Do Dogs Dream?

When your dog is sleeping and moving, making noises, or suddenly whimpering, what does it mean? Don't doubt it—your dog is likely dreaming! While dogs can't wake up and tell us what they dream about to confirm this, there is plenty of scientific evidence suggesting that dogs do indeed dream!

How Do We Know This? Let's Take a Look:

Our Brains Are Similar
   Although there are many differences between human and dog brains, they are structurally quite similar, making it likely that dogs can dream.

Dogs Experience Deep Sleep Stages
   Like humans, dogs enter deep sleep stages, which are accompanied by rapid eye movement (REM) and irregular breathing.

Other Animals Do Too… We Think
   Similar to dogs, the brains of mice show wave activity during sleep that resembles that of humans, even though their brains are much smaller than those of humans and dogs.

Smaller Dogs Dream More
   While no one knows for sure why, smaller dog breeds tend to dream more than larger breeds. For example, Poodles and Chihuahuas may dream every 10 minutes, while Golden Retrievers might only dream once every 90 minutes.

It's Normal and Natural
   Although it might be surprising or even a bit scary to see your dog exhibiting behaviors while sleeping, this behavior is completely normal and natural!

How Can You Tell if Your Dog is Dreaming?

It's simple! Observe your dog after they fall asleep. If you notice strange movements or sounds after about 20 minutes, they are likely dreaming!