Top study suggests dogs often dream about playing with their owners

Your pup’s probably dreaming about you. 

Research from Harvard Medical School suggests that dogs revisit their daily experiences in their dreams, and they probably dream about their human companions too.

Dr. Deirdre Barrett - a clinical and evolutionary psychologist at the prestigious university - explains that because dogs form strong bonds with their owners, their dreams are likely filled with images of them.

These dreams may feature familiar faces, scents, and moments shared with their humans.

Additionally, similar to people, dogs have a system that typically stops them from moving their muscles while they sleep, although this can occasionally fail.

As a result, you might catch your pup engaging in funny movements during their slumber, perhaps reliving playful moments with you.

"Anything about what animals dream, or even if they dream, is speculative," Dr. Barrett told People. "The only two animals even suggested to have ever told their dreams to a human are the signing gorillas Koko and Michael."

She adds that their dream habits may not be exactly like ours, even if the mechanics are very similar.

"In terms of potential differences, we know that small animals, like mice, go through the sleep stages much more quickly so they would likely be having shorter, more frequent dreams," she said.

"Humans dream about the same things they’re interested in by day, though more visually and less logically. There’s no reason to think animals are any different. Since dogs are generally extremely attached to their human owners, it’s likely your dog is dreaming of your face, your smell, and of pleasing or annoying you."

In other words, just like humans, pups are probably dreaming about all kinds of things from their daily life.

That could mean they’re chasing their tail or tucking into some delicious chicken, but it could also mean they’re dreaming of rolling around on the floor with their favourite human.

While dogs dote on their human companions, cats show as little interest in their owner while they're asleep as they do when they're awake.

"We actually know more about cats dreams, because one of the earliest sleep researchers, Michel Jouvet, destroyed the tiny area in cat brains that inhibits movements during REM sleep," Dr Barrett said. "Cats lay quietly through the other stages of sleep, and when REM began, they leapt up, stalked, pounced, arched their backs and hissed. They looked like they were hunting mice in their dreams."

The psychologist also offered advice to pet owners who want to make sure their animals have good dreams.

She said: "The best way to give ourselves or our children better dreams is to have happy daytime experiences and to get plenty of sleep in a safe and comfortable environment. It’s a good bet this is also best for pets’ dreams."