Does Your Dog Bark, Whine or ‘Run’ in Its Sleep? Veterinarians Explain What Is Behind It

A dog barking, whining or moving its paws while firmly asleep is usually not a reason for alarm. The simplest explanation is that it is dreaming.

Dogs, like humans, pass through several stages of sleep. They first enter lighter sleep, followed by non-REM sleep, when the body rests and recovers. REM sleep then brings rapid eye movements and is the stage most closely associated with dreams. During it, a dog may move its legs, bark or make other sounds, appearing to chase a ball, play with another dog or relive a familiar situation.

Not all dogs follow the same sleep rhythm. Psychologist Stanley Coren says large dogs may enter REM sleep roughly every 90 minutes, while smaller breeds may reach it as often as every 10 minutes. Small dogs may therefore dream, bark and move in their sleep more frequently.

Experts generally advise leaving a barking or twitching dog alone. Waking it suddenly can confuse or disorient it, much as it can a person. Even if the dog appears to be having a nightmare, it is better to wait for it to wake naturally. If the noise regularly disturbs the household, moving the dog’s bed farther from the bedroom is more practical than interrupting its sleep.

Owners should never give dogs human sleeping pills without veterinary advice. Such medicines can be dangerous, and sedatives or animal supplements do not necessarily prevent dreams. Whining, crying and howling may also simply be part of a dream. A veterinary consultation is advisable if the behavior is new, becomes much more frequent, or occurs with pain, restlessness, disorientation or unusual behavior while the dog is awake.