Some nights, you might see your dog’s paws twitching or hear a soft shuffle under the covers. At other times, a long cry cuts the quiet, even though they're deep in sleep. Have you ever thought, "Why do dogs cry in their sleep?". If so, you're not alone. It can be odd, even scary, when such a deep cry comes from a pet who seems fast asleep.

But more often than not, the cause is far more natural and even endearing than alarming. In fact, this behaviour may be a glimpse into your dog’s inner world, possibly dreaming about you.

Let’s explore what may lie behind these mysterious midnight sounds, when they’re harmless, and when they might require closer attention.

Why Is My Dog Howling in Their Sleep?

There’s no single explanation. Sleep howling in dogs is a multifaceted behaviour that reflects emotional depth, neurological activity, and even evolutionary history. Below are the most common causes:

1. Dreaming During REM Sleep

Like us, dogs have Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This is when they most likely dream. In this stage, their brain does a lot more, sometimes making them move or make sounds like twitching, leg kicking, tail wagging, or howling.

When dogs howl while in REM sleep, it could be because they think of past times. Maybe they dream of chasing a ball, meeting us at the door, or returning to a noisy time at the park. This act is like when people talk in their sleep, a short, unplanned reply to their day.

2. Genetic Instincts: A Howl From the Wild

Some dog breeds tend to howl more. Huskies, Beagles, and Malamutes carry old wolf traits, which makes them howl like their wild family. These deep instincts stay with them, even in sleep.

A dog’s brain may activate these inherited behaviours while resting, especially during vivid dreams. Some dogs are genetically programmed to communicate this way, whether awake or dreaming.

3. Stress or Anxiety Bubbles to the Surface

Sometimes, crying out during sleep may show that a dog is upset. Dogs may get scared or nervous if they are away from their owner, scared by something, or stressed by their surroundings. These feelings might show up while they are sleeping.

Dogs from a shelter, pets with big life changes like moving or losing a friend, or dogs that stress out fast, might make noise in their sleep. They do this to get rid of those piled-up feelings. While these changes in their behaviour may seem small, they could mean that the dogs need more comfort or help.

4. Disrupted Sleep Cycles or Overstimulation

Overactive days can impact nighttime behaviour. If a dog has been overstimulated, perhaps by loud noise, intense play, or a chaotic schedule, their sleep may become fragmented or irregular.

As a result, they may vocalise more during light sleep stages. Even subtle environmental triggers, like late-night guests or background noise, can affect a pet’s ability to rest peacefully.

5. Age-Related Cognitive Changes

Older dogs are more likely to vocalise at night. As they age, some dogs develop Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), which is similar to dementia in humans. Confusion, disorientation, and disrupted sleep patterns can lead to more howling, even while they’re asleep.

If an elderly dog begins to howl more frequently during the night, we recommend a thorough veterinary evaluation to determine whether cognitive health may be a factor.

Is Sleep Howling Normal?

In many cases, sleep howling is considered a normal, benign behaviour. It is often part of a dog’s natural sleep process, especially during REM stages, and may indicate healthy emotional processing.

Occasional howling during sleep should not be a source of concern. In fact, it can reflect a mentally stimulated, emotionally expressive pet. However, context matters. If the howling becomes frequent and intense or is accompanied by changes in waking behaviour, it may be time to look deeper.

When Should You Worry About a Dog Howling in Their Sleep?

While most sleep howling is harmless, there are situations in which it may signal a problem.

Here are some guiding questions:

• Has the frequency or intensity increased recently?

• Does the dog wake up disoriented, anxious, or vocal?

• Are there any signs of pain, mobility issues, or behavioural changes during the day?

• Is the dog a senior, and has this behaviour developed suddenly?

Nighttime howling may be associated with:

• Physical discomfort (such as joint pain, gastrointestinal issues)

• Neurological concerns (like seizures or cognitive decline)

• Emotional distress or sleep disturbances

In any of these cases, we recommend booking a comprehensive wellness check. At Noble Vet Clinic, we conduct thorough evaluations to help identify whether nighttime howling has behavioural or medical origins.

How to Cut Down on Night Howling

If sleep howling has become a regular disturbance for your dog or your household, there are several strategies to consider:

1. Set a Night Routine 

Dogs thrive on routine. Setting consistent sleep and wake times, offering a bathroom break after dinner, and avoiding high-energy play right before bed can help regulate their sleep cycle.

Soothing rituals such as gentle brushing or quiet cuddle time may help reduce restlessness.

2. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Ensure your dog’s sleeping area is quiet, secure, and familiar. Minimise household noise and sudden disruptions. Consider white noise or soft ambient sound to mask external triggers that could prompt vocal reactions.

A cosy, padded bed in a temperature-controlled area can also support better rest.

3. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation During the Day

Boredom or lack of stimulation during the day can lead to nighttime restlessness. To use up your dog's energy and keep its mind working, take it for walks, play fun games, and do things together.

A mentally tired dog is more likely to sleep soundly and quietly.

4. Try Natural Calm Things 

Some pets feel better with natural supplements like melatonin or calm chews. Smells, heavy blankets, and safe sprays can also help them relax.

However, it is essential to speak with a veterinarian before introducing any new calming aids, especially if your pet is on other medications.

5. Address Any Underlying Medical Issues 

If sleep howling appears suddenly, worsens over time, or is paired with symptoms like vomiting, limping, disorientation, or aggression, medical evaluation is crucial. Diagnostic testing, such as bloodwork or neurological scans, may reveal treatable conditions affecting your dog’s rest.

At Noble Vet Clinic, our team is equipped to support your pet with compassionate care and targeted diagnostics.

Do Dogs Dream of Us? 

It’s a comforting thought backed by research. Dogs have deep feelings, and studies show they might dream about people they know, their daily lives, and what they do.

Hearing that soft, deep howl at night might not be because they are scared. It could be a memory, a happy time, or the sound of them dreaming about being with us again.

It's a warm thought that shows how close our pets feel to us, even when they are sleeping.

Conclusion

So, why do dogs howl in their sleep? The reasons can vary from instincts and dreaming to emotional expression and, occasionally, medical issues.

Sleep howling isn’t something we need to worry about in most cases. Instead, it’s a behaviour we can try to understand. Most of the time, it offers insight into our dogs’ emotional world, something genuine and worth paying attention to.