A recently published study indicates that it is likely that dogs dream about their owners and that large dogs dream for longer than smaller canines.
The results of this study do not surprise me. I am now working with my fourth guide dog and have, from a young age grown up around dogs. Dogs wag their tails and perform other activities, such as running, growling or yelping while asleep. It is therefore logical (to my mind at least) to assume that our four-legged friends can (and do) dream. Anyone who has grown up around dogs will have observed them growling while asleep which indicates that they (like us) also experience nightmares.
http://www.themonitordaily.com/dogs-dream-owners-study-says/212676/
My dog runs a lot in her sleep with all four paws twitching and shaking.
Thanks for your comment. That is interesting. Is he/she a big or a small dog? My dog, Trigger is a large brindle lab/retriever. Kevin
I would say she’s medium size.
I always thought it was the case. My Westie, Kero, used to twitch his paws as though running in his sleep. He would also whine in his sleep sometimes, and would then wake up suddenly and practically throw himself at me as though desperate for comfort, only calming down after I’d petted and cuddled him for a few minutes. I always said it was just like a toddler looking for comfort from a parent after a bad dream.
Thanks for your comment Tori. As you rightly say, dogs need comfort in the same way that we do. Its touching how your four-legged friend sought reassurance after his nightmares from you. Kevin
Our dog used to woof and “run” in her sleep. We always figured she was chasing something (a squirrel?) in her dreams.
Oh, cats dream, too. Ours twitch – toes, faces and whiskers.
Thanks for your comments. I think you are right, that your dog was dreaming about chasing something, perhaps a squirrel. I live close to a park and my flat overlooks both this together with an historic garden so there is plenty of wildlife for my dog to observe and dream about! Again, I’m sure you are correct, that cats dream. In fact I think most animals probably do so. Enjoy your Sunday. Kevin