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Do dogs dream? Yes. Do they have nightmares? Yes. Here’s how you can help
- Dogs dream and have nightmares like humans, with signs including growling, crying and shaking. They are most likely recalling a traumatic experience
- Resist the urge to wake them – they may lash out. Making an environment more comfortable and quieter can be a preventive measure
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It turns out bad dreams are not just a nuisance for humans – our pets can experience them as well.
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Though the sleeping patterns of dogs differ in some ways from our own, there are striking similarities, including the ability to get frightened in the night.
But dogs don’t likely dream about showing up to school naked or losing all of their teeth. Those are uniquely human fears. So, what populates their dream world?
Here’s what to know about a dog’s nightmares, what to do if your dog has a nightmare and what they might be dreaming about.
Do dogs dream?
Yes. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports that the sleep patterns of your dog aren’t that different from your own.

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