Doggie Nightmares

[Carol and Banjo]

About four o'clock this morning Banjo (who was asleep in his chair beside our bed) let out the eeriest, most sorrowful/plaintive howl.  It lasted just a few seconds, but woke us with a start!   He was seemingly fast asleep didn't move a muscle and all was quiet once more.    I really shook me though.    I laid there for quite a while thinking what could have prompted such a sound.      He has always had the classic doggie dreams....you know, the paws twitching, the funny muffled barking that almost sounds like he's chuckling.    I always imagine he's having a ball running around chasing squirrels or something equally as fun.   This was different.    It really rattled me to think he was having a nightmare....poor guy!

Has anyone else experienced this nighttime howling?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD has occasionally cried/whimpered in his sleep during what seems to be a bad dream. I think all of my dogs have done this from time to time, although none of them ever howled. Speaking to them in a soft, soothing voice usually stops it. 

[Carol and Banjo]

It was just 4-5 seconds long and then he appeared to be fast asleep. I think Laurie may be right.....he was crying out for her no doubt.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

LOL...it is always about me :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, maybe JD is calling out for you too, Laurie.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Of course....LOL....come to me, JD :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I think Banjo is missing his Aunt Laurie and wants to come visit :) Fudge is my dreamer. She twitches, whimpers, moves around, but I have never heard a howl. I don't like to think Banjo was having a nightmare. Give him a hug from us.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Wasn't there a Super Moon recently? Maybe it activated his inner wolf! :)

No howls from Tara yet. Just the usual woofing, twitching and paws flailing about. I can see where it would be unsettling though. 

[Carol and Banjo]

Ha! I thought of that Ricki.....the moon! I've been doing a little googling today....and it could have been a "death howl"......not sure we should go to sleep tonite!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I had to look up "death howl", :(  I see what you mean about sleeping.  Let's hope Banjo isn't clairvoyant! 

[Stella]

My Chase definitely has nightmare, he is sometimes obviously upset and sometimes scared while he is asleep. I talk to him, using his name, and tell him that he is ok. This usually brings him out of it, but it is upsetting to see and know he is having a scary dream :(

[Carol and Banjo]

Aww....poor baby!    It is upsetting to think that they'd be scared during their sleep....or well,  anytime for that matter!

[Carol and Banjo]

Yes, I totally agree.....it is upsetting.      Thankfully, it doesn't seem to happen often here.