Why Does My Dog Bark or Growl in Their Sleep? Understanding Night-Time Noises

It is late at night and the house has finally settled. The television is off, the lights are low, and you are just dozing off when a low growl startles you. You look over and your dog is still asleep, eyes gently closed but clearly making noise. A moment later, there is a muffled bark followed by a twitch of the paws. It is oddly human in a way, almost like dreaming, but you cannot help but wonder if something is wrong.

You are not alone. Plenty of dog owners lie awake listening to their dog make strange noises in the middle of the night. Barking, growling, whining, twitching, and even soft howls can all happen while your dog is deep in slumber. It can be funny at times and a bit unsettling at others. But what is really going on?

The short answer is this: for the most part, these sounds are completely normal. But understanding why they happen, and when to pay closer attention, can help you feel more confident about your dog’s night-time behaviour.

The Sleep Cycle in Dogs

To understand why your dog barks or growls in their sleep, we need to talk about how dogs sleep. Just like humans, dogs go through different stages of sleep. There is light sleep, deep sleep, and what is called REM sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement, and it is during this phase that the brain is most active. This is when dreaming occurs.

Puppies and young dogs tend to spend more time in REM sleep than adult dogs. This might be why younger dogs seem to bark or growl more often in their sleep. Their brains are developing, absorbing everything they have learned during the day, and it all gets processed while they rest.

You might see their legs twitching, hear their breathing change, or notice their eyes moving behind closed lids. These are all signs that your dog is dreaming. And just like we might talk or move during dreams, dogs sometimes vocalise too.

Are They Having a Bad Dream?

It is natural to assume that a growl or whine must mean your dog is having a nightmare. It might be the case, although we will never know for certain what they are dreaming about. That said, most experts agree that dogs do relive moments from their day while they sleep.

This means if your dog had an exciting walk, met a new dog, or got a fright from the post arriving, it might all get replayed in their sleep. A bark could be from chasing a ball in their dream, and a growl might be from that moment they saw another dog from across the street.

Dogs do not dream in words like we do. Their dreams are more sensory. They might relive smells, sights, and feelings. So a growl might be no more than a memory echoing through their dream world.

When Growling or Barking Might Be a Concern

Although most night-time sounds are harmless, there are times when it is worth paying a bit more attention. If your dog suddenly starts growling or barking in their sleep and it is a new behaviour, or if it seems to be happening more often, it might be worth checking in with your vet.

Changes in sleep behaviour can sometimes be linked to discomfort, age-related conditions, or anxiety. Senior dogs, in particular, may show signs of cognitive changes that affect their sleep. They might become restless or vocal at night due to confusion or disrupted sleep cycles.

If your dog seems distressed during sleep, gets up looking confused, or struggles to settle back down after these episodes, it is best not to ignore it. Keep an eye on how often it happens and make a note of any changes. A video can also be useful for your vet if you are not sure how to describe what is happening.

Should You Wake a Sleeping Dog?

The old saying goes, “let sleeping dogs lie”, and in most cases that advice holds true. Waking a dog during a dream, especially if they are growling or barking, can startle them. Dogs can wake up confused and disoriented, and even the gentlest of dogs might react defensively if they feel suddenly pulled from a vivid dream.

If you feel your dog needs waking because they seem distressed or are caught in a particularly noisy episode, try calling their name from a short distance rather than touching them. Give them a moment to come round and reassure them calmly if they appear unsettled.

Helping Your Dog Sleep Peacefully

Most dogs who bark or growl in their sleep do not need help, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is as comfortable as possible.

Routine is key. Dogs thrive on structure, and a calm evening routine can help signal to your dog that it is time to wind down. Keep night-time energy low. Avoid rough play before bed and offer your dog a chance to go outside and settle before sleep.

Make sure their bed is in a quiet, comfortable spot. Some dogs prefer being near you, while others need a bit of distance to fully relax. Pay attention to what your dog seems to prefer and adjust accordingly.

Temperature matters too. If your dog is too hot or too cold, they are less likely to fall into deep, restful sleep. Make sure their bed is not in a draft and that it has the right amount of cushioning for their size and age.

A full day of mental and physical stimulation can also help reduce sleep disruptions. Dogs who have had enough exercise, attention, and a chance to sniff and explore during the day tend to sleep better at night. That said, overtired dogs can be restless sleepers too, so balance is important.

What About Whining or Crying in Sleep?

Whining and crying can tug at your heartstrings, especially if your dog sounds sad or anxious while sleeping. These sounds are also part of normal dreaming for many dogs. Puppies are especially prone to whining in their sleep, often sounding like they are calling out.

As long as your dog wakes up calm and relaxed, there is usually no reason to worry. If they wake up disoriented or frightened, or if the crying seems intense and regular, do mention it to your vet. It could be a sign of something else going on, particularly in older dogs or rescues with past trauma.

Does Breed Matter?

Some breeds are naturally more vocal, and that extends into their sleep as well. Beagles, Huskies, Terriers, and Spaniels are all known for being expressive, and that does not stop when they go to bed.

On the flip side, quieter breeds may sleep silently most nights and only vocalise during particularly vivid dreams. Every dog is different, and it is often more about personality than breed alone.

What is important is knowing what is normal for your dog. That way, if something changes, you will notice it quickly and can take steps to find out why.

Final Thoughts

If your dog barks or growls in their sleep, try not to jump to worry. In most cases, it is completely normal and simply part of the dreaming process. Just like people, dogs process their day during sleep. And sometimes that comes out in the form of noise.

The key is to observe. Pay attention to your dog’s sleep patterns, how they wake up, and whether anything has changed. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, or if your dog seems distressed or unwell, speak with your vet.

Otherwise, enjoy the odd, funny, and sometimes baffling sleep sounds your dog makes. It is just one more glimpse into their vivid, busy inner world.

And who knows, maybe that growl was just them dreaming of chasing off next door’s cat. Or reliving the postman’s arrival with heroic flair.

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