Do Dogs Dream? And What’s Really Going On in Their Sleep
If you’ve ever watched your pup twitch their paws, wiggle their nose, or even let out a little whimper while snoozing, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Are they dreaming right now?”
Short answer: yes, dogs do dream. But the full story is even more fascinating — from the science of REM sleep to whether those little cries mean a bad dream, and even what they might be dreaming about (hint: you’re in there more often than you think ❤).
How Much Do Dogs Sleep?
- Puppies: 18–20 hours a day (growing is hard work!)
- Adults: 12–16 hours a day, depending on breed and lifestyle
- Senior dogs: often nap more as their energy levels change
That’s a lot of dreaming time... so what exactly is happening in their heads?
Do Dogs Really Dream Like Humans?
Yes — dogs experience dream states very similar to ours. Their sleep cycles move from light dozing to REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the stage where vivid dreams occur. Research shows their brain activity during REM is almost identical to ours.
- Small dogs tend to have short but frequent dreams (around a minute long every 10 minutes).
- Larger dogs experience longer dreams, lasting up to 5 minutes, but with more time in between.
What Are They Dreaming About?
Science suggests dogs dream about the same things they do when awake — everyday experiences and instinctive behaviours:
- Chasing a ball
- Running with their pack (you included!)
- Swimming, hunting, or exploring new smells
- Protecting their family
And yes — many experts believe dogs dream about their humans too. Your face, your voice, even your smell — you’re one of the biggest parts of their world!
Do Dogs Have Nightmares?
If dogs can dream, they can also have nightmares. These aren’t “monster under the bed” stories, but are more likely linked to stressful experiences or instincts, such as:
- Feeling alone or abandoned (separation anxiety)
- Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms
- Conflicts with other dogs
If your pup whimpers, growls, or cries in their sleep, it could be a sign they’re processing something stressful.
How to Spot a Dog in Dreamland
- Whining or soft barking
- Twitching whiskers or paws
- Paddling legs like they’re running
- Tail flicks or ear movements
Puppies and older dogs usually twitch more because the part of the brain (called the pons) that controls big muscle movements during sleep is either under-developed (in puppies) or weakening (in older dogs).
Should You Wake a Dreaming Dog?
- Waking them too often can interrupt important sleep cycles.
- A startled dog might react defensively, even towards someone they love.
If your pup seems distressed, gently call their name from a distance rather than touching them. Once awake and alert, you can give cuddles. Frequent nightmares? Check with your vet for peace of mind.
Sweet Dreams, Pack Members
Dreams are another reminder of how incredible our dogs are. They share our homes — and similar sleep patterns, emotions, and dream worlds.
Next time you see your dog paddling in sleep, smile — they’re probably chasing a ball, swimming through a lake, or running alongside you in dreamland.
At WAGGSTERS, we believe every dog deserves comfort in both their waking life and their dream world. Our harnesses, collars, and leads are built with premium materials, ergonomic designs, and personalised touches — so your pup’s adventures (day or night) are always safe, stylish, and stress-free.
