It sounds strange but, yes! Dogs can have wet dreams – Males, of course. The occurrence of wet dreams in dogs is usually a sign of sexual maturity.
In this article, we will take a quick dive into some of the reasons why this is perfectly normal and even healthy for your furry friend. We will also look at some things that you can do to handle this normal but perhaps embarrassing occurrence.
Do Dogs Dream?
Just like us, humans, dogs eat, play, and even dream. As a dog owner, you may have noticed your dog suddenly jerk while sleeping and asked yourself, “Is he dreaming?” “What could he be dreaming about?”
To better understand this, it is essential that we briefly look into the sleeping patterns of dogs.
Experts say that dogs have two stages of sleep which include:
Slow-wave sleep (SWS)
This stage occurs just after the dog falls asleep. At this stage, the dog can quickly wake up in reaction to little sounds or sudden movements.
Rapid eye movement (REM)
At this stage, your dog is completely relaxed and most likely dreaming just like we would. This stage begins after about 20 minutes of uninterrupted sleep.
It is a common belief that puppies dream more than fully grown dogs, perhaps because they are significantly more active and are pretty much excited by anything they see.
Also, experts have reported that larger dogs tend to dream less than smaller dogs, but they dream for more extended periods.
What do They Dream About?
Well, there’s no easy way to know what these canines dream about; I mean, wouldn’t it be nice if we could ask them? Experts, however, believe that they dream about everyday things, including playing, hunting, eating, and so on.
By simply watching your dog while it sleeps, you can surely tell when it’s having a nightmare. The dog may bark and whimper while sleeping, clearly showing that something dreary might be happening in its dream.
To your surprise, you may even notice that your dog has an erection during its sleep and might even make thrusting movements. You certainly won’t need to be told that things may have just gotten a bit naughty in dreamland.
Such dreams may begin to occur when the dog starts to become sexually mature. In dog years, that may be between six months and a year. Instinctively, male dogs want to reproduce, so it is only natural that they may have this kind of dream.
Signs that Your Dog has a Wet Dream
More often than not, most dog owners find out that their dog had a wet dream only after they discover strange wet stains on the dog’s bedding or perhaps on the floor where the dog had just slept. Some of the most common signs include the following:
An Erection
You may notice that the dog’s private is out of its shaft and fully erect. Most dog owners refer to it as “the red rocket” or “the lipstick.”
Swollen testicles
Dog owners may notice that while their dog is asleep, its testicles may appear suddenly larger than usual. This enlargement happens as a result of the swelling tissues and blood vessels in the groin region. It is perfectly normal and goes away with time.
A white discharge
The most visible sign that your dog has had a wet dream is the presence of a white discharge where the dog has just slept.
Generally, mature dogs do not have wet dreams as often as what you may call teenage dogs. These teenagers are bursting with hormones.
What About Neutered Dogs?
Neutering your dog may not necessarily reflect in the dream world. Neutered dogs can still dream, right? And they can most certainly dream about getting some action. The difference here, however, is that the resultant discharge is just seminal fluid without sperm.
Wet dreams are generally calmer in neutered dogs, though. The only objective evidence one might get is the presence of a white discharge from the private area.
Erections in Dogs
Dogs can get erections at very odd times. Sexual stimulation is the primary cause of erection in dogs, but arousal in dogs can happen when the dog is playing with other dogs or even when you get a visitor he happens to like.
This erection may last for a varied amount of time, from very quickly to quite extended. Speaking in terms of wet dreams, dog owners have reported that they observed their dog’s erection to last for as long as 15 minutes after dreaming.
If you notice that your dog is having a wet dream, it is advised not to try to forcefully wake it up to stop it. This action could leave the dog confused, which might cause it to become unnecessarily aggressive.
Colour of Discharge
While wet dreams lead to the discharge of fluid during your dog’s sleep, it won’t hurt to mention that the color of the discharge may be an indicator of an underlying problem.
Healthy dog sperm is white; hence, any other colored discharge would probably require a veterinary check. Sperm should not be mistaken for “shaft cheese”, a lubricant produced in the shaft which aids intercourse.
It is common to see this fluid pooled near a sleeping dog – healthy even. It’s hard to miss because it yellow or greenish.
If the discharged fluid is clear or pee-colored, it could simply mean that your furry friend was just too tired or deep in sleep to have woken up to pee. Bear with him.
If you notice a dark-colored fluid, it could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). You may need to take him to his vet to get him checked because it might affect kidney function if left unchecked.
Recommended Practices
Firstly, you should remember that your dog having a wet dream is perfectly normal. Most dogs grow out of it with time, but if it bugs you, here are a few things you should do.
- Place a towel or blanket underneath him to make cleaning up after him easier.
- It is rare, but if he does not grow out of it, it is best to keep him away from your bed and perhaps schedule a veterinary appointment to discuss neutering as an option.
Try not to scold your dog for having a wet dream because he has no control over what happens when he sleeps.
Conclusion
Yes, indeed, male dogs can have wet dreams. It’s a perfectly normal occurrence and is also a good sign that your dog is sexually mature.
It may be evident in cases where the dog has an erection and is making humping movements. However, it may also go unnoticed in neutered dogs as they experience much calmer wet dreams.
Always remember to observe the color of the fluid discharged to avoid the possible progression of urinary tract infections.
Well, I guess it is okay to let the dog have its fun and clean up after him. It may be embarrassing and even discomforting for you, but as was mentioned earlier, it is simply a phase that he will most likely grow out of. Let teenagers be teenagers and dogs be dogs.
