Our pets are our constant companions -- in waking life and in dream life. Sometimes they appear in dreams as guides, sometimes they are injured and we care for them, or sometimes they show up in nightmares as being neglected. Below are some ideas about pets in dreams and what they might symbolize.
Symbols of Self
In dreams, animals often represent parts of ourselves. Domesticated animals may represent those aspects of ourselves that are more familiar to us, parts of ourselves that are easier to acknowledge. Just what is being represented depends on the animal. At the end of the article you'll find links to other articles that give more information on what different animals represent in dreams so be sure to check them out.
Caring for Pets in Dreams
Dreams of taking care of pets in dreams symbolizes nurturing an aspect of one's self. These dreams point to feeling of self-respect, and may also show that one is developing some aspect of creativity. For example, dreaming that one is caring for a parakeet may indicate that one is paying attention to one's voice -- which may translate into speaking up for one's self, developing some singing talent, or even finding one's voice by writing.
Injured Pets in Dreams
Injured pets in dreams may point to some aspect of one's self that feels wounded. The part of one's self that feels injured may be found in what one associates with the pet that is wounded, or the part of the pet's body that is wounded. For example, dogs are often associated with loyalty therefore, an injured dog may indicate feelings of betrayal or feeling that one's loyalty has been misplaced or misused.
Neglected Pets in Dreams
Dreams of neglecting one's dearly loved pet are disturbing, but also quite common. These dreams may take the form of forgetting to feed the pet, forgetting that one has a pet, or other forms of neglect. The feeling accompanying the dream is usually one of panic, embarrassment, or sheer horror. Another feeling is that one has made an unconscionable, irreparable mistake that has resulted in the injury of something one dearly loves.
Dreams of this sort usually indicate feelings of not living up to one's responsibilities, or feeling that one is failing in an area of life one considers very important. These type of dreams may also symbolize feelings of neglecting some aspect of one's self. This may mean that there is some aspect of creativity that one is ignoring that may be worthy of developing. Many times, creativity is sacrificed because it isn't "practical". These dreams are indications that the creative impulse is demanding attention, even at the cost of sacrificing practicality.
Anxiety
Sometimes dreams of something bad happening to pets may be nothing more than anxiety dreams, fear that something will happen to that which is loved. This may be especially true if one has a pet who is actually sick or injured in waking life. It is important to remember that all dreams, not just dreams about pets, are reflections of the state of our psyches and not necessarily prophecies of the future.
Common dog symbol meanings
Seeing a dog with a wagging tail.Dreamer has some friendly support in his waking life or will receive some. This also is a positive omen for a happy outcome.
Dog of a different color.
The color of a dog, especially when it is not a natural hue of a canine (such as rainbow, gold, purple) is symbol in itself so look up the meaning for the color. Then, look for a friend, associate or benefactor with the traits symbolized by the color. He/she will be offering you some help and support.
Over-sized dog.
Any extremes in dreams should be noted. An over-sized dog could represent a friend with a larger-than-life personality, one who play a very large role in your life or one who tends to overstep the boundaries of your relationship. Look at your own feelings towards this over-sized dog to see if he presents welcomed friendship or burdens.
Extremely tiny dog.
A miniature dog in your dream symbolizes a friend who you may barely notice or pay attention to. A friend who does not intrude upon your life. Beware that you do not take him for granted or you might "kill" this friendship out of neglect or injury (hurt feelings.) In Japanese folklore, a tiny dog has greater spiritual power than average-sized dogs.
Sleeping dog.
A sleeping dog is a friend who is otherwise occupied but when a need arises, he will awaken and rush to your side.
Playful dog.
This signals that you could use some fun with a pal. But a playful dog who won't leave you alone can be a friend who distracts you from your responsibilities.
A barking dog.
Take notice of what a friend is trying to tell you.
Howling dog.
A friend is missing you and wanting to let you know he's still around.
Continued and panicked howling of a dog.
Warning of impending danger.
Snarling, threatening dog.
You're doing something to overstep your boundaries with a friend.
Being attacked by a dog.
Betrayal.
Dirty dog.
Be on the alert for an unsavory friend. If dreamer washes dog, he could be needed to help a friend "clean up" his act. Dreamer also must reflect on his own waking life actions. Is he being a "dirty dog" in his waking life?
Dead dog.
A loss of a friend or friend's loyalty.
Starving dog.
Friend is starving for dreamer's time and attention. Look for a waking life friendship that needs nourishment.
Fat dog.
Is this fat dream dog unhealthy or contented? You could be overfeeding a friend with too much help and he can longer help himself. If the dog is only contentedly plump, you enjoy a satisfying and mutually beneficial friendship.
Dog infested with fleas.
Someone in your life is being overwhelmed by little, annoying problems.
Lost dog.
Have you lost a friend? Are you looking to reclaim it? Or, could there be a positive aspect of a dog that you are losing: loyalty? Being social?
A pack of dogs.
If the overall demeanor is happy, there are good social times ahead for the dreamer. He'll be accepted into a social group.
Pursued by a pack of wild dogs.
Dreamer is under attack by a social group.
A pack of protective dogs.
Conversely, the dreamer has the protection of a social group.
Being torn to bits by a pack of dogs.Being rejected in such a violent way indicates that the actions of the pack is having a harmful effect on the dreamer.
A puppy.
Innocence, playfulness. A new friendship.
A sick puppy.
An unhealthy new association.
A dying puppy.
Losing a new association.
A litter of puppies.
A new social group. Beginning of an association.
Puppy or litter of pups nursing.
Nurturing this new association or group relationship.
Puppy being rejected by its mother.
Dreamer's new association with you will not be accepted by his relations.
Dog trying to get you to follow him.
Dreamer should trust and follow a friend.
Dog riding in your car.
You'll have companionship on your life journey.
Dog being killed.
A friendship is being killed. Are you betraying a friend? Is there some aspect of your friendship that is being killed?
Cutting up your dog.
Trying to deal with your friendship by cutting it up into manageable pieces. This often appears when a friend is too much to handle or overbearing.
Training your dog.
Attempting to gain a friend's cooperation.
Watching a dog nimbly go through an agility course.
Dreamer will face tough but friendly competition.
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