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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

[mcurfiss]

on 1/20/2010 i just recently got a puppy.. he totally freaked out for what seemed to be no reason in his kennel, which caused me a LOT of distress. now i know he was probably having a nightmare.. he sounded like he thought he had fallen out of my arms, which actually happened when he unexpectedly jumped a few days ago.. thanks a lot! i feel better knowing he didn't find some strange way of hurting himself, though i'll probably still cuddle and sleep with him on the couch tonight...

[ArtsyPoo]

on 10/5/2008 My Mollie has nightmares all the time, and it puts ME in a complete panic! Thanks for the tips...maybe, I won't be waking my husband up at 3AM to rush the dog to the Vet ER! lol

[diggitydogg]

on 3/31/2008 Medication might be an option in extreme cases to calm dogs down and prevent more serious conditions such as colitis, ulcers, heart problems, but always check with a vet first, even with a homeopathic over-the-counter remedy. Common sense is to examine everything that is available to us, rather than scoff at progress simply because it's not the "way it used to be."

[CrazyAce]

on 3/31/2008 What has this world come to when people in America are drugging themselves, their kids, and now their pets. A drug for everything except common sense.

[writetruth]

on 3/15/2008 Wonderful Tips! Thanks~~