02-03-2013, 05:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
doggiedad Crowned Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jenkintown,Pa. Posts: 12,929	could be a deep sleep. how's his hearing? i would monitor the situation. __________________ "Life Without A Dog Is A Life Unfulfilled"

02-03-2013, 10:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
JeanKBBMMMAAN The Rescues Rule Administrator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 22,839	Contact the foster home and ask if this is unusual behavior. I am guessing you have his vet records from them? If not, find out last vetting. Not sure how well you would do with a brand new dog taking his temp, checking his gums, etc. Capillary Refill Time (CRT) in Dogs & Cats Depending on his stress levels, he could be tired, but it is always good to get as much info and talk to a vet when you have questions. __________________ Help IMOM help Pets www.imom.org Help a rescue: wish some big dogs a Happy Howliday! www.bigdogsbighearts.blogspot.com Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight. Albert Schweitzer

02-04-2013, 03:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
Rafa New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 6	Thanks. There's nothing in his records, but I'm taking him for a check on Thursday so I'll see what the vet has to say. I did consider his hearing, but it seems to be OK. He's been fine since, thank goodness.

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