Why Do Dogs Howl in Their Sleep? Dog Behavior Explained (Vet-Reviewed)

Our dogs do all sorts of peculiar things. When they dream, they often whimper, kick their feet, and sometimes, they sound like they are on a full squirrel chase in La La Land. But have you noticed an increase in vocalization, such as howling, as they sleep?

While howling is likely very normal as a result of dreaming and nothing to be concerned about, it occasionally could signal an issue. In this article, we will explain the different reasons for the behavior so you can get to know your pup a little better.

The 3 Possible Reasons Why Dogs Howl in Their Sleep

1. Your Dog Is Dreaming

Dogs are adorable when they dream—but sometimes they can really give it the full dramatic effect! Dogs can make all sorts of vocalizations such as howling, barking, and whimpering that are usually accompanied by twitching, fidgeting, and other jerky movements.

During sleep, a dog’s brain may replay experiences in a dream-like state, such as playing, running, or interacting with familiar people or animals. Dogs typically enter REM sleep within about 10 to 20 minutes of falling asleep, which is the stage most associated with dreaming behavior.

Humans also have the same reactions to REM sleep. If you wake up a human in this state, they may be more likely to report having dreams—and your dogs are probably experiencing something similar, science finds. So, we are not too different from our pups after all!

If you have a hound dog of any kind, they might be particularly prone to howling in their sleep as a general breed trait.

These dogs generally let out a howl when they spot prey or get excited, so it’s no wonder they may do the same while dreaming. In fact, it can be alarming at first, but downright cute after you realize they are playing a cinematic movie in their noggin.

They don’t have to be a hound to howl, however. Vocal breeds like Huskies and Frenchies can do the same. Plus, puppies and younger dogs may dream more frequently than their older counterparts.

2. Your Dog Might Smell Something

Your Great Dane has an extraordinary sense of smell, far stronger than a human’s, with estimates ranging from a thousand to potentially ten thousand times more sensitive. While dogs seem to continue to process sensory information during sleep, there is no clear evidence that they actively detect new real-world odors in the same way they do when awake. However, it is possible that scent memories or recent experiences involving smell may be incorporated into their dreams.

If your dog is howling or vocalizing during sleep, it is more likely related to normal REM sleep and dreaming rather than reacting to real-time smells. These vocalizations are typically harmless and part of normal sleep behavior.

3. Your Dog Is in Pain/Sick

A more unusual but possible reason your dog is howling in their sleep might be due to pain in some area of the body. While most sleep-related noises are linked to normal dreaming, in some cases physical discomfort could contribute to restlessness during rest.

When they're awake, it might be best to do a little touch test to see if you can find any tender points on your dog's body. You might even see an abrasion, swelling, or cut, so it's best to get ahead of it.

Older dogs in particular may be more prone to joint stiffness or arthritis, which can make certain sleeping positions uncomfortable. In such cases, supportive bedding and veterinary guidance can help improve comfort.

• Physical Injury

Your dog can get bumps, bruises, swelling, and other injuries just like any other mammal. Because they're covered in hair, sometimes smaller or less significant injuries aren't really visible to the naked eye.

In some cases, certain sleeping positions may cause discomfort, especially in dogs with joint stiffness, arthritis, or minor injuries. This discomfort can lead to shifting, restlessness, or changes in sleep behavior. However, most vocalizations such as howling or whimpering during sleep are still most commonly associated with normal REM sleep and dreaming rather than direct responses to pain.

• Illness

Plenty of illnesses can impact the way that your dog sleeps. Some of them will be recognizable during waking hours while others transfer over into sleep. This might also be true if your dog has a fever.

Certain medications, including some antibiotics or other prescribed treatments, can also influence sleep patterns. Depending on the drug and the individual dog, this may result in changes such as increased restlessness, drowsiness, or altered sleep behavior.

While these factors can affect sleep quality, vocalizations during sleep are still most commonly associated with normal dreaming. If changes in sleep behavior are sudden or persistent, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.

• Disease

Plenty of chronic diseases can contribute to pain during sleep. Some of these conditions can include arthritis, osteoarthritis, dental disease, and certain internal medical issues which can cause ongoing discomfort that may be noticeable both during the day and at night.

While these issues are not the most common cause of sleep-related vocalizations, they can contribute to restlessness or difficulty settling, especially in older dogs. Often, disease will be accompanied by other signs, such as changes in mobility, appetite, or behavior, though not always.

It is important to take note of any changes you ever see in your dog's behavior or demeanor in case something more serious is going on.

When You Should See a Vet

Anytime you notice a sudden, persistent, or unusual change in your Great Dane’s behavior, it may be worth scheduling a visit with your veterinarian. Dreaming is a very common thing for dogs, so if you think that's what it is, a vet appointment is likely not necessary.

However, if howling starts happening out of nowhere or you sense that your dog might be in pain, it is best to make the appointment. If you notice any behavioral changes in your dog, it is important to take note of any other signs that you might be able to detect.

When you do go to your vet, make sure to mention any other odd things that might be going on so they can pinpoint the types of testing they need to do and reassure you in any way about the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Do I Know Howling Is Normal?

If you have a young pup that frequently dreams, it is completely normal to hear them vocalize in their sleep. However, if you are concerned in any way, it is best to do a quick observation of your dog when awake and asleep to see if there might be an underlying issue going on. Changes in frequency, intensity, or signs of discomfort when awake may warrant closer attention. If anything seems unusual or concerning, consulting a veterinarian is the safest way to rule out any underlying issues.

2. What If Howling Is Happening Suddenly?

If your dog is pretty well established in their routines and they really haven't howled in their sleep before, it's definitely something to keep an eye on. While it shouldn't raise too much concern initially, especially if it only happens one time, an increase in frequency can signal a problem.

3. How Often Do Dogs Dream?

Dogs tend to dream more often when they are puppies, and the frequency tends to lessen as they get older. However, every dog is different. While all dogs experience REM sleep, not all of them display obvious physical signs such as twitching, eye movement, or vocalizations.

If you notice these behaviors, they are usually normal and associated with dreaming. In most cases, they are easy to recognize, especially when combined with a relaxed sleeping posture. For general understanding, looking at examples of typical dog sleep behavior can be helpful for comparison, but individual behavior can still vary widely from dog to dog.

Conclusion

Now you know that the most likely reason your dog is howling in their sleep is simply that they're dreaming. Often, dreaming is accompanied by a lot of other weird body movements, including darting eyes, jerking limbs, and lip twitching.

If you notice that it's increasing in frequency or you are concerned, it's best to get to your veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out any underlying health conditions.

Featured Image Credit: Lazy_Bear, Shutterstock