Do dogs dream? Curiosities, theories and things to know

Movements in Sleep, soft whimpers, paws twitching as if running—our pet friends remain quite active even while sleeping. But do dogs really dream? The answer is yes, dogs do dream, and they do so in a way surprisingly similar to us. Their dream world is just as fascinating as how they perceive the world around them. Let’s explore why.

How Dogs Experience Dreams

When a dog sleeps, their brain cycles through different sleep stages, much like humans. The phase where dreams occur most vividly is called REM (Rapid Eye Movement). During this stage, a dog's eyes move rapidly beneath closed eyelids, indicating they are experiencing a dream.
Scientific research and advances in diagnostic tools have revealed that dogs exhibit brain wave patterns similar to those of humans during deep sleep, suggesting that their dreams are rich and vivid.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Dreaming

Typically, the rapid eye movements of REM sleep are accompanied by soft whimpers, rapid breathing, and twitching paws as if your dog is running. These behaviors indicate that your dog is immersed in a dream. When you notice these signs, rest assured your furry friend is reliving an exciting adventure in their sleep.

What Do Dogs Dream About?

While human dreams can be complex and symbolic, dogs' dreams are likely more straightforward, reflecting their daily experiences.
Studies conducted by Columbia University and supported by Harvard Medical School suggest that dogs primarily dream about interactions with their owners. This is because they process and store vast amounts of information related to their experiences with you. Your dog may be dreaming about playing with you, your last mountain hike together, or even receiving their favorite treat.

The Duration and Frequency of Dog Dreams

The length of a dog's dreams varies based on size and age. Smaller breeds dream more frequently, but their dreams tend to be shorter. In contrast, larger dogs have longer dreams, though they occur less often.
Age is also a factor: puppies, for example, spend more time in the REM phase than adult dogs. This is crucial for their development, as dreaming helps them process and retain new experiences learned throughout the day.

What to Do If Your Dog Seems to Have a Nightmare

Just like humans, dogs can experience nightmares. If your furry companion appears distressed while sleeping, it’s best not to wake them. However, if your dog seems extremely agitated, you can gently wake them with a calm voice.
Sudden awakenings can startle your dog, causing them to react defensively. Additionally, a negative association with sleep could make them anxious about resting in the future.

Now that you know dogs do dream, you can watch your pup sleep with newfound understanding. Remember to avoid startling them awake and always provide a peaceful sleeping environment. After all, in their dreams, they may be reliving the wonderful moments spent with you—another reminder of the deep bond you share.