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Flinching in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 05/01/2017Updated: 08/19/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Flinching?
There can be many things that can cause your dog to begin flinching. Flinching is a quick and nervous movement of the face or body and is an instinctual reaction to fear, surprise or pain. When your dog is sleeping, it is natural for them to flinch as they dream, just as humans will do. You may notice your dog flinching when they are startled or when they are experiencing pain. Many times, a dog that flinches when you move your hand near them will indicate that they have been mistreated at some point and have not forgotten the incident. Lack of proper socialization or a naturally shy personality can also cause your dog to flinch or startle easily when in strange or stressful situations. Causes of why your dog is flinching include:
- Lack of socialization
- Naturally shy personality
- Disorientation
- Pain
- Seizures
- Vision problems
Dogs that are flinching from disorientation, pain, seizures or vision problems will need to be seen by your veterinarian to determine the cause and course of treatment. Many people mistake a mild seizure as normal flinching or twitching, however, seizures are many times caused by neurological disorders and will need to be treated and closely monitored.
Why Flinching Occurs in Dogs
It should be alarming to you if you notice your dog flinching often. If flinching away from you in shyness or fear, you will need to work with a canine behaviorist to help your dog become more confident and less fearful. Medical conditions such as pain, disorientation, seizures and vision problems should be treated by your veterinarian and closely monitored during treatments.
Lack of Socialization
Puppies must have proper socialization to grow into confident adult dogs. Puppies that have not had positive experiences with people, other dogs or objects will be fearful and unwilling to enjoy new experiences. As a puppy grows, it is good for them to experience new situations and learn how to handle themselves when seeing something new. Dogs lacking in socialization will flinch away from these new situations or actions.
Shy Personality
There are some dogs that are simply shy or have a softer nature. They are not as willing to face new situations head on and it is not because of a lack of socialization. These dogs will startle easily and not feel confident in new situations. You will notice them flinching when there are unexpected movements towards them.
Disorientation
Dogs can become disoriented for a number of reasons. When your dog is disoriented, they will flinch away from objects and even you because they are unsure what is happening to them. Be cautious when you approach a dog that is disoriented or acting strangely and contact your veterinarian immediately for an appointment, there could be a serious underlying condition causing your dog to flinch and be disoriented.
Pain
Pain in general can cause flinching in your dog. Arthritic pain can cause your dog to involuntarily flinch when they move or when touched. Pain in the jaw or tooth can cause your dog to flinch away from your hand if you are reaching for their head or muzzle. If you suspect your dog is flinching from being in pain, have your veterinarian conduct a physical examination to determine the cause.
Seizures
Many times a mild seizure will cause flinching and tremors and you may not even realize that your dog has just experienced a seizure. A seizure is an involuntary, temporary disturbance of the brain’s function. Seizures can cause permanent damage to your dog and should be quickly treated by your veterinarian.
Vision Problems
Dogs that are experiencing vision problems may be flinching away from things that they cannot clearly see. This is especially true for dogs that are suffering from cataracts or PRA, progressive retinal atrophy. Dogs with cataracts will begin to see cloudy images and eventually can go blind from the cataracts. Dogs with PRA will see things begin to dim and fade and will eventually go blind.
What to do if your Dog is Flinching
If your dog is flinching because they have had a lack of socialization or are just naturally shy you may want to consult with a canine behaviorist. The canine behaviorist will be able to teach you how to use positive reinforcement to show your dog how to be a more confident canine.
Dogs that are suffering from disorientation or pain will need to undergo routine testing such as a thorough physical exam, complete blood count, biochemistry panel, urinalysis and fecal exam. Your veterinarian will need to first determine what exactly is causing your dog to exhibit signs of being disoriented or in pain. Once your veterinarian has found the cause, then treatments can begin.
Dogs that are diagnosed with seizures will require a specialized treatment plan that is ongoing. Your veterinarian will put your dog on medication and schedule check ups to ensure that the medication is doing its job and stopping the seizures.
Some dogs that are diagnosed with cataracts are good candidates for surgical removal. In most of these cases vision is restored and your dog will live a normal life. Other dogs will have their cataracts closely monitored and may require medication to slow the progression of the cataract. Dogs diagnosed with PRA will eventually go blind from the disease. Speak with your veterinarian about helping your dog adjust to their vision impairment.
