Getting startled by your dog barking in the middle of the night is definitely not on any pet parent’s wish list. But why do dogs bark in their sleep? And is it something to worry about?

Dogs barking in their sleep is normal canine behavior, but in rare instances, it could point to an underlying condition. In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons why dogs bark in their sleep and what you can (and should) do to manage or stop this nighttime barking behavior.

Why Does My Dog Bark in His Sleep?

Most of the time, dogs bark in their sleep because they’re dreaming—and this behavior is completely normal. Just like humans may talk, twitch, or move while sleeping, dogs can bark, whimper, growl, or even “run” while lying down.

Dogs, like people, cycle through different sleep stages—non-REM (non–rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement). During non-REM sleep, the body relaxes, the heart rate slows, and tissue growth and repair take place.

In the REM stage, your dog experiences heightened brain activity and vivid dreams. They might twitch, bark, or even appear to run while asleep. And what do dogs dream about? Maybe they are dreaming about chasing a squirrel, socializing with other dogs, or catching a frisbee at a beach volleyball game.

Puppies enter and spend more time in REM cycles than adult dogs, which means they dream and bark more often.

Reasons Why Dogs Bark in Their Sleep

Here are some of the reasons why dogs bark in their sleep

Dreaming

The number one reason why dogs bark, or move in their sleep is because they are dreaming. Just like us, dogs, especially puppies, experience vivid dreams where they interact with their environment.

Nightmares

Not all dreams are pleasant. Sometimes your dog barking or whimpering in their sleep could be because of nightmares. However, these vocalizations during sleep are short-lived and doesn’t mean your dog is in distress.

Age-Related Issues

Senior dogs tend to bark more in their sleep if they are going through a condition called Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also known as ‘doggy dementia’. These dogs may experience changes in cognitive ability, and behaviour leading to barking during sleep.

Your older dog may also have more vivid dreams at night because of changes in their sleep patterns and lack of control over their muscles during sleep leading to vocalizations at night.

Seizures

Your dog may sometimes experience nocturnal seizures leading to muscle spasms and unusual nighttime barking behavior. Your dog may also have strange postures during sleep.

What If Your Dog Only Barks in Their Sleep?

If your dog is quiet during the day but barks during the sleep, it’s completely normal and mostly related to dreaming. If your dog is eating, playing and behaving normally during the day, it’s no worry if they are barking at night.

In fact, in their dream world, your usually shy pup may be bold and fearless, barking up a storm as the hero of their own adventure.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Barks in Their Sleep?

If your dog barks in their sleep, most of the time you don’t need to call their name and let the dog work it out. Your dog will bark, whine, or even run and you should let them be as its short-lived. However, if you prefer peaceful nights, you can do the following to reduce your dog’s barking at night.

Consistent Bedtime Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Keep the bedtime at the same time each night so your dog knows when it’s time to sleep. Wind down using petting, engaging in light playful activities, or a short walk to help them relax.

Avoid overly exciting games close to bedtime as this can overwhelm your dog’s brain. Follow this calming routine and your dog will be less likely to bark during their sleep.

Soothing White Noise

Dogs bark in their sleep because external noises like traffic and other animals startle them during dream cycles. White noise can eliminate these sounds. This white noise machine by Magicteam drowns out the external noise, with 20 natural soothing sounds, helping your furbaby sleep better.

A Comfortable Bed

A comfortable bed, matching your dog’s preferences, can work wonders in improving your dog’s sleep quality. This soft dog bed is made for dogs who love to cuddle. The plush faux fur will make your dog snuggle into it for long. It comes with support on three sides so your pet can lean on it. It is also suitable for heavier dogs and for dogs who love to dig, as it’s filled with memory foam that bounces right back to its original shape.

Sufficient Exercise

A dog who has burned off energy during the day is more likely to sleep deeply and quietly at night. Take your dog on walks, play fetch, or even opt for hiking for a more challenging workout.

Interactive games like hide and seek and puzzle toys provide good mental and physical stimulation. Obstacle courses using blocks, tires, and weave poles can be a great way to tire out your dog.

When to Consult Your Vet

If your dog is barking in their sleep, you should not wake them up as it startles them and disturbs their sleep. Your dog will stop barking on their own after a while. However, if your dog shows unusual behavior along with barking like seizures or muscle spasm, consult a vet to rule out any medical conditions.   

Conclusion

Why do dogs bark in their sleep? This question might pop into your head if you’re a pet parent startled by your dog’s vocalizations during the night. Most of the time, dogs bark in their sleep simply because they’re dreaming. This behavior is usually short-lived and perfectly normal.

However, there can be other reasons, such as doggy dementia, or seizures. If your dog seems unusually restless during sleep, cries or howls frequently, twitches excessively, or shows signs of confusion or anxiety while awake, it’s good to consult your vet. These could be signs of an underlying condition that needs attention.