When dogs sleep, they experience deep rest and vivid dreams, similar to humans, processing daily events through REM sleep where they might twitch, whine, or "run" in their sleep, reliving happy moments like playing or chasing, but also potentially processing stressful experiences, affecting their rest quality. They cycle through light sleep (slow-wave sleep) and deep REM sleep, with puppies dreaming more due to learning, and their brain activity reflecting waking moments.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
When dogs lie around they maintain a low-intensity blend of sensory monitoring, present-moment bodily awareness, expectation of familiar events, associative memories, mood, and--during drowsiness--dreamlike replay.
As the solution is injected, the animal loses consciousness and within minutes the heart and lungs stop functioning. Since the pet is not conscious, they do not feel anything.
Short answer: often yes, but context matters -- many dogs tolerate or enjoy gentle petting while asleep if they feel safe, but some wake, become startled, or resent touch depending on individual temperament, sleep stage, health, and past experiences.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
Will My Dog Forgive Me for Putting Them to Sleep? While there's no confirmation that a pet can forgive the same way humans do, find comfort in knowing that your dog feels your love and care in whatever you do for them. It's natural to feel guilty when your pet dies.
The euthanasia drug can be irritant to the soft tissue underneath the skin when given outisde of the vein. This risk is elminated by first giving pets a pre-euthanasia sedative. Do dogs cry when euthanized? Extremely rarely, dogs may vocalise during the euthanasia process.
There are a few things you can do to help inform your decision.
Vets' and scientists' opinions tend to vary on this one. Some believe dogs can't tell how much time has passed: one minute of a thorn in the paw may feel like an eternity, or 10 minutes extra waiting for food might feel as long as 10 hours.
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant.
Given that dogs can remember us and read the cues, then yes, they most likely know when we are going away, although, not for how long.
Harvard psyhologists reveal that dogs dream of their humans
What you may not have realised however is, according to new research by Harvard psychologists, your dog is likely to be dreaming about you too – their human – the most important thing in their life.
How do they do this? It's biological. All animals have circadian rhythms - physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, responding to light and darkness in the environment. They may also be affected by factors like temperature and social cues.
Once the catheter is in place, you may request some time alone with your pet. This will be the final few minutes you get to share with your companion before saying goodbye, so do not be afraid to take the time you need. You can help hold your pet or cradle them in your arms at the time of euthanasia.
According to the story, when a pet dies, it goes to the meadow, restored to perfect health and free of any injuries. The pet runs and plays all day with the others; there is always fresh food and water, and the sun is always shining.
While dogs can't speak their goodbyes, some pet owners have observed behavior at the end of life that could be a dog communicating their goodbye, like seeking out extra companionship or solitude.
Our dogs look at us as their whole world, and being hit will be almost a betrayal of their trust. Their short-term memory will aid us if the hitting incident just occurs once. But pet owners will carry the guilt of the memory. Again, don't make it a habit.
Consider allowing family and close friends to say goodbye, especially if they were also close to your dog. However, limit visitors to avoid overwhelming your pet. Bring comforting items to your dog, like their bed or blanket. Familiar smells and textures soothe them and help them feel comfortable.
To show your dog you're the leader, provide calm, consistent structure through training, clear rules (like waiting before going through doors or eating), and leading on walks (dog beside or behind you). It's about confidence, not aggression, ensuring your dog feels secure in a balanced environment where you control resources and activities, not by overpowering them but by offering reliable guidance.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
Leaning into you
Leaning against your leg (or whatever part is closest to them) is a big sign that they love you. If you find your dog leaning against you, take a moment to pet him and show him some extra affection.