Has anyone had there dog sleep so soundly that they seem dead?

I fell asleep on the couch and when I got up at 2AM, I wanted Ami to move from the sunroom to the back hall.  He was lying on the floor, stretched out - usually when I pass by him sleeping, he at least opens his eyes.  This time, not a twitch.  I called his name, nothing.  I could not even see or hear him breathing.  I called his name again and when he did not respond, I gently picked up his paw - totally limp.  I raised it and let it drop - completely limp without any tension.  I finally, in a panic, shook his shoulder and called his name.  He woke up but very very groggy.

After that, he stood up, walked to his night time spot, had a drink and then followed me into the bedroom.

I know people can sleep this deeply but not sure about dogs.  Normal?

Yes! There have been times when I've had to shake Bode awake. I then feel bad for waking him up but I've had a couple freak out moments.

Oh thank you for that reply. It really freaked me out - I even insisted he sleep in the bedroom (not on the bed - Ami doesn't do that proximity ) Though he did jump up. How did I get him down? I got in bed, he glared at me and jumped down. Yes, I used deodarant yesterday

Oh gosh, it gets worse as they get older trust me. I have had 3 senior dogs in my life and 2 of them I would literally have to nudge multiple times to check as the first few times they just kept snoozing.

Since Avalanche sleeps right beside my bed, he gets my feet on him before he or I are really awake ... but I'll tell you what, he gets up quick!

Sasha has pulled the "dead dog" routine on me a few times. Eventually, if I look close I can see her breathing but very shallow. Call her name? "Ah, forget you dad, I'm sleeping!" Yep, it gets scarey at times ....

Wow Amy, I bet you felt your heart drop
I've had four huskies in my life and I don't recall it ever happening with any of them. My Malamute however, like tech girl mentioned, did that at times in his senior years (I assume because his hearing was deteriorating) and when I'd finally awaken him, he'd be really startled so What I had to start doing was to gently rub my finger on his paw and talk to him so he wouldn't be scared out of his deep sleep. It worked too!! He would do that little paw stretch thing then open his eyes. Anyways Amy, sounds like Archer really tired Ami out, LOL

Jimmy - that is part of what scared me. Ami had not played with Archer since Sunday. Tuesday was a wash for us due to husband being called to Boston unexpectedly, Ami got very little exercise. I'm still a bit concerned...wondering if dogs have sleep apnea or something similar. But, it is good to hear that others sleep that deeply also.

YES!
Sierra did this to me a few months ago freaked me the hell out and i thought she was dead, i mean at 12 now its a common scare in my head

Jenn, it's good to hear I'm not alone - even though Ami is just over 2, I'm still very much aware of the short lifespan of dogs. I think if Ami were 12, I'd almost be afraid to get out of bed in the morning! I don't think I was this bad even with my kids, possibly because it's highly likely Ami will be my last dog, though I certainly hope not.

amymeme wrote:

Jimmy - that is part of what scared me.  Ami had not played with Archer since Sunday.  Tuesday was a wash for us due to husband being called to Boston unexpectedly, Ami got very little exercise.  I'm still a bit concerned...wondering if dogs have sleep apnea or something similar.  But, it is good to hear that others sleep that deeply also.

Maybe that's it Amy...without Archer around, Ami could allow himself to fully relax and sleep, deeply.

Artic_Wind wrote:

amymeme wrote:

Jimmy - that is part of what scared me.  Ami had not played with Archer since Sunday.  Tuesday was a wash for us due to husband being called to Boston unexpectedly, Ami got very little exercise.  I'm still a bit concerned...wondering if dogs have sleep apnea or something similar.  But, it is good to hear that others sleep that deeply also.

Maybe that's it Amy...without Archer around, Ami could allow himself to fully relax and sleep, deeply.

Quite possible...I picked up Archer yesterday and it's been non-stop busy for those two. And with the snow melting and now frozen again, they can run on top of it instead of sinking and perplexing. I expect they'll sleep well tonight

LOL Amy, hopefully not TOO well

You mentioned how Ami didnt have his normal amount of exercise and I'm wondering if its possibly the lack of exercise that causes it...and maybe contributes to why it happens more in older dogs?? (see, I really do over-analyze things, haha)