Prevention of Flinching
While it may be difficult to prevent some medical conditions, there are steps that can be taken to ensure that your dog lives a healthy, happy life. Regular check ups are very important and it is just as important to visit your veterinarian if you notice something odd, either physical or behavioral.
Dogs that are naturally shy or are lacking socialization can become well-adjusted and confident dogs with the guidance of a canine behaviorist or a professional dog trainer.
Cost of Flinching
Treatments for disorientation will vary depending on the underlying cause and can be anywhere from $300 to $2500. Treatments for seizure disorders will average about $1500. Dogs that are diagnosed with cataracts can be treated, but it can be expensive with costs ranging from $300 to $3000.
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Flinching Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Husky
Two Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog threw up looks like food , after that shit was real wobbly and I went to go pet her and she was flinching
Nov. 23, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
1 Recommendations
Vomiting and diarrhoea can have many causes including gastroenteritis, parasites, toxin ingestion, liver disease etc.
As she is flinching, it is possible she is in pain (which can, for example, happen with abdominal cramping) or that she is feeling nauseous or anxious due to what is going on.
She needs a vet check so we can get to the bottom of the issue and she may well benefit from some medicine such as an anti-nausea injection and anti-diarrhoea paste.
Nov. 23, 2020
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Chihuahua
Two Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
I got a 2 year old tiny chihuahua from a friend and I noticed that she snorts a lot when breathing. And recently she started flinching out of nowhere. We’ve never abused or hit her in any way and she’s never flinched before.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
She may just take some time to get used to you - not all dogs that flinch have been abused, and she could just be a little scared of unusual noises. If you are concerned about that, or her breathing, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Yorkiepoo
Raisin
14 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
Not sure if he's having a seizure? I noticed twice today that my dog's face is flickering and then his legs slide out from underneath him while he is standing. Only lasts for about 2 seconds, need advice.
May 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
As dogs age, many neurologic and muscular things can start to happen, and some of them are quite benign. Without seeing Raisin, I'm not sure that I can comment on what might be happening, but it would be a good idea to have him examined by a veterinarian to see if he does need any treatment for that.
May 29, 2018
My 15 year old dachshund had similar issue and was diagnosed with myoclonic seizures and is doing well on Keppra. Something you might want to ask about. wishing you well.
July 1, 2018
Stephanie
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Golden Retreiver
Roxy
10 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My dog has started flinching when I try to touch her and even when I don't. She is also shaking irregularly and nodding her head. She is not very responsive but is not completely unresponsive and she keeps trying to go to sleep. I am really worried and no vet is open at the moment, What do i do?
Nov. 17, 2017
3 Recommendations
There are a few possible causes including ear infections, neck or back pain, other sources of pain, vision loss, neurological conditions among other causes; it is important to let Roxy sleep and monitor her for the time being, make notes of any other behaviour or triggers (noise, light etc…). Make sure that she is at least drinking and staying hydrated. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 17, 2017
Yes I left water out for her but she will not stand up to get it.
Nov. 17, 2017
Roxy's Owner
Hi Roxy's owner, I was wondering if you ever learned more about what was causing this. My dog Smoky had identical symptoms a few days ago and I brought him to the vet. She thought his digestive tract was overfull and it may have been pushing on his spinal column, but she wasn't sure. The symptoms have stopped since but he really gave me a scare and I'm worried it's going to happen again. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks!
Feb. 1, 2018
Lindsay S.
HELLO!! last fall I brought into our family (because bought sounds so cold!) a 2.5 year old Azorian cattle dog !!! she is amazingly awesome!!!!! a giant sucky baby and so smart but as the rest of her breed she doesn't like strange dogs,great with people an kids , I procured her from a gentleman who from my point of view cared for her over whelmingly and didn't abuse her ! BUT!! most of the time I go to make first contact with her she flinches but after that first contact I can pet her anywhere blow raspberries on her belly stick my head in her mouth if it could fit!(the point is she trust an lets me do anything!) I don't yell a her and don't need to scold her because shes amazingly trained and smart an awesome! but the flinching thing really has me perplexed ,especially when I'm walking her an a stranger goes to pet her an she flinches it makes it look like I'm a piece of shit! animal abuser!, so any insight would an could be appreciated , I just really love this dog , an use to make fun of people who fawn over their animals to much but! I GET IT!! I GET IT!! LOL
June 1, 2018
John M.
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