Have you noticed your dog twitching, whining softly, slightly barking, or even trying to run while they’re sleeping? That’s a sign that they’re dreaming. Yes, dogs dream just like we do!
In fact, dog brains are very similar to our brains. When dogs are sleeping they go through stages of sleep, just like we do. So when dogs reach the dream stage, known as REM, that’s when you’ll see some movement and hear them making noises. But have you ever wondered what they may be dreaming about? This article will discuss how often dogs dream, what they dream about, & more.
How often
Just like people, not every dog will dream as much as others. It’s even said that size also affects how often a dog may dream. Puppies and small dogs typically have shorter dreams, while larger dogs have longer dreams. Although puppies & small dogs have shorter dreams, they will have dreams more often (every 10 minutes) during a sleep session. On the other hand, larger dogs will have a dream about every 60 minutes or so.
What they dream about
It’s not really clear what a dog dreams about, however, it’s believed they dream about what they experience throughout the day. This can include car rides, chasing an animal, playing with their favorite toy, or being with their favorite person.
Nightmares?
Unfortunately, dogs can have nightmares sometimes. When dogs are experiencing a nightmare they may start twitching frantically or whining. It’s thought that dog nightmares might consist of a fear they have or a traumatic experience. If you think your dog is having a nightmare, it’s best if you let the dream play out rather than wake them, as you could startle them more which may cause them to bite/nip.
