Just like humans, dogs experience a range of emotions and their daily experiences often manifest in their dreams. It can be difficult for pet parents to witness their dogs crying, howling, and even growling in their sleep. However, it’s important to understand why this happens and what it means. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why dogs cry in their sleep, what they might be dreaming about, and how pet parents can support their furry friends.
Why Dogs Cry in Their Sleep
There are several reasons why a dog may cry while sleeping. Here are a few common explanations:
1. Attention-Seeking
Dogs are known to be attention-seekers, and they may pretend to be asleep and cry to get their pet parent’s attention. In some cases, such as during crate training, they may cry to get out or to signal that they need food or water. Pet parents can ensure that their dog is well-fed and hydrated before bedtime so that crying during crate training is not due to hunger or thirst.
2. Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes, dogs may be experiencing pain or discomfort that they may not fully recognize while awake. When they settle down to sleep, their bodies become inactive, and their minds become more aware of any discomfort, leading to crying or whining in their sleep. Fleas, mites, sore joints, and internal injuries are all potential causes of pain for dogs.
3. Sleep Deprivation
Like humans, dogs can become overworked, overexcited, and overstimulated, leading to sleep deprivation. Poor-quality sleep can result in crying, whimpering, or other noises during sleep. Providing dogs with proper conditions for rest, such as a comfortable bed or crate, can help prevent sleep deprivation.
4. Nightmares
Dogs dream just like humans do, and sometimes, these dreams are not pleasant. They can have nightmares about stressful situations they experienced during their waking hours, such as loud noises or a traumatic event. If a dog has a bad dream, comfort them by gently calling their name, and give them some cuddles and reassurance when they wake up.
What Do Dogs Dream About?
Dogs dream about things that happened to them during their waking hours. They may dream about playing with their pet parent, going for walks, or chasing after squirrels. Dog’s also have a good long-term memory, so they may dream about things from the past that left an impression on them, such as past trauma or good things they experienced. If a dog dreams about something stressful, such as fireworks or going back to a place where they had a bad experience, they may cry, whimper, or growl during their sleep. It’s worth noting that a dog’s dreams can be quite vivid and emotional, just like a human’s.
Understanding Doggy Sleep Behavior
To support your dog’s sleep cycle, it’s important to understand their sleep behavior. Dogs have two phases of sleep: slow-wave and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycles. Dreams occur during the REM cycle, where the dog is in a deep sleep. During the REM cycle, their eyes move rapidly behind closed lids, and they may twitch their whiskers, breathe irregularly or move their limbs. Each dog has their unique way of sleeping, and by understanding their behavior, pet parents can better support their furry friends’ rest.
What Owners Can Do
If your dog is crying during sleep, it’s essential to resist the urge to wake them up or touch them abruptly as that can startle them. Abruptly waking a dog can cause them to become more scared, and they may even bite if they feel threatened. If they’re having a nightmare, they may feel threatened and act out if pet parents wake them up thinking the pet parent is attacking them. Instead, let them sleep, and the dream will eventually end. Pet parents can soothe them gently by calling their name until their heart rate has settled, and once they awaken, they can provide cuddles and a soft tone of voice to comfort them.
In Conclusion
Dogs crying during sleep is normal, and there’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if pet parents notice any unfamiliar behaviors or signs of distress, they should consult a veterinarian or specialist to ensure nothing serious is wrong. By understanding why dogs may cry in their sleep and learning their sleep behavior, pet parents can support their furry friends’ rest and overall well-being.
