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What causes my dog's breathing to quicken during sleep? Is it dreams?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Male | neutered | 5 months and 19 days old | 10 lbs

Sometimes Harley’s breathing starts to quicken while he’s sleeping. He is usually laying with me, so I pet him and he calms down. I don’t think it’s a health problem, but I was wondering if he’s dreaming or something else.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 29th, 2018

Dogs dream just the way we do, so increased respiratory pattern and sometimes vocalizing happens as well. As long as it is transient and goes back to normal then I would not be worried. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 24th, 2019

    Dogs can dream, and their breathing can change in response to their dreams. If Loki is only having these changes while sleeping, I would suspect that is the case. Now if he starts having these breathing changes while awake as well, then I would be concerned and have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 10th, 2019

    It could be reverse sneezing, or it could be a reaction to a dream Pearl was having. Dogs do dream, and they can have breathing changes in response to it. If it's happening only when she sleeps, that is what I'm imagining is happening.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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