Islamic Interpretation
A dog in a dream symbolizes a brazen and shameless man who boldly commits sinful deeds. When it barks, it portrays an insolent person with a loathsome and detestable nature. A bite or scratch from a dog signifies injury inflicted by an enemy, the severity of which corresponds to the pain felt in the dream; it may also indicate illness or severe hardship caused by a close friend or servant. If a dog rips one’s clothes, a wicked individual is spreading slander and backbiting against him. Hearing no bark means the foe has retreated, leaving only minor damage. A dog can equally represent a depraved woman who belongs to a circle of wrongdoers and persists in hostility. A puppy denotes a beloved child: white foretells a son who will grow into a faithful believer, while black indicates he will rule the household and lead its people. A puppy may also signify a child born of unlawful union, an abandoned infant wrapped in cloth and raised by an arrogant person. A shepherd’s dog promises gain and benefit. A pet dog points to a harsh, embittered adversary. A greyhound signifies attainment of power, dominion, and wealth; it may likewise represent the trusted aide of a military commander or a clever strategist devoid of moral principles. A Japanese spaniel or Pekingese suggests dealings with foreigners or conducting trade abroad. Raising a dog for companionship reflects deep attachment to a servant one cherishes. Hunting with a dog indicates fulfilling carnal desires. Killing a dog means overcoming an enemy. An entire pack of hounds departing for the chase heralds widespread blessing and prosperity, or decisive action; their return signals relief from fear or scarcity of work. Their arrival in a town warns of rising unemployment. A sick house-dog foretells sickness, financial loss, loss of appetite, or the fading joy of life. A barking female dog announces harm and deception from vile people. Dogs also relate to extreme fever and to the stars Procyon and Sirius. All breeds reared for play signify lