In their sleep they behave in roughly the same way as children: they twitch, jerk their paws and tail, and make funny sounds. They're probably dreaming? Scientists say that's exactly right. 

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Dogs, like humans, have similar sleep structures: pets have a phase of rapid sleep and of deep sleep. All the funny twitching of the paws, whimpering and other movements occur precisely during the rapid sleep phase. Perhaps it is at that very moment that the pet is running after its favorite toy or begging its owner for a piece of a treat.

What are you dreaming about, my sweet little pup

So, dogs do dream – we have already established that. During this time their paws twitch, their eyes move beneath closed eyelids, the dog may whimper and beat its tail – this means it has passed from deep sleep into the active rapid phase. 

Researchers believe that during this time the pet's brain processes the information it received during the day – here again, just like in humans. 

Most likely, the dog dreams of socializing with its fellow dogs outside during a walk, a bowl of favorite food or a treat,  or an exciting game with its owner.

Twitching its paws, wagging its tail: what your dog dreams about
Photo: Samantha Jean on Unsplash

How much a dog should sleep

A lot! Much here depends on age, temperament and breed. On average, the schedule is as follows:

  • Puppies sleep 16–18 hours a day – almost like children
  • Adult dogs spend 14–16 hours sleeping 
  • Elderly dogs prefer to sleep 17–18 hours 

What's nice is that pets' sleep-wake schedule coincides quite well with the human one – they sleep 70 percent of the nighttime and catch up on the remaining 30 percent during the day.