Blue/grey lurcher sleeping on beige sofa with yellow cushions

Do dogs dream?: FAQ

Yes – dogs do dream. Scientists have found that the same areas of the brain that light up for humans when we dream, also light up in dogs.

While dogs are very different to us, they can enjoy the same deep sleep that we do. You may have also noticed your dog twitching, and wondered if they can have dreams as well. We've answered the most frequently asked questions on dogs and their dreaming habits.

Do dogs dream?

Yes – dogs do dream. The same areas of the brain that light up for humans when we dream, also light up in dogs.

Just like us, dogs enter different cycles throughout their sleep. Dreaming is most likely to happen in the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleeping.

What are the signs of dreaming?

This REM phase of sleep is when you may notice signs your dog is dreaming:

  • Paw twitching
  • Change in breathing
  • Eye flickering
  • Whimpering
  • Barking
  • Body twitching
  • Tail swishing

What do dogs dream about?

According to our behaviour expert Claire Stallard, we’ll never know what dogs dreams about. There's no way to see inside their heads to find out about their dreams. But a dog’s brain processes information in a similar way to ours. So they may dream in the same way that we do.

As humans, we dream partly to process their day. This helps us to learn about and digest what we have experienced. Our dreams mix things we like or dislike, with memories of people we've met throughout the day. The same goes for our dogs. So, if your dog enjoys chasing squirrels, they may experience this in their dreams.

Dogs are often very attached to their owners. As owners we also play a huge part in our dog’s day. So, it’s incredibly likely that your dog is also dreaming about you.

Is your dog having a good or bad dream?

Since we cannot know what our dogs are dreaming about, it's impossible to tell if they're having a good or bad dream. But we can look at their behaviours while they sleep, and make a good guess.

Dogs react physically to their dreams while they sleep, similar to humans. It’s likely that if your dog is happily barking or twitching, they are having a good dream. Whimpering may indicate they are having a bad dream.

Should I wake my dog up if they are having a bad dream?

No, you should not wake your dog up if you think they're having a bad dream. 
When we dream, we digest our day. It’s our way of building up emotional resilience so that when we're faced with the situation again, we can better cope with it. It is thought that dogs’ dreams are of equal importance to their wellbeing. So it’s best to let them sleep, even if they're having a bad dream.

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Reviewed

• 23 May 2024

Next review

• 21 May 2027

Approved by
Caroline Reay

Veterinary Surgeon MRCVS