What Do Dogs Dream About?

According to scientific research, dreaming is a response to daily activities, thoughts and actions, a metaphorical reflection of the events of our day that rarely make sense to us when we wake up. Studies show that dreams occur during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep and by preventing it; scientists have thus prevented candidates from dreaming. Results of the experiment suggested that those whose dreams were prevented were much more susceptible to anxiety and irritability, making dreaming a vital part of a stable mind.

As popular pets, many are interested to know if dogs share our ability to dream. Known for twitching, flinching and barking during sleep, most suggest that they do indeed dream, but their limited imaginations probably also place a limit on their dream topic.

There are two main stages of sleep that we share with dogs known as SWS (slow wave sleep) and REM (rapid eye movement). During SWS, dog’s muscles are prepared for use, breathing is heavy and the heart rate is slow, and during REM, breathing quickens and heart rate increases. In both dogs and in humans, during the REM stage of sleep an electroencephalogram can be used to detect rapid and erratic activity within the brain. This indicates the point at which dreaming begins and the point at which many dogs will twitch and bark.

In accordance with this evidence, dogs do in fact dream. They are not the animals that do, either. It has been suggested that all mammals can dream, though the reasoning behind it is unclear.

Dogs that have suffered abuse or neglect, unlike humans, do not suffer from nightmares. Theories suggest that because dogs that have been victims of mistreatment and neglect don’t experience REM during their regular sleep pattern, they therefore do not dream at all. People who have suffered from trauma, however, are much more likely to suffer from nightmares.

According to leading expert Dr. Ernest Hartmann, dreams are shaped by the emotions of the dreamer, so it therefore stands to reason that a dog may well dream about their family, their favourite activities or their favourite treat. Also, just like children dream far more often than adults, puppies dream far more often than adult dogs. Dreaming dogs must always be left to dream.

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