Have you ever wondered if you dog was really dreaming? Well the easy answer: yes, dogs dream! What they are dreaming about is a little more difficult to answer. Do you think your dog sleeps all day? You may be right, depending on various factors. Here are the answers to the top questions asked about dog’s sleep.
How do we know dogs dream?
Dogs and humans have the same type of slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM). Just as in humans, our dogs will dream during this REM stage of sleep. If your find your dog twitching, moaning or making interesting movements that occur during their sleep, these are tell-tale signs that your pet is dreaming.
What are dogs dreaming about?
While it is hard to be certain, many believe dogs are simply dreaming about what they love most. It could be they are dreaming about their favorite squeak toy or chasing rabbits, because they enjoy those activities in their waking hours. There are also theories that dogs are dreaming about us, the ones they love the most and how to make us even happier. Now that would be real love!
How much sleep should your dog get?
Do you think your dog sleeps all day? Well, you are probably right. According to the National Sleep Foundation, scientists and pet experts say dogs spend at least half of their day sleeping. The average dog sleeps for about 12 to 14 hours per 24-hour cycle, depending on the dog’s age. For example, just as babies need more sleep, so do puppies. All that learning and exploring takes a whole lot of energy. At the puppy stage, expect about 18-20 hours of sleep. Older dogs also need more sleep, as do certain breeds.
When is it too much sleep?
If you have a dog that sleeps a lot, more than usual, you may want to investigate as to why this is. Do they seem to be less active? Are they walking slower than usual? It could be an injury. Or it could be arthritis in dogs. Click the button below to take an simple quiz to ask yourself if your dog may have arthritis. You can also talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have.
Do dogs improve or detract from our sleep?
According to a recent study, it was found that women who sleep with their dogs have better sleep than those who slept with human partners. It seems the study of 962 female pet owners had significantly lower scores of sleep disturbance and higher feelings of comfort, compared with human partners. The study authors believe this is because dogs have a more calming effect, as well as a feeling of stronger feelings of security.
Now that you know the facts, doesn't this seem like just more ways are dogs are just like us? And of course, this is one more reason we love our wonderful fur-babies!
Source: AKC, “What Do Dogs Dream About”
