What is a bad dream for a dog?

Understanding Dog Nightmares

Unlike humans, dogs don't envision terrifying creatures in their dreams, as noted by the AKC. When a dog experiences a nightmare, it is typically a recall of a distressing situation they have encountered. According to Wag!, dogs with a history of trauma are more susceptible to having nightmares. So, do dogs experience nightmares? The answer is yes, they can.