20 Dream of Black Dog Meanings

Many people love dogs, including black dogs. However, in some cultures, black dogs have been associated with death and were believed to be guardians of the underworld. So what does it mean to dream about a black dog? Is it a bad omen?

Often black dog dreams are a way your subconscious mind is helping you to progress feelings such as loneliness, grief, and depression. For many dreamers, there are strong emotions attached to these dreams and they can signal changes and transformation.

Read on to find out how to interpret your black dog dream.

Symbolic Meaning of Black Dog Dreams

Dreams about black dogs can have different meanings to different dreamers. When you interpret your dream, you need to consider how you feel about dogs in your waking life, your emotions in the dream, and the context of the dream.

The actions of the dog can also be significant and you will find meanings attached to certain scenarios later in the article: But first, key symbolism of black dog dreams.

1. You Are Suppressing Your Emotions

Seeing a black dog in your dreams is a sign that you have feelings you are repressing such as fear, shame, and guilt. These negative feelings can be rooted far in your past, often as far back as your childhood.

Your black dog dream means that you have hidden these feelings too long and you need to face them or they may lead to emotional or mental health issues.

2. Spiritual Transformation

For other dreamers, the black dog symbolism means that you are ready to face your emotions and release the negative energy that has so far held you back. This is a good sign as when you release these negative feelings, you can finally start moving forward, and manifesting your dreams will become easier.

3. Unwanted Changes

A dream about a black dog may be a sign that you are going through some unwanted changes. The changes may be in your professional or personal life, for example, losing your job or the end of an important relationship.

Resisting these changes will not work and will make you even unhappier. Your dream is telling you to accept the changes, even if they cause you sadness or worry. Trust that they will lead to something better entering your life.

4. Depression

A black dog in your dream is a common metaphor for depression. Black dog dreams show your subconscious mind is ready to deal with the real cause of the depression. However, your waking self might not be ready yet and by sending you this dream, your subconscious is preparing you to face some difficult issues.

5. Health issues

A black dog dream can be a warning dream. It is asking you to improve your lifestyle as your current habits may lead to issues with your physical or mental health. While you work to improve your lifestyle, stay alert to any signs of illness.

6. Family Worries

When a black dog appears in your dream, it may be a sign of worries you have over a family member. If you are planning to address your worries with a family member, you must do it calmly and sensitively. You also need to avoid becoming overprotective and understand that other people sometimes need to make their own mistakes.

7. Trouble in Real Life

A black dog dream can be a warning dream about some trouble brewing in your waking life. Your subconscious is sending you a message that you should not ignore issues in your life. If you turn a blind eye to these issues, they have time to grow and become harder to solve.

8. Arguments with friends or family

There is another warning that your subconscious could be sending you through the black dog dream. It may be warning you about issues with your family members or friends. Your friendships may be tested. Try to remain calm and be ready to compromise.

9. You Want to Achieve Your Goals

Your dream of a black dog may relate to your goals and how determined you are to achieve them. You may be tempted to get there by any means possible. Your dream is a message to stay true to yourself and not sacrifice your integrity.

10. Work to Become The Best Version of You

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and your dream can mean that you need to work on those weaknesses to become the best version of yourself. Identify your flaws and work on turning them around.

If the dog is doing a specific thing in your dream, this can change or add to the dream’s meaning.

11. The Dog is Watching You

If the black dog in your dream is watching you, it is a good sign. It means you are protected and guided through changes in your life. There are big shifts taking place, and some changes will be unwelcome and difficult, they are necessary for you to become your authentic self.

12. A Biting Dog

A black dog biting you means you have done something in the past that is now having a negative impact on your life. The dream is asking you to make amends so you can move forward.

If the black dog is biting someone else, it is a warning dream about betrayal. Someone you trust is not who you think they are. They may, for example, spread rumors about you to discredit you.

A dream where the dog bites you in the hand is symbolic of your career. If you are not satisfied with the direction your life is going, you should find something you are passionate about. This will bring joy and fulfillment into your life.

13. A Barking Dog

A barking black dog dream is another warning dream. The dog is alerting you to aspects of your life that could lead you in the wrong direction if you are not careful. It depends on what is going on in the dreamer’s life. For example, it may be a relationship that is not healthy or bad habits that could put your well-being at risk.

14. Being Chased by a Black Dog

When the dog in your dream is chasing you, it means you are trying to run away from problems in your life. You are trying to avoid them and hope that if you ignore them, they’ll disappear. Your inner wisdom is telling you that this tactic will not work and the sooner you face the problems, the better.

15. Being Attacked by a Black Dog

If a black dog attacks you in the dream, it means you are ready to face your shadow side. You are entering a phase in your life that will lead to internal transformation and strengthen you. Use this opportunity to release what doesn’t serve you so you can move forward without emotional or historical baggage.

16. You Kill a Black Dog in Your Dream

This dream means that your negative habits or emotions are keeping you stuck. Because you are holding onto negativity, you are having trouble manifesting the life you dream of. It may also refer to a habit to procrastinate that is stopping you from realizing your dreams.

17. Black Puppies

To dream of puppies means that you have potential you are not using. Your subconscious is prompting you to unleash your hidden potential and use all your talents for your highest good and the good of others.

18. A Dead Dog

If the black dog in your dream is dead or dying, it is symbolic of change in your life. Something is coming to an end in your life. Remember that beginnings and endings are both parts of life. While the end may be painful, it has to happen to make space for something new to enter your life.

19. A Black Dog Killing Something

This type of dream means you are taking on other people’s problems and emotions. While caring for other people is a great characteristic, you cannot carry other people’s problems because it will drain you of energy. It may also be harmful to your mental well-being.

20. A Black Dog Kills a Cat

This is one of the most common scenarios for dreams with black dogs. Cats symbolize intuition. Therefore, the dream means you are not listening to your intuition. You may be paying too much attention to your mind or other people’s opinions. Learn to pay more attention to your intuition as it is your best guide in life.

Conclusion

Dreams of a black dog symbolize different things for each dreamer. While some of the dreams may seem like omens of bad luck, what happens next in your waking life is up to you.

While you may not be able to prevent unwanted events, you can minimize their negative impact as long as you heed the message your subconscious mind is sending you through the dream.

We hope you now know how to read your dream and what to do next. If you would like to ask any questions about dreams about black dogs, write your questions in the comments section.