Do dogs dream? Most pet owners know the answer to that question…it is a resounding “yes!” Many owners witness the humorous spectacle of their pup whining, growling, twitching, licking their lips, slightly wagging their tail, or even moving their legs in their sleep. It is funny to witness, yet it is intriguing at the same time. So, the big question really is: what do dogs dream about?
Believe it or not, dogs are very similar to humans in their sleep cycles and patterns. This affords scientists with a comprehensive understanding that aids in the study of dogs and dreaming. Scientists began with studying the brainwaves of canines during their sleep; they were then reproduced and measured by researchers by using an EEG (electroencephalogram). They found that when dogs fall asleep, they enter in lightly and their breathing is even and they are susceptible to being awakened easily (very similar to humans).
They then fall into a deeper sleep; their breathing slows down, deepens, becomes more irregular, and they begin to experience REM (Rapid Eye Movements), which is a sign of dreaming. They go through this cycle several times each night, and this is commonly known as the REM cycle. Scientists believe that when their eyes move back and forth rapidly they are watching pictures move quickly through their line of vision. This is the time that you begin to see your pet twitching and making subtle noises. Dogs, also like humans, require a good night’s sleep to stay healthy and happy, so it is important their sleep cycle does not get interrupted often.
An interesting fact that scientists have discovered in their research of dogs’ sleep cycles is that it appears that small dogs tend to dream more often than larger dogs. As of yet, researchers are still unsure of the reason. Does it mean that smaller dogs have more vivid imaginations than larger dogs? Does their size have a direct correlation to their breathing habits in order to prompt dreaming? As scientists spend more time studying the sleeping habits of dogs, more information will yield itself.
But all this information still doesn’t answer the question listed above: what do dogs dream about? Well, what do humans dream about? Fantasies of being the star player in a professional sporting event, embarrassing moments that are completely irrevocable and mortifying, or maybe a weird nightmare that cannot seem to be explained. We can only explain what humans dream about because we are humans.
So how can we answer this question about dogs and their dreams? The best answer that can be given as of yet is simply this: dogs most likely dream about the same kinds of things humans do. Fantasies of getting that turkey dinner, of catching that squirrel. Or maybe it will be something as simple as recounting the events of the day. No one can really say as of right now. Maybe as science and research grows, new and innovative technology will be bred that will allow us to see into the dreams of dogs. For now, we will simply have to be content with our imaginations when it comes to dogs and their dreams.
