A recent study carried out by Harvard Medical School has revealed a fascinating fact about the behavior of dogs during sleep. These animals dream about their everyday experiences. And many of them are related to their owners.
The research, led by Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a clinical and evolutionary psychologist. Suggests that dogs’ dreams reflect their daily lives. Including interactions with people who are part of their immediate environment.
According to Barrett, dogs, like humans, experience a sleep cycle that includes the REM (rapid eye movement) pase. The time when dreams occur. “There is no reason to think that animals are different. As dogs are usually very attached to their owners. Your dog is likely to dream of your fase. Your smell and liking or bothering you,” explained the specialist. This finding not only expands knowledge about animal behavior. Also strengthens the emotional bond between dogs and their owners.
How dogs dream and what science reveals
Dr. Barrett’s study was based on years of research on human sleep. The principles of which they applied to the analysis of rest in dogs. According to the expert, dogs’ sleep cycles are similar to those of people.
Including the REM phase, which is characterized by rapid eye movements. And other physical signs such as spasms in the legs. Tremors in the muzzle or even soft barking. These manifestations indicate that dogs could be dreaming at that time.
The research concluded that dogs dream visually, unlike humans. Whose dreams usually have a more logical structure. In the case of dogs, dreams seem to be related to activities that interest them or that are part of their daily routine.
This includes playing, walking, or interacting with their owners. According to Barrett, dogs are likely to dream about specific aspects of their owners. Such as their face, their smell or even the emotions they experience when being close to them.
The importance of the environment for pets to rest
In addition to analyzing the content of dogs’ dreams. Dr. Barrett offered recommendations to ensure pets get quality sleep. As he explained, the environment in which dogs sleep plays a crucial role in the quality of their dreams.
“The best way to achieve this is to have happy experiences during the day and sleep in a safe and comfortable environment,” he said in the study itself.
The specialist stressed that a calm and stress-free environment not only contributes to the general well-being of dogs. But also favors their dreams to be positive. This involves providing them with adequate space to sleep. Away from noise or distractions, and making sure they have a daily routine that includes moments of play and affection.
A finding that reinforces the human-animal bond
The discovery that dogs dream about their owners has significant implications, both scientifically and emotionally. According to Harvard research, this dreamlike behavior reinforces the idea that dogs are not only highly social animals. But also have a deep emotional connection to the people who care for them.
This finding breaks with the idea that dreams are exclusive to humans and underscores the complexity of the inner world of animals. In addition, it highlights the importance of positive interactions between dogs and their owners. As these experiences not only influence their behavior during the day, but also the quality of their rest.
Methodology and conclusions of the study
To carry out this research, the team led by Dr. Barrett analyzed the behavior of dogs during sleep, focusing on the REM phase. This approach allowed us to identify patterns that suggest that dogs dream of activities and people that are part of their daily lives. Although the study was based on principles extrapolated from human sleep. The results offer a unique insight into the dream world of animals.
The Harvard Medical School study not only provides new insights into dog behavior. Moreover invites reflection on the relationship between humans and animals. By understanding that dogs dream of their owners. The importance of providing them with a safe and affectionate environment. Both during the day and at the time of rest, is reinforced.
With information from Nazareno Rosen/infobae.com
Translated by Radio Angulo
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