My Dog Cries in His Sleep
This is almost always normal -- your dog is dreaming. Dogs experience REM sleep just like humans, and during REM sleep they can whimper, cry, bark softly, twitch their legs, paddle as if running, and move their mouths. It looks (and sounds) more dramatic than it is. In most cases, there is nothing to worry about. Here is what is happening and when it might actually be a concern.
How Dog Sleep Works
Dogs cycle through the same sleep stages as humans: light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. REM is the dreaming stage. During REM sleep, the brain is highly active while the body is mostly paralyzed -- but small movements break through.
- Dogs enter REM sleep about 20 minutes after falling asleep.
- REM episodes last 2 to 5 minutes in dogs (shorter than in humans).
- Dogs cycle through sleep stages multiple times during a nap or overnight sleep.
- Smaller dogs tend to have more frequent but shorter dreams. Larger dogs have fewer but longer dream episodes.
- Puppies and senior dogs spend more time in REM sleep than adult dogs.
Normal Sleep Behaviors
All of the following are normal during REM sleep and are not a cause for concern:
- Whimpering, crying, or soft whining
- Quiet barking or "woofing"
- Twitching of the legs, paws, or face
- Paddling motions (as if running)
- Lip smacking or chewing motions
- Rapid eye movement visible under closed eyelids
- Tail wagging
- Brief body jerks or startles
These movements are soft, irregular, and brief. The dog's body remains relaxed overall. If you say their name, they will usually wake up normally.
Do Not Wake a Dreaming Dog Suddenly
The old saying "let sleeping dogs lie" exists for a good reason. A dog in deep REM sleep is not aware of their surroundings. If you touch them suddenly, they may snap or bite reflexively before they realize what is happening. This is a startle bite -- it is not aggression, and the dog will usually look just as confused as you are.
If you need to wake your dog (for example, the crying is very loud and prolonged), call their name softly from a few feet away. Let them come to on their own. Do not shake them or touch their face.
Teach children this rule. Kids are most at risk for startle bites because they are more likely to hug or touch a sleeping dog.
Dreaming vs. Seizure: How to Tell the Difference
This is the most important distinction to make. In most cases, the difference is obvious once you know what to look for.
| Dreaming (Normal) | Seizure (Emergency) |
|---|---|
| Body is relaxed overall | Body is rigid and stiff |
| Movements are soft and irregular | Movements are violent and rhythmic |
| Gentle twitching, paddling | Violent shaking, jaw clamping |
| Quiet vocalizations | May scream or vocalize loudly |
| Can be woken by calling their name | Cannot be woken -- unresponsive |
| Normal after waking | Confused, disoriented, may stumble or be blind temporarily |
| No loss of bladder/bowel control | May urinate or defecate involuntarily |
| Lasts 2-5 minutes | Usually lasts 30 seconds to 2 minutes |
If your dog has what you suspect is a seizure, do not put your hands near their mouth. Time the episode and record a video if possible -- this is extremely helpful for your vet.
When to Worry
Sleep crying is usually normal, but see your vet if:
- Your dog also cries or whimpers while awake
- They cry when you touch a specific body part (sign of pain)
- There is a sudden change in sleep behavior in a dog that never did this before
- Movements during sleep are rigid and violent rather than soft and twitchy (possible seizure)
- Your dog is confused, disoriented, or unsteady after waking from an episode
- Your senior dog is restless at night, pacing, or seeming disoriented (possible cognitive decline)
- Episodes are becoming more frequent or intense over time
Describe what you are seeing and get guidance on next steps.
Sleep patterns change with age. Find out your dog's true age.