You know the moment. Your pup’s sound asleep, and suddenly — a twitch, a tail flick, maybe even a soft little “woof.” Are they dreaming? And if they are… what on earth are they dreaming about?
Let’s dig into what science has to say about your dog’s nighttime adventures.
Do Dogs Actually Dream?
Yes! Just like humans, dogs experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the phase where dreams are most likely to occur. During REM, the brain is active, which means your dog is very possibly dreaming away — even if their legs are doing a weird little jog in place.
What Do Dogs Dream About?
While we can’t ask them directly (sadly), research on brain activity suggests dogs dream about things they do while awake — like playing, running, or interacting with their humans. So if your dog’s tail is wagging in their sleep, they might just be reliving that walk where they finally caught the tennis ball mid-air. A proud moment.
They may also dream about:
- Chasing the neighbour’s cat (again)
- Barking at the postie (but quieter this time)
- That time they found the roast chicken unattended for 0.3 seconds
-
You (yes, you) — their favourite part of the day
Why Do They Bark or Run in Their Sleep?
Those adorable sleep barks, paw paddles, and twitches? That’s muscle memory reacting to their dreams, just like humans who talk in their sleep or jerk awake from a vivid one. It’s totally normal — and usually means your dog is deep in a good snooze.
Just don’t try to wake them abruptly, startled pups can be confused or reactive. Let them ride it out.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Dreaming is normal. But if your dog is thrashing, whimpering loudly, or can’t be woken easily, it might be worth checking in with your vet. Nighttime seizures are rare, but they can look similar to dream twitches — so better safe than sorry.
Do All Dogs Dream the Same?
Not quite. Puppies and older dogs spend more time in REM sleep, so they tend to dream more often. Breeds with high energy or working backgrounds (like Border Collies or Kelpies) may also have more active dreams simply because their days are more action-packed.
Putting This One to Bed
At the end of the day, dreaming is just another sign that your dog is living a full, stimulating life — with enough love, play, and snacks to fuel even their subconscious.
So the next time you see those sleepy twitches and hear that muffled bark, smile. Your dog’s out there in dreamland, probably chasing butterflies, chewing on clouds, or starring in a heroic tale where the villain is… the vacuum.
💬 What’s the funniest thing your dog has done while dreaming? Share with us in the comments!