Narcolepsy in Dogs: Understanding and Managing Canine Narcolepsy

When we think about narcolepsy, we often imagine a person falling gently asleep mid-sentence, only to awaken minutes later and carry on as if nothing happened. But did you know that the disorder can affect dogs, too?

Narcolepsy in dogs is a disorder that primarily affects Dachshund, Doberman, and Labrador Retriever breeds, though all breeds may be affected by the condition. Just like in humans, narcolepsy is categorized by sudden, total loss of muscle control and sleep. While narcoleptic attacks may be jarring, they’re not dangerous. Read on to learn all about this disorder. 

What is Narcolepsy in Dogs?

Just like in humans, narcolepsy in dogs is a neurological disorder that causes a dog to suddenly and spontaneously collapse and fall asleep without any warning. This can happen at any moment, even while playing, eating, or going to the bathroom. After some time, the dog awakens and returns to their activity, seemingly unaffected. 

Narcolepsy is a long-documented disorder dating back to the 1800s, when its symptoms were first described by German psychiatrist Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal.¹ The disorder was not formally reported in dogs until almost a century later when a doctor watching a video of a narcoleptic attack in humans noted that he knew a dog that exhibited the same symptoms. While this dog had already passed, another narcoleptic canine was identified a year later. This dog, a French Poodle named Monique, was taken to Stanford to be studied. Monique’s behavior became the basis of what we now know about narcolepsy in dogs.²

Canine narcolepsy typically falls into two main categories: 

• Familial narcolepsy: This is a hereditary form of narcolepsy that typically presents between 1 and 5 months of age and has relatively mild symptoms. Familial narcolepsy most commonly affects Dobermans, Dachshunds, and Labrador Retrievers. 
• Sporadic narcolepsy: A non-hereditary form of narcolepsy that can present anytime between 7 weeks and 7 years. Symptoms of sporadic narcolepsy are typically much more severe. 

Signs & Symptoms of Canine Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy in dogs can be a startling disorder. Its symptoms begin abruptly and are often confused with the symptoms of a seizure. However, there are several defining characteristics that differentiate narcoleptic attacks from seizures. 

Cataplexy is a primary characteristic of narcolepsy in dogs. In humans, narcolepsy can be present with or without cataplexy, a sudden loss of all voluntary muscle control. Type 1 narcolepsy in humans presents with cataplexy, whereas Type 2 narcolepsy presents as persistent sleepiness without cataplexy. In dogs, on the other hand, all narcolepsy presents with cataplexy. 

Interestingly, narcoleptic attacks in dogs are usually triggered by a positive emotional stimulus, like food or play. When a narcoleptic dog becomes overly excited, they suddenly experience a narcoleptic attack. 

Narcoleptic attacks in dogs occur in three stages: 

• Stage 1: At the onset of an attack, a narcoleptic dog experiences cataplexy, often in its hind legs, and drooping in the neck. Unlike seizures, the cataplexy is not accompanied by salivation or incontinence and the dog’s muscles remain relaxed, not stiff. During the first stage of the attack, a dog’s eyes remain open and visually track as normal. An EEG shows normal brain activity during this stage. 

• Stage 2: As the attack continues, a dog’s brain will fall asleep and reach a stage similar to REM sleep. They may display rapid eye movements, their muscles may twitch, and their limbs may make slow, repetitive movements. This reads on an EEG extremely similarly to REM sleep. Narcoleptic attacks do not always last long enough for the dog to reach this stage. 

• Stage 3: In the final stage of canine narcolepsy, a dog wakes up and returns to normal brain activity. They may be aroused by loud noise, physical touch, or on their own.2

Just like in humans, dogs with narcolepsy often experience much more irregular sleep schedules. Unlike a typical sleep schedule, categorized by long periods of activity punctuated with the occasional nap and nighttime sleep, narcoleptic dogs have shorter and more frequent sleep than non-narcoleptic dogs. Overall, narcoleptic and non-narcoleptic dogs tend to have similar numbers of sleeping and waking hours throughout the course of a day, but narcoleptic dogs’ sleep is much more erratic. 

Narcolepsy in humans is also often accompanied by sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and more, but there’s no way to determine whether dogs experience these symptoms. 

What Causes Narcolepsy in Dogs?

It’s not entirely known what causes narcolepsy in dogs. In terms of familial narcolepsy, the general consensus is that it’s caused by a mutation in the hypocretin (orexin) receptor 2 gene (Hcrtr). This mutation has been identified in various different families of narcoleptic dogs, though it appears that the mutation has occurred differently in each. Familial narcolepsy may also be caused by an autoimmune response that destroys neuron cells. 

Sporadic narcolepsy is caused by a drop in orexin levels. Some researchers believe that this also may be brought on by auto-immune attacks. Some also believe that obesity contributes to narcolepsy in dogs, but the results are inconclusive. 

Diagnosis & Treatment of Canine Narcolepsy

To diagnose narcolepsy in dogs, a vet will conduct physical and neurological examinations to rule out other medical conditions like epilepsy, heart disease, and other diseases that may present with similar symptoms. They’ll also take as comprehensive a medical and familial history as possible, as narcolepsy is a highly genetic disease. 

A vet may try to diagnose narcolepsy by testing levels of orexin in your dog’s spinal fluid or attempt to trigger a narcoleptic attack using food or other positive stimuli. 

Genetic testing can also help identify whether your dog is at risk of narcolepsy. At-home test kits are available from Dutch – dog owners simply need to follow instructions on the kit and send them to a lab for testing. 

There’s no cure for narcolepsy in dogs, but there are methods that may help to reduce the frequency or severity of narcoleptic episodes. Because narcoleptic attacks are so commonly triggered by excitement, minimizing spikes in excitement may help limit attacks. Helping a dog remain calm when meeting new people, limiting surprises like other dogs or treats, and other tactics may help. 

In some cases, a vet may prescribe medications to prevent narcoleptic and cataplectic attacks. Physostigmine can reduce the frequency of attacks and imipramine can make their symptoms less severe. 

FAQs

What breeds of dogs have narcolepsy?

While any breed can be diagnosed with narcolepsy, the genetic mutation that causes narcolepsy is most common in Dobermans, Dachshunds, and Labrador Retrievers. 

What does cataplexy look like in dogs?

Cataplexy in dogs typically presents as sudden paralysis and loss of control of their limbs, typically beginning with their hind legs. Unlike during seizures, in which a dog’s body becomes stiff, their muscles remain totally relaxed during cataplectic attacks. Cataplexy can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. 

How do I know if my dog has narcolepsy?

If you suspect your dog has narcolepsy, it’s a good idea to speak with a vet. They’ll perform an exam and assess whether your dog has narcolepsy or is suffering from another disorder. It’s a good idea to take note of your dog’s symptoms during a narcoleptic attack, as it’s not guaranteed that they’ll have one while at the vet. You may even want to film an attack for the vet to review. 

Final Notes 

Narcoleptic attacks can be alarming, but they aren’t dangerous in and of themselves. As long as you keep your dog safe during an attack, they can live long and happy lives with narcolepsy. 

Concerned your dog may have narcolepsy? Through Dutch, you can connect with an online vet who writes prescriptions. Plus, orders from Dutch’s online pet pharmacy, including genetic tests, ship to Dutch members for free. Join Dutch to take advantage of these benefits and more.