One behavior that dog owners may observe is their dog howling in their sleep. This can be a surprising and even concerning sight for some, but it is a common occurrence among dogs. Still, we hate to think they might be having nightmares, and we may also wonder if we should wake them up.
Howling is defined as producing a mournful cry or a wailing sound, mainly observed in wolves. Some cultures believe howling symbolizes protection, guidance, and even freedom from oppression. They also think that when a wolf howls, it indicates fertility and abundance.
Understanding why dogs howl, particularly while in sleep, can help owners better understand their pet’s behavior and provide them with the best possible care. We have engaged sources by nature.com to help you know howling better and why dogs do it in their sleep.
So, What Does My Dog Howling In Their Sleep Mean?
When a dog howls in their sleep, it is usually a sign that they are experiencing a dream or may have REM Sleep disorders in extreme cases. Dreams are likely related to their instincts, such as hunting or warning of potential dangers. It could also indicate that your puppy is reenacting an experience. Other reasons include restlessness, anxiety, or even seizures.
Howling could be a behavior remnant from the shared ancestor between wolves and dogs. A study by Science Alert showed that most dogs, no matter the breed, can howl. But the more closely related the adult is to the wolf, the more likely they would howl back in response to a wolf hail. This is one reason Huskies love to sing and be dramatic.
Howling during rest is not necessarily a cause for concern. It’s perfectly normal for dogs to vocalize in their sleep, just as humans do. While howling during the day can indicate a variety of emotions, howling while sleeping is an entirely different matter.
As much as a dog howling during a nap may seem strange and disturbing, especially at night, it’s usually nothing to worry about. As long as your dog is otherwise healthy and happy, there’s no need to be concerned about this behavior.
Understanding Dog’s Sleep Patterns
Sleep is a period of rest. It consists of REM and non-REM sleep. Dogs spend a significant amount of their time sleeping, and it is essential for their overall well-being. According to the NCBI, dogs aged 16 weeks were reported to sleep more during the day and less during the night than 12-month-olds. However, dogs with access to people at night were said to hang around for more hours.
During sleep, dogs go through different stages of sleep, including Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep. Dogs spend about 10% of their sleep in REM sleep when they are most likely to dream. During this stage, dogs may twitch, whimper, move their legs, and vocalize. This is where howling in sleep comes in.
But first let’s look at why dogs howl in the first place to get a better idea of why they may do it when they are not awake.
Why Do Dogs Howl
Primarily, dogs howl to communicate over long distances, for pack solidarity, to warn other predators, and sometimes when lonely. They howl instinctively in response to any other high-pitched sound.
According to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, dogs and wolves howl as a way to communicate. Wolves might howl to connect with their pack, warn off threats, or respond to other wolves. The closer a threat, the deeper their howl will sound. When dogs howl at sirens or music, they might be reacting as they would to distant howls or just joining in. Each wolf has its own unique howl, similar to our individual voices.
Possible Causes of Dog Howling While Sleeping
Dogs make all sorts of noises while they sleep, including barks, sighs, and howls. While it may seem like your furry friend is simply dreaming of chasing rabbits or playing fetch, there could be several underlying causes for their howling.
Here are some possible reasons why your dog may be howling in their sleep:
1. Dreams
Like humans, dogs can dream during their sleep. Your dog may be howling in their sleep because they are experiencing a particularly vivid dream. Dogs may dream about running, playing, or even hunting, which could lead to howling or other vocalizations. They could also be dreaming alone and howling for their pack members.
2. REM Sleep Disorders in Dogs
Just as humans can experience sleep disorders, dogs too can have disruptions during their REM sleep, which cause howling, biting, chewing, thrashing and kicking.
A disorder observed in some dogs is the REM sleep behavior disorder, where they physically act out their dreams. Instead of being immobile during their dream phase, these dogs may twitch, bark, whine, or even move around. This can be concerning as it can lead to potential injuries if the dog is not in a safe environment while sleeping.
3. Lack of Daily Exercise & Stimulation
Dogs that don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation during the day may be more likely to howl in their sleep. This is because they have excess energy to release, meaning that are more restless while sleeping, and this could trigger more vocalizations than a tired dog that sleeping deeply.
4. Physical Discomfort
Dogs howling in their sleep more frequently than usual may indicate that they are experiencing physical discomfort. It could also be due to an injury, illness, or uncomfortable sleeping surface. If you suspect your dog may be in pain, it’s essential to take them to the vet for a check-up.
5. Emotional Distress
Emotional distress, such as separation anxiety or fear, may be more likely to cause howling in dogs’ sleep. This is because their stress levels are elevated, which can lead to more intense dreams and vocalizations.
6. Old Age
As dogs age, they may experience changes in their sleep patterns. Changes in their sleep pattern could include more frequent vocalizations, including howling.
While this is a normal part of the aging process, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s behavior to ensure that they are comfortable and not in pain.
7. Neurological Disorder
In some cases, howling in sleep could be a symptom of a neurological disorder. It could include conditions such as epilepsy or cognitive dysfunction syndrome that could lead to seizures and high-pitched vocalizations like howling during rest and sleep.
If you suspect that your dog may have a neurological disorder, it’s essential to consult with your vet to determine the best course of action.
When to Worry About Your Dog’s Howling While Asleep
While it’s normal for dogs to make sounds in their sleep, excessive howling or crying can cause concern. Here are some situations where you might want to seek veterinary advice:
- Frequency: If your dog howls in their sleep every night, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as pain or anxiety, or an REM sleep disorder.
- Duration: Howling over a few seconds could indicate a seizure or other neurological disorder.
- Accompanying symptoms: If howling is accompanied by other symptoms such as drooling, loss of bowel or bladder control, or unresponsiveness, it could be a sign of a severe medical emergency.
- Signs of Distress: If your dog’s howling is accompanied by distress, such as pacing, panting, restlessness, or destructive behavior, it may indicate that your dog is experiencing severe anxiety or fear.
- Separation Anxiety: If your dog primarily howls when left alone at night, it may be a sign of separation anxiety. It is a common issue in dogs and can lead to excessive howling, as the dog is anxious and stressed when separated from their owner.
Consulting a Veterinarian
If a dog’s howling in sleep is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or irregular heartbeat, it is essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. These symptoms could indicate underlying health issues that require prompt medical attention.
A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of the dog and may also recommend additional diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging tests, especially if they are old.
Consulting a vet will help to determine the underlying cause of the howling. Depending on the diagnosis, the veterinarian may prescribe medication or other treatment options to manage the condition and alleviate the howling.
Treatment Options for Dog’s Howling in Sleep
Behavioral training can be an effective way to reduce or eliminate howling in dogs during sleep. Here are some tips to consider:
- Provide a comfortable sleeping environment: Ensure your dog has a comfortable and quiet place to sleep.
- Schedule regular exercise: Regular exercise can help get your dog tired and reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, leading to less howling while resting.
- Avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods: Separation anxiety can cause dogs to howl during sleep. If possible, avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise when they remain quiet during sleep.
Remember that addressing night-time howling may require time, patience, and training. In some cases, consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can be highly beneficial to address the underlying issues causing the howling.
Medical Treatment
If the howling persists despite behavioral training, medical treatment may be necessary. Here are some options to consider:
- Medication: Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help reduce anxiety and stress in your dog.
- Surgery: Dogs may howl while in pain, when they are losing their vision and hearing, or when they are experiencing hormone imbalances. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any underlying medical conditions causing the howling.
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and other alternativ-e-archive therapies may be effective in reducing pain, stress, and anxiety in dogs.
Preventing Dog Howling in Sleep
There are a few things that dog owners can do to prevent their furry friends from howling in their sleep. Here are some tips:
Provide a comfortable sleeping environment
Dogs are more likely to howl in their sleep if they are uncomfortable or in pain. Make sure your dog has a comfortable bed and that the room temperature is suitable for them.
Stick to a routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so try to establish a consistent bedtime routine for your dog. This can include going for a walk, having a snack, and settling down in their bed.
Keep your dog active
Dogs that get plenty of exercise during the day are more likely to sleep soundly at night. Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation during the day to help them sleep better at night.
Avoid feeding your dog too close to bedtime
Dogs that eat too close to bedtime may experience discomfort or indigestion, leading to howling in their sleep.
Consider crate training
If your dog is prone to howling in their sleep, crate training may be a good option. It can help your dog feel safe and secure while they sleep and may reduce the likelihood of howling.
Following these tips, dog owners can help prevent their furry friends from howling in their sleep and ensure they get the rest they need to stay healthy and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean when a dog howls in their sleep?
Dogs howl in their sleep for various reasons, including dreaming about hunting or communicating with other dogs. It is a natural behavior and does not necessarily indicate any health or behavioral issues.
How to stop a dog howling in sleep
It is not recommended to try to stop a dog from howling in their sleep as it is a natural behavior. However, if the howling becomes excessive or disruptive, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist for further advice.
Should I wake my dog up if he’s crying in his sleep?
It is unnecessary to wake up a dog if they are crying. Dogs may whimper or call in their sleep due to dreaming or experiencing a nightmare. It is best to let them sleep and not disturb their rest.
Why did my dog suddenly wake up and howl?
Dogs may suddenly wake up and howl due to a variety of reasons, including hearing a loud noise, reading to a dream, or sensing danger. It could also be due to a medical condition or discomfort. If this behavior persists, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
What is the meaning behind a dog’s howl?
Dogs howl to communicate with other dogs or to express their emotions, such as loneliness,a warning to other dogs, or group solidarity. Howling can also be a way for dogs to locate their owners or to warn them of potential danger.
Why does my dog make a high-pitched sound while sleeping?
Dogs may make high-pitched sounds while sleeping due to dreaming or experiencing a nightmare. It could also be due to a medical condition or discomfort. You can also have your dog examined for a sleep disorder.
Final Thoughts
Dog howling in sleep can be a normal behavior or a sign of an underlying health issue. While it may seem concerning to some dog owners, it is essential to remember that dogs have different sleeping patterns and behaviors than humans.
If a dog’s howling in sleep is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms such as restlessness, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
On the other hand, if the howling is infrequent and does not seem to disturb the dog’s sleep, it is likely a harmless behavior. In these cases, providing a comfortable sleeping environment and enough exercise during the day can help reduce the frequency of howling in sleep.
Overall, understanding a dog’s sleeping behavior, including howling in sleep, can help dog owners provide the best care for their furry friends.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.