Do Dogs Dream? What Science Says About Their Sleep Adventures

If you live with a dog, you’ve probably wondered what’s going on behind those twitching paws and soft whimpers at 2 a.m. Are they chasing squirrels across a field or just reacting to random brain noise?

The short answer: dogs do appear to dream, and their sleep follows patterns a lot like ours do. The longer answer is even more interesting, blending brain science, behavior and a bit of canine personality. Let’s take a deeper look…

How Dogs Sleep (And How Much)

Dogs, like humans, alternate between non-REM and REM sleep cycles.

Non-REM sleep is the deep stage of rest when your dog’s body repairs itself, strengthens the immune system and balances hormones.

REM sleep, on the other hand, is the active stage when the brain is buzzing, eyes move quickly under the lids and you might see little twitches, paw paddles or hear soft sounds.

Most healthy adult dogs sleep approximately 12-14 hours each day, with overnight sleep and midday naps. Puppies can sleep for 18-20 hours since their brains and bodies are rapidly developing, while seniors tend to sleep more as their recovery demands increase.

All that being said, routine, age, activity level, pain and environment all influence a dog's sleep quantity and quality.

The Science: Do Dogs Actually Dream?

Let’s jump into the science. According to the American Kennel Club, most vertebrates, including dogs, go through cycles of wakefulness, light sleep and REM sleep, the stage most associated with vivid dreams and memory processing. 

One of the best-known instances is from rat brain studies. Scientists at MIT discovered that rats trained to run mazes displayed the same brain activity during REM sleep as when they were awake in the maze, implying that they were dreaming about it. This indicates that animals, including dogs, may dream about their daily lives.

For your dog, this could mean reliving a game of fetch, going for a long walk or snuggling with a family member.

What Do Dogs Dream About?

Neuroscience provides a clue: in many species, the hippocampus, also known as the brain's memory hub, "replays" important events while sleeping.

For dogs, dreams likely replay the things that mattered most during their day, like the walk you took, the toy they figured out or the time you spent together. Strong emotional moments are even more likely to show up, which means you and your daily routines are probably included. Dogs can also have bad dreams, especially after stressful experiences.

Do Size and Breed Change Dream Patterns?

Smaller dogs often seem to dream more often, but their dream sessions are shorter. Larger dogs, on the other hand, tend to dream less frequently, but their dreams last longer.

Picture a Chihuahua drifting in and out with quick dream bursts, while a Great Dane sinks into longer dream sequences. This difference is most likely due to metabolism and how sleep cycles work, not intelligence.

That said, breed traits such as ear shape, energy levels and whether a dog was bred for work or companionship may have some influence on sleep patterns. But personality and daily routine usually matter far more. A well-exercised, mentally stimulated dog of any size will typically sleep more deeply and dream more vividly than one who is bored.

Dreaming vs. Seizures: How to Tell

Twitching during REM sleep is normal. Seizures are not. Here’s how to tell them apart:

       Intensity and Duration: Normal dream twitches are light and brief, often under 30 seconds, with pauses in between. Seizures are typically more sustained and can involve stiff, rhythmic movements.

      Responsiveness:  A dreaming dog often rouses if you gently say their name. During a seizure, the dog is unresponsive until it ends.

      After-Effects:  Dreamers wake oriented and recover instantly. Post-seizure dogs may seem confused, uncoordinated or overly thirsty

      Other Signs:  Excess drooling, loss of bladder or bowel control and dramatic whole-body rigidity points to a medical event.

If you’re unsure, simply record a short video and share it with your veterinarian, this video is invaluable for diagnosis.

How to Support Healthier Sleep for Your Dog

Helping your dog sleep well requires more than simply letting them nap. A consistent routine, proper daily activity and a relaxing wind-down before bedtime all play a part. Creating a comfortable, supportive sleep environment is equally important.

A well-designed dog bed relieves joint pain, keeps them comfortable and promotes deeper rest, especially for puppies, seniors and larger breeds.

At Eva, we curate bedding and basics that prioritize your dog's comfort, so that every nap and dream promotes their health, happiness and the bond you share.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

We’ve covered a lot, from sleep cycles to dream science, but you might still have a few practical questions. Let’s highlight a few: 

Q: How much should my dog realistically sleep for?                                                              A: Many healthy adult dogs sleep for around half the day; puppies and large breeds need more. Keep an eye on changes in your dog’s normal sleep patterns, since sleeping noticeably more or less than usual can be a sign of stress, pain or illness.

Q: Is it okay if my dog twitches a lot?
A: Brief, occasional twitching is normal. If episodes are intense, frequent or your dog seems distressed or disoriented, record a video and consult your vet.

Q: Should you wake a dreaming dog?
A: Usually no, let them sleep, since dreaming is part of healthy rest. If they seem upset, softly call their name instead of touching them to avoid startling.

Sweet Dreams Start with Eva

Your dog’s sleep isn’t just downtime, it’s when their body restores, their brain processes the day and their dreams come alive.

At Eva, we believe quality rest deserves quality care. From nourishing food to supportive beds and thoughtfully chosen essentials, we’ve got everything you need to keep those dreams happy and healthy!  

Written By Megan Berry