https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/training-and-behavior/behavior-pet-facts-do-dogs-dream
If you have ever caught your dog twitching or moving its paws while asleep, you may have wondered: do dogs dream? It turns out, they do.
Dogs experience REM sleep, the sleep stage associated with vivid dreams in humans, and their sleep cycles mirror those of humans in many ways. Like us, dogs cycle through REM and non REM stages, with their sleep patterns varying depending on their size.
Larger dogs tend to have longer sleep cycles and longer dreams, while smaller dogs experience shorter cycles and briefer dreams.
Researchers have been able to study canine dreams by temporarily shutting down the brain’s muscle paralyzing region during sleep, allowing dogs to physically act out their dreams. These movements align with the behaviors of the dog’s breed.
Though it remains unclear why dogs dream, scientists believe it may help them process daily experiences and retain information, much like it does for humans.
While the true purpose of canine dreams remains a mystery, there’s no doubt that watching a dog dream can provide a source of joy and amusement for their owners.
It is a reminder that, just like us, dogs lead rich, complex mental lives, even when they are fast asleep.
Chewy editorial team helps us to understand the joy and fascination our pets bring us, both when awake and in their dream world.
