We have surely noticed that our dog sometimes moves and shakes his paws when he sleeps, even barking or moaning. And it is that according to experts, dogs have a rest cycle very similar to that of human beings, including the presence of dreams and nightmares. They take place during the so-called REM phase (Rapid Eye Movement).
This is stated by different studies, among which we highlight those carried out by the canine ethologist Stanley Coren. According to this expert, dogs dream in a similar way to ours, alternating periods of rest with others of wakefulness. In this case, the REM phase lasts approximately between 10 and 15 minutes and is repeated about four times a night.
Although this also depends on the characteristics of each breed. For example, the Saint Bernard is believed to have longer and less frequent dreams, while the Scottish Terrier has much shorter sleep periods.
As Coren explains, by presenting our same sleep patterns, it is very possible that they have dreams similar to ours; namely, reflect their day to day, their fears and hobbies. They receive information through olfactory, sound and visual stimuli, which are transformed into thoughts through this involuntary brain activity.
As for the the nigthmares, have a different frequency depending on the conditions and lifestyle of each dog. Although if we notice that they are repeated too frequently, preventing our pet from resting, we must go to the veterinarian to determine if these nightmares are caused by a health problem.
Regarding the way to act on these occasions, the best thing is that let's not wake the animalas it could bite us. Ideally, we pat them gently and speak in a low tone until they calm down. On the other hand, placing their toys near their resting place will help us avoid such nightmares.