What Is Your Dog Dreaming About?

Dreams are so ambiguous and unknown – it’s hard to figure out what they mean and if they mean anything. There is the dream of being without clothes in front of a large audience, the one where you can’t speak and need to give an important speech. The vision of rejection, happiness, floating on a cloud – there are so many, and you can never know what you’re going to dream until you fall asleep. But are we the only ones who do this? Can a dog dream, and what about? Maybe we can figure it out once and for all!

What Defines Dreams?

Do we know what dreams are? They can be pleasant, scary, incredible, made up, perfectly vivid, or absurd. But what defines them? What are they? No matter what your life is, dreams are defined as images or experiences composed of a person’s thoughts. The most vivid dreams occur during our deepest sleep, known as REM sleep. Although a person dreams up to six times a night, most dreams are rarely remembered.

Does a Dog Actually Dream?

Studies on rats show they have dreams, and the same studies have transferred to dogs. Depending on the breed and age of our canine companion, their dreams can be more or less frequent and last for shorter or longer periods. And it has been found that whatever dreams your puppy has, that dream usually mimics the activities they participated in during the day.

What Dreams Do They Have?

It is already a known fact that a dog has the same dreams as a human – they dream of lived experiences. More often than not, you can tell by your canine friend’s movements what they might be dreaming about. They could be running or walking around the lawn when moving their legs. They might be picturing drinking water if they’re sticking their tongue out. The American Kennel Club also suggests that the breed of our buddies might play a role in their dreams.

Can a Pup Have Nightmares?

Dogs can have nightmares just as they do regular dreams, and they are also associated with their experiences. If a pup has been mistreated in any way, that might transfer to their dream in the form of whimpering and uneasiness. The best is to call their names from afar and try to wake them gently instead of jerking them awake. Be gentle, just as you would want someone to be with you if you’re having a nightmare.

A dog dreams just as a human does, and it’s hard to know what the dream may be about, but it’s a safe bet to think it might be thoughts about lived experiences. Our canine friends are no different than us – they dream – we dream. It can be about anything and everything!