You’ve seen it before: your dog is fast asleep, when suddenly! Their paws twitch. Their nose wiggles. They make a tiny “boof” sound.
Are they dreaming?
Yes! Dogs do dream, and what happens inside their furry heads while they snooze is a little bit weird, but wildly wonderful, and more scientific than you might think.
The science of dog dreams
Just like humans, dogs go through sleep cycles. These include:
During REM, the brain is buzzing with activity, but most of the body stays still. That’s thanks to a small but powerful part of the brainstem called the pons.
What’s the pons and why is it important?
The pons (say: ponz) is a small but mighty part of the brain, found in the brainstem, the area that connects the brain to the spinal cord.
Think of it as a message station. The pons helps send signals between different parts of the brain, especially between the cerebrum (the thinking part) and the cerebellum (the part that helps with balance and movement).
But here’s where it gets extra interesting for dog lovers…
The “pons” and dog dreams
The pons also controls when you move, or don’t move, during sleep. When dogs (and humans!) enter the deep sleep stage called REM, the pons turns off most of their body’s muscles. This keeps them from acting out their dreams and running into furniture!
Sometimes, though, the pons lets just a little bit of movement sneak through, which is why dogs twitch their paws, wag their tails, or softly bark while dreaming.
So next time you see your dog snuffling in their sleep, thank their pons, it’s helping them chase that tennis ball safely from bed.
What do dogs dream about?
While we can’t ask dogs directly (yet!), scientists believe dogs dream about what they know:
Running, playing, sniffing, eating, chasing things, digging holes, or cuddling up with you.
The same parts of the brain used during those activities light up during REM sleep, so dreaming might be a way for dogs to replay their day, practice behaviours, or even solve problems.
Do dogs have nightmares?
They might! If your dog whimpers, growls, or seems distressed in sleep, it could be a bad dream.
But don’t panic, just like us, dogs usually forget scary dreams quickly and go back to snoozing peacefully. It's generally best not to wake them up mid-dream.
Want to know when your dog is deep in dreamland? Look for:
Each one could be a sign they’re busy living a whole other life in their dreams.
Do other animals dream?
Yes! Scientists believe many animals dream, including: cats, rats, birds, elephants, and even octopuses.
How to help your dog sleep well
Want your dog to enjoy their dreams? Here’s how to help them snooze deeply:
Want to learn more about animal brains and behaviour?
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