Why Do Dogs Bark While Sleeping?

Dogs love to sleep almost as much as cats do even if they don’t have the reputation for it. And when they are either napping or sleeping, you might find your dog growling, barking or whimpering. You might think your dog is awake from the sound or merely fidgeting only to realize that your dog is sleeping away.

There are a few reasons why your dogs barks or make noises while sleeping and, in most cases, this behavior is completely normal and harmless.

Dogs Bark Or Whimper In Their Sleep Because They Are Dreaming

The main reason why dogs bark in their sleep is because they have dreams just like humans do. Dogs go through a dream stage of the sleep cycle every time they go to sleep. You can tell when your dog is slipping into this stage by watching their eyes. Dreaming occurs in a stage of sleep known as REM (which stands for rapid eye movement), just as is in humans. It is during this stage of sleep that your dog is likely to bark or make other noises such as growling or whimpering.

During REM sleep, you may also notice your dog’s paws twitching, tail wagging, or small body jerks. These are all normal signs that your dog is deeply asleep and actively dreaming.

What Do Dogs Dream About?

There is really no way of knowing what dogs dream about. You can probably assume that our dogs’ dreams are related to an activity that happened in the day. But, when your dog is barking or growling, it usually means that your pup is reliving a memory that caused him to bark or growl in real life. Dreaming is an important way for dogs and humans to process their experiences and learn from them.

Research suggests dogs often dream about everyday activities like playing fetch, chasing squirrels, interacting with other dogs, or spending time with their pet parents. Puppies and senior dogs may dream, and vocalize, more frequently because their brains process more new information or age-related changes.

Don’t Wake Up Your Dog While Barking In His Sleep

Just because a dog is barking, you can’t know that he is having a bad dream. It is best not to wake up your dog because being awakened can be more frightening than letting the dream continue. Being woken up in the middle of REM sleep can be very disorienting which could cause your dog to snap at you, so it is best to just leave your dog alone. The same rule applies if your dog is having a nightmare.

If you feel you must interrupt the barking, gently call your dog’s name from a short distance instead of touching him. This reduces the chance of a startled reaction.

Dogs Need Their Uninterrupted Sleep

Dogs, like humans, need all the rest they can get. Dogs’ bodies and brains are often very active during the day as they run around and take on new experiences. Getting enough sleep is vital to allow your pooch to recharge his batteries and stay physically and mentally healthy. A good amount of uninterrupted sleep is essential for his healthy mental activity.

Adult dogs typically sleep 12–14 hours a day, while puppies and senior dogs may need even more. Quality sleep supports immune health, mood regulation, memory, and overall behavior.

Dogs who bark in their sleep can be disarming, but it is better to let them sleep. If your dog’s dreaming is disturbing your sleep, try moving his or her bed into a room further away from your bedroom. Also, check that your dog is actually sleeping when he barks during the night. It might be that he is in fact awake and trying to attract your attention. He could be bored, restless, lonely, thirsty, or too hot or too cold.

Nighttime barking that happens while your dog is standing, pacing, or looking alert is not sleep barking and may signal anxiety, a need for a bathroom break, or excess energy.

Any Change in Your Dog’s Environment Might Make Your Dog Bark

Your dog could be barking during his sleep due to a change in his environment

If you find that your dog is lying awake at night barking, make sure that your dog’s sleeping environment is comfortable. Try out a new bed or room to see if that helps stop the barking while sleeping. Did his environment change at all which is causing your dog to whimper or notice? Did you stop your daily exercise routine? Exercise is important to make sure your dog sleeps well at night.

Common environmental triggers include new household members, moving homes, loud outdoor noises, fireworks, thunderstorms, or even rearranged furniture. Dogs are creatures of habit, and small disruptions can affect their sleep patterns.

Providing mental enrichment such as puzzle toys, training sessions, or sniff walks during the day can also lead to deeper, quieter sleep at night.

When Should You Be Concerned About Barking During Sleep?

While your dog’s occasional barking or whimpering is normal, if frequent, intense, or sudden changes in nighttime behavior may warrant attention. If your dog cries loudly, thrashes violently, cannot be easily soothed afterward, or seems confused when waking, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian. In rare cases, excessive vocalization during sleep can be linked to pain, cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs, or neurological conditions.

If your dog’s sleep barking suddenly increases, keep the everyone awake at night, or is paired with daytime behavioral changes, it is important to make an appointment with your vet to rule out any medical concerns.