Dreaming or Something Else? Why Does My Dog Bark in His Sleep?

Overview

Your dog is sound asleep at your feet as you sit on the couch in a quiet house. Their paws begin to twitch as if they are running a marathon all of a sudden. Then, without ever opening their eyes, they make a muffled "boof," a tiny whine, or even a full-blown bark.

For a pet owner, it's one of the cutest sights, but it also raises a common query: Why does my dog bark while he sleeps?

The explanation is based on biology and the amazing way the canine brain interprets the world, even though it may appear that your dog is haunted by a tiny ghost. Let's take a closer look at what goes on during those "conversations" at midnight.

1. REM Sleep Science

Dogs sleep in stages, just like people do. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is the stage that produces the majority of the "action."

While the body is deeply relaxed during REM, the brain is very active. Dreaming takes place at this point. Dogs exhibit vocalization, such as barks, growls, or whimpers, whereas humans may speak or mumble. According to research, dogs experience complex dream cycles just like humans do because their brain waves during sleep are strikingly similar to our own.

2. What's in their dreams?

We must rely on behavioral studies because we are unable to ask them. According to scientists, dogs dream about "dog things."

They're probably reliving their day, whether it's playing fetch with their favorite ball, chasing that squirrel in the backyard, or defending the house from the mailman. Your dog is probably engaging with a clear mental image of a typical everyday activity when they bark while they sleep. They are merely reacting to a dream squirrel with their muffled barks!

3. Uncontrollable Motions and Twitches

Barking is frequently accompanied by eyelid flickering, muscle twitches, and "paddling" paws. Although the brain sends signals to the muscles, the pons, a portion of the brainstem, typically paralyzes the main muscles to stop the dog from actually getting up and colliding with a wall.

These signals can occasionally "leak" through, giving rise to the cute twitching and sleep-running that we love to capture on camera for social media.

4. When Is It Time to Worry?

Sleep barking is completely normal and healthy in the great majority of cases. But it's crucial to differentiate between a health problem and a happy dreamer.

• Seizures vs. Dreams: A seizure is typically characterized by the body becoming extremely stiff, violent shaking, or the dog losing control of their bladder or bowels, whereas dreams are characterized by rhythmic twitching and muffled barks. A dog experiencing a seizure won't wake up when you call their name, in contrast to a dog that is dreaming.

• Cognitive Dysfunction: Excessive vocalization or seeming "lost" when awake in older dogs may indicate Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which is essentially dog dementia.

A brief conversation with your veterinarian is always a good idea if the barking is accompanied by severe distress or if it's a sudden new behavior in an older dog.

5. Is It Time to Wake Them Up?

The proverb "let sleeping dogs lie" has a purpose. A dog may be momentarily confused or startled if you wake them up in the middle of a vivid REM dream. This may cause an inadvertent "startle reflex" in which they growl or nip before realizing they are safe at home.

Avoid using your hands if you feel the need to wake them up because they appear to be experiencing a nightmare. Rather, gently wake them up by calling their name or dropping a treat nearby.

Conclusion: An Indication of a Joyful Life

Ultimately, a dog that barks while it sleeps is one that feels secure enough to go into a deep, healing REM cycle at home. It indicates that their brain is sound and occupied with all of the adventure and love you give them.

Your dog is probably having a great time, so the next time they start "woofing" at a dream rabbit, just smile.

What do you think your dog dreams about? A field of tennis balls or the neighbor's cat? Tell us in the comments!