A journey into the dream world of our four-legged friends
It happens to everyone. One quiet evening, the dog is sleeping in his kennel or next to the sofa. At a certain point, he starts moving his paws, making little noises, shaking his muzzle. And you smile, you become tender, and you ask yourself: “I wonder what he’s dreaming about…”
But do dogs really dream? And if so, what their dreams are made of?
Yes, dogs dream
Science confirms it. Studies conducted on animal sleep, particularly those at MIT, have shown that Dogs also go through REM sleep phases (Rapid Eye Movement), just like us. During this stage, the brain is particularly active, and it is believed that this is when dreams emerge.
The movements of the paws, the vibrations of the muzzle, the twitching of the nose or ears, sometimes even a little bark or a yelp: all this suggests intense mental activity. In other words, your dog is in the middle of a dream.
Dreams speak the language of the heart
But what does a dog really dream about? This is where science meets interpretation. Researchers believe that, just like humans, dogs dream fragments of their day: a walk in the park, a game with their favorite stuffed animal, a meeting with another dog, feeding time, a run on the grass, a dive into the water.
After all, for us too, dreams are often emotional reflections of our experiences, rather than logical constructions. For dogs it is the same: they dream emotions, not thoughts. They dream of happiness, curiosity, sometimes fear. And perhaps, when they wag their tails in their sleep, they are reliving a free run that made them feel truly alive.
Even the bond with you enters into dreams
Some researchers suggest that dogs may dream about the people they are close to. After all, you are the center of their universe: the point of reference, the companion of adventures, the source of protection and affection.
It is not absurd to think that you are present in your dog's dream world. Maybe on an endless walk, or while you give him the bowl, or more simply sitting next to him, like every evening. Dogs, as we know, they live for affection, and where there is love, there are dreams.
Puppies dream more
A puppy dreams much more often than an adult dog. The reason is simple: their brain is in full development, and dreams help to process and consolidate new experiences. Every day is a discovery: a new smell, an unexpected noise, a caress never felt before.
And at night, in the world of dreams, all these emotions are transformed into little internal films that help the puppy understand the world and himself.
When sleep is restless
There are nights when dreams seem to become nightmares. The dog gets agitated, cries, complains. This is also normal. Just like us, it can have unpleasant memories, past traumas, or unexpressed fears that emerge during sleep.
If it happens often, especially in dogs that have been adopted or have had difficult experiences, it may be helpful to talk to a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. But in most cases, it is enough to be there, next to them, ready to reassure them when they wake up. The sound of your voice can be the end of a bad dream.
The beauty of letting them dream
When your dog sleeps, don't disturb him. Even if it is agitated, even if it dreams loudly. That moment is sacred. It is a time of processing, healing and freedom. Dreams are a space where you can running without a leash, sniffing without limits, being himself beyond control.
And perhaps this is the greatest dream of every dog: feeling free, loved and safe, knowing that when he wakes up, you will still be there.