How to Handle a Dog's Nightmares
Anyone who has ever had a dog has probably witnessed their dog having a nightmare--or wondered if it actually was a nightmare. Yes, dogs dream and therefore likely have nightmares--just like people. Well, not exactly like people. They're probably not trying to frantically dial a telephone or showing up at the dogpark in their underwear--but a nightmare nonetheless. Here are some ways to handle your dog's nightmares.
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Instructions
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If you notice your dog dreaming and possibly having a nightmare, for instance twitching eyelids, paws flailing, yelping or whimpering, it's probably best to let him continue to sleep--since deep rest is important--plus, waking him may cause confusion.
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Try calling out your dog's name if you're worried that it's a seizure or your dog seems too distressed. It's best not to touch a sleeping dog since they may snap or bite as a reflex. If it's a seizure, you will probably be able to tell anyway. And if not, you'll know when you try to wake your dog. You'll be able to wake her if it's a dream, but not if it's a seizure.
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If your dog's sleeping behavior seems unusual and continues that way, keep track of information such as what time it happened, what your dog ate and how long before going to sleep, and what noises, if any, were going on in the house. This information may be valuable to a vet in determining the cause.
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As long as Rover doesn't sleepwalk and use your shoe as a potty--or take the car out for a joyride--it's normally best to let sleeping dogs lie.
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Tips & Warnings
There are mild tranquilizers and anti-anxiety remedies such as the homeopathic Rescue Remedy that may be helpful for nightmares, but always check with a vet first.
Never administer any type of medication to a dog that hasn't been first examined by a vet.
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Comments
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Our puppy has nightmares all the time - he starts whimpering in his sleep and sometimes he wakes up yelping like he's in pain! I don't know what he's dreaming about though, he's never been abused or anything - we don't even spank him! Usually once he wakes himself up by yelping I go in and pet him, and he sits there very stiffly and just stares at me, his whole body tense. It's all very strange.
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Seriously my dog has nightmares every single night. I do go wake him usually because they'll go away immediately if I wake him up... is that bad? Anyways I've had my dog since birth and he's a happy, healthy, spoiled dog. What does a dog like that have nightmares about?
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My dog is a rescue too & she is also having nightmares,,, it's only been a few months since we adopted her, hopefully they will get less.
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Okay I had to read the article. My one rescue is a boxer, I have had him 2 years and he is about 6 or 7. When he has nightmares if we don't wake him up he wets the bed. I do not let that sleeping dog lie, when he is have a night mare, I do not need doggy wet dreams. : )
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I have rescued my last 3 dogs. They give way more than they take.
