Science Has The Answer To Whether Dogs Dream When They Fall Asleep

Humans dream all the time. But what about dogs? After all, they do often sleep for up to 14 hours per day including naps, and many times, they move or make noises as they snooze. According to science, yes, our canine companions do dream – and so do most animals!

Experts believe that dogs and cats, who have a good degree of intellectual capability, are likely to experience dreams. They also go through similar sleep cycles to humans, drifting from being awake to REM sleep and beyond. Plenty of their time is spent in REM sleep, giving dogs lots of opportunities to experience dreams!

We can’t know for sure what dogs dream about, but we can certainly guess. Some research indicates that animals may have dreams based on real experiences, especially on their most recent activities. This means they might dream about going for walks, eating their favorite food, or playing with you.

Sadly, this also means that dogs can get nightmares. You may sometimes notice that your dog’s twitching movements or snuffling noises take on a more frightened or upset tone. This could be a sign that your dog is having a nightmare.

It’s difficult to do, but you should leave your dog alone while they have their dreams, even the bad ones. The nightmares will pass on their own. Talk to your vet if you have serious concerns about your canine companion’s sleeping habits!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay