Scientist Deirdre Barrett has shared information about what our four-legged companions can see during deep sleep, and it's good news for all dog owners. Share this article Share this article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy link Link copied Bookmark Comments
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There is nothing more adorable than watching your dog doze off, twitching his paws as if he just went for a great run, or barking softly.
As devoted dog owners, we'd like to believe that they dream of warm cuddles on the couch or fun runs through the fields with other furry friends.
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Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a clinical and developmental psychologist at Harvard Medical School, conducted a study to find out exactly what our four-legged friends dream about.
Her findings suggest that it's likely that dogs dream about their everyday adventures, just like us humans, which means they might dream about us, their beloved owners.
In an interview with People magazine, she explained: “Humans dream about the same things that interest them during the day, albeit more vividly and less logically. There is no reason to believe that animals are different in this regard.”
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“Since dogs are usually very attached to their human owners, it is likely that your dog is dreaming about your face, your smell, and the desire to please you or perhaps anger you.”
While there's no definitive way to figure out what exactly a dog is dreaming about, Dr. Barrett suggests that it's likely that it's dreaming about running if its paws start twitching, or perhaps dreaming about talking to another dog or person if it starts barking.
She explains that most animals, like humans, cycle through light, deep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. REM sleep is when humans dream, suggesting that this is when our pets go through their nightly adventures, too.
In humans, REM sleep typically begins about 90 minutes after falling asleep and lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, with each stage lengthening as the night progresses.
Dr. Barrett recommends that pet owners improve their dogs' sleep by providing them with “happy daytime experiences” and creating a safe, comfortable place for them to sleep at night.
However, when it comes to nightmares, the American Kennel Club advises owners to “not disturb sleeping dogs” as they may attack anyone who disturbs their sleep.
Their manual states: “Not all human dreams are positive. We suspect that dogs may have nightmares too. These nightmares are difficult to observe.”
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“It may be tempting to wake your dog up to calm him down, like a child, but there are certain risks associated with nightmares in dogs that you should share with your family.
“If you've ever woken up from a terrible dream, you know that it can take you a full minute to realize where you are and who you're with.
“Like some people, dogs can react aggressively to a person waking them up. This can be dangerous, especially for children.
“The best thing you can do for a dog you think is having a bad dream is to wait until he wakes up and be there to comfort him.”
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One dog owner responded to this advice by sharing, “My dog always runs in his sleep, and when he doesn't run, he whines.”
Another added: “As for the dog, maybe it is true because I am always chasing my dog and he barks all the time and when he sleeps he barks too.”
A third expressed gratitude, saying: “I didn't know that – thank you very much.”
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