According to Harvard Medical School psychologist Dr. Deirdre Barrett, dogs likely dream about their human owners, driven by their deep emotional bonds.
Dr. Barrett, a clinical and evolutionary psychologist, explained to People magazine that, like humans, dogs enter REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the stage during which dreams occur. Since dogs are profoundly attached to their owners, their dreams probably revolve around familiar sights, smells, and interactions with their humans—whether pleasing or frustrating.
Though it’s impossible to know exactly what dogs dream about, Dr. Barrett notes that physical reactions during sleep, such as twitching paws or legs, suggest that dogs may dream about running. Much like humans, dogs can also experience nightmares, which could explain the saying, “let sleeping dogs lie.”
The American Kennel Club points out that while dogs may have bad dreams, waking them can sometimes provoke an aggressive response, as they may be disoriented and confused. It’s best to let sleeping dogs wake up naturally and offer comfort once they are alert.
Experts emphasize that understanding and respecting a dog’s sleep cycle is important to ensure they feel safe and secure.
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