Do Dogs Dream? Dog Sleep Habits & Other Myth Busters

Ever looked at your beloved pooch sleeping peacefully and wondered, ‘Do dogs dream?’ It’s a common question among pet owners, and if you’ve noticed them twitching or moving in their sleep, it sparks more wonder about what they dream about! 

In this blog, we’ll dive into doggy dreams, as well as other sleep habits, such as how much sleep dogs really need. Here at Burgess Pet Care, we care about all dogs, including their overall well-being and what they eat. Our adult dog food, in particular, aims to support a healthy, happy pooch! 

But for now, let’s dive into dog sleep habits and what can cause those vivid dreams… 

Do dogs dream like humans? 

The answer is, yes, dogs dream! While we can’t ask our four-legged friends directly, there’s plenty of evidence out there that suggests that dogs have dreams. In fact, it’s pretty similar to how humans dream. Dogs will enter different cycles throughout their sleep, with dreaming most likely to happen in the REM phase of sleep. This part of sleep is when you’ll probably notice signs of your dog dreaming: 

• Paw twitching
• Body twitching 
• Whimpering
• Barking
• Eye flickering 
• Tail swishing 

When your dog is twitching or appears to be chasing something in their dream, you might feel a little concerned that they’re having a nightmare. However, it’s actually pretty impossible to tell if your dog is having a good dream or a bad dream. Generally, though, if your dog is well trained and leads a happy life, they’re more likely to adopt healthy sleep habits. 

With this in mind, you shouldn’t feel obliged to wake your dog up if you think they’re having a bad dream. Dreams, good or bad, can actually be a stress reliever and help us to cope with hard situations. The same applies to your furry friend! It’s best to let them sleep, even if they’re having a bad dream. 

How much sleep do dogs need? 

We’ve learnt about doggy dreams, but what about ensuring they have good sleep habits? Dogs are known for curling up and snoozing multiple times a day, but when it comes down to it, how much sleep do they actually need? 

> All adult dogs should get between 12 and 14 hours of sleep. It might seem like a lot, but dogs only need to expend their energy when needed, whether that’s hunting, playing, or socialising. 

> Puppies will need more sleep in order to support their rapid growth! Between 16 and 20 hours is recommended, but this will change as they grow. Despite being balls of energy one minute, they can become exhausted pretty quickly. 

> Some larger breeds will also sleep longer, around 18 hours a day. This is because their bodies require more energy to move, meaning they become tired much more quickly. Quick dogs, like greyhounds, will typically need around 18 hours of sleep, due to them needing to conserve energy. 

>>>>>> Discover more about the greyhound & lurcher 2026 two week takeover! <<<<<< 

Ways to support better sleep in your dog 

Did you know that your dog’s diet can actually affect their sleep quality? If your dog is presented with a high-quality, balanced diet, then their sleep is more than likely going to be better. Proper nutrition directly affects gut health and brain chemistry, reducing restlessness and allowing a much deeper, restful sleep. 

***What do we recommend?*** 

Luckily for you, here at Burgess Pet Care, we offer delicate dog food that keeps sensitive tummies happy! Our Sensitive Dog Food and Sudpadog Dog Food in particular have been made to support growth, development, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes sleep. Containing high-quality proteins and gut-safe ingredients, they can help to stabilise serotonin levels, reducing anxiety and keeping your dog calm and happy, even while they sleep! 

Apart from diet, there are other ways to keep your pet happy. In particular, when they sleep. Luckily, we’ve got some top tips when it comes to supporting your dog’s sleep: 

• Create a cosy, comfortable sleep environment! A soft bed area is one of the most important things when it comes to high-quality sleep. Just like we need and love our beds, dogs should feel the same. Use a comfortable, memory foam base, and add soft blankets. Make sure the temperature of the room is also stable and nice to sleep in. 
• Make sure you establish a consistent routine. That includes feeding, walking, and strict bedtimes to regulate your dog’s internal clock. About an hour before they go to bed, make sure you reduce their activity levels. Lots of extra cuddles are also recommended! 
• Signal a final potty break. Take your dog outside for a last bathroom break right before you both go to bed. Not only will it prevent midnight accidents, but it is also a good way to tell your dog that it’s time for bed. 
• In winter, your dog might struggle more with sleep. Here are some tips on keeping your dog cosy during the winter months. 
• It’s no surprise that a tired dog will sleep better! Make sure you’re exercising your dog enough in the day and giving them enough time to run around. Most dogs will be good at tiring themselves out, meaning they’ll sleep better throughout the night.

>>>>>>>> If your dog’s sleeping pattern has changed suddenly, and you’ve noticed that they’re restless, pacing, or waking up more frequently than usual, then it might be an indication of an underlying condition like arthritis or cognitive dysfunction. Take your pet to the vet for a thorough check-up! <<<<<<<< 

Look after your dog - even when they sleep - with Burgess Pet Care! 

Hopefully, this blog has answered your burning question: ‘Do dogs dream?’ We can safely say, yes! And, they’re likely to dream about daily experiences, like chasing balls, playing, and eating their favourite meal. Want to keep your dog dreaming about their favourite dog food? Then be sure to browse high-quality dog food from us here at Burgess Pet Care. 

We genuinely care about dogs, cats, and all small animals. All of our recipes are made right in the heart of Yorkshire, from beneficial ingredients that meet strict specifications.

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