Narcolepsy in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Narcolepsy
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

A rare nervous system disorder affecting sleeping habits. Triggered by emotional excitement, the narcoleptic episode manifests itself as a sudden sleeping onset; the dog simply drops on the ground asleep. It often occurs during playtime or feeding. Animals can be easily woken up, but if the source of excitement is still present, they are likely to fall asleep again. Veterinary examination shows no obvious abnormalities. It is not evident what causes narcoleptic episodes or how to treat them. This condition does not pose a threat to your pet’s health nor it causes any pain or suffering, but it should be taken seriously.

Breeds exposed to Narcolepsy – Research Reference
Miniature Dachshund Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Irish Water Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pug Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bloodhound – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Irish Water Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pug – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pyrenean Mountain Dog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Cocker Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Cattle Dog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dachshund – Long Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bloodhound Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Cattle Dog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Cocker Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dachshund – Long Haired Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Narcolepsy or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.