It's no secret dogs dream just like humans. The American Kennel Club writes that dogs go through several sleep cycles. Just like us, petshave periods of wakefulness, followed by Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, and non-rapid-eye-movement sleep. REM sleep is the time responsible for your pooch’s most memorable and vivid dreams and is believed to be a part of how their body processes memory, among other things.
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The National Sleep Foundation reports that dogs spend about half their day sleeping. For puppies, senior dogs, and larger breeds, time spent sleeping can be even longer. So what are they actually dreaming about?
You! Your dog is dreaming about you
You can be sure that you are the main hero of your dog’s dreams. A leader of the pack, you are the centrepiece of their life, asleep or awake.Walk, games, feeding time, night snuggles and all the other activities involving you are all present in your dog’s dreams.
Your pooch is chasing cats and squirrels in their sleep
Dr Gary Richter, DVM, a veterinary health expert with Rover, says that if a dog is sleep-barking, it might be thinking about a squirrel running up a tree. This means that your dog is surely getting revenge on the mischievous cats and rodents in their sleep while they are too fast to get in real life.
Your furry friend dreams of long walks and runs
If your dog twitches its paws in its sleep, it may be dreaming of running. Dogs love being outdoors, and this is where their brains send them when they're asleep.
Your dog gets treats and praises from you when it's asleep
There is nothing your dog likes more than getting praises and treats, and this is something reflected in your pet’s dreams. Getting your attention, approving touch and of course, dog’s goodies might be your pet’s favourite part while they dream.
Do Dogs Have Nightmares?
Just like us, our pets have nightmares too. Some dogs can growl or make frightening sounds in their sleep.
It can be tempting to wake your dog to comfort them, but there are some risks you should be aware of. Like some people, dogs can react aggressively toward the person waking them. This can be dangerous, especially for children. If you think your pooch is having a nightmare, the best thing to do is to wait for it to wake up and be there to comfort it.
Read more:
⋙ Is your dog’s breath stinky? This is what you can do about it
⋙ Feeling bored on dog walks? Test these 5 original ideas to make them fun again
⋙ 5 mind-blowing facts about your dog’s most important organ
