Ever been jolted awake to the sound of your dog growling in their sleep? It’s a little alarming, right? Don’t worry; there’s justifiable reasoning behind this odd nightly behavior. Let’s dive into the interesting world of canine sleep and uncover the reasons your furry friend’s growling while catching some Zzz’s.
Reason #1 – Dreaming
Yes, dogs do dream just like humans! When your pup reaches the rapid eye movement stage of sleep, similar to human REM sleep, they experience dreams that resemble their wakeful actions, including barking, running, or even growling.
Your dog could be replaying an exciting day at the park or envisioning themselves in some new adventure. They could be growling because they’re sleep-fighting or having a game of tug-of-war. It’s all part of the fun, often wild, world of doggo dreams.
What to Do
You don’t have to worry about the growling behavior from your dog while they’re dreaming. It’s a normal stage in their sleep cycle. Just leave them to have their dreamland adventures. If growling goes along with apparent physical distress, for example, twitching or whimpering, you can wake up your dog slowly to ensure that everything is all right with your pup.
Reason #2 – Discomfort or Pain
One of the reasons that dogs growl in their sleep is because they’re in discomfort or pain. This can occur due to underlying health problems or simply from lying uncomfortably. If your dog recently started growling in their sleep and sounds out of character, check for signs of discomfort.
What to Do
Observe your dog’s sleeping patterns and look for any indications of physical, mental, or emotional distress. If you believe they might be in pain or distressed, consult your vet. They’ll rule any medical issues and advise on how to make your pup more comfortable while sleeping.
Reason #3 – Anxiety or Stress
Anxiety and stress affect dogs just like they do humans and can reflect in their sleep patterns. If your dog has gone through a recent change, like moving to a new home or adding a new family member, human or furry, to the mix, they could be feeling some anxiety. This stress sometimes shows in growling behavior during sleep as they come to terms with their feelings.
What to Do
Give your dog a sense of security by adhering to a strict routine and providing extra comfort for their sleeping situation. Establish a bedtime ritual by using their blanket or favorite toy to set the tone for an ideal sleep environment. If the situation persists, consult a veterinarian or pet behaviorist for more advice on how to help your dog cope with its anxiety.
Reason #4 – Protective Instinct
Dogs have protective instincts, and if your dog protects you or their space rather aggressively, they might growl in their sleep as a response to threats they experience when dreaming.
What to Do
Make them feel safe in their environment; provide a safe space where they can feel relaxed with no threats. If growling persists to the point that it’s interfering with sleep, it’s well worth consulting with a professional trainer for help on addressing protective behavior.
Reason #5 – Neurological Problems
Sometimes, growling during sleep can occur due to neurological problems. Epilepsy and other brain disorders may make your dog do strange things when sleeping, growling being one of them. If your dog growls in his sleep and also has fits, seems disoriented, or exhibits extreme behavioral changes, seek advice from a vet.
What to Do
If you have even the slightest inkling that a neurological issue is present, don’t hesitate. Book an appointment with your veterinarian right away. They’ll run tests and treat any disorders to give your dog the best care possible.
What’s the Solution?
Keep a Doggo Sleep Diary
Start tracking your doggo’s sleeping patterns and behavior. Note when they growl and how often it happens. Capturing this data in a log helps your vet understand their sleep health and what they can do to improve it. Sleep quality is an important health marker, and tracking sleep patterns can tell you a lot about your dog’s physical and mental health.
Set up a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Provide your dog with a comfortable, quiet place to lie down and sleep. A comfortable bed in a familiar and secure space will do wonders for their sleep quality. Place their sleep area in a space away from foot traffic and people to prevent sleep disturbances.
Regular Exercise
The best way for humans and dogs to break free from anxiety and improve sleeping habits is with regular physical and mental exercise. Take your dog on daily walks, engage in some playful activities and training sessions to make them feel happy and tired at bedtime.
Consult a Professional Trainer
A vet or a certified dog behaviorist can offer advice on how to improve your dog’s sleep quality and how to identify the triggers of growling behavior while they’re sleeping.
Let’s Put this Issue to Bed
It’s one thing to wake up to the sound of your dog snoring, but waking up to them growling is a bit more of a terrifying experience. The first time it happens, you might think it’s due to someone breaking into your home. But it’s a relatively common behavior, and not something that you need to be overly concerned with if it just happens from time to time. If the behavior persists, book a consultation with the vet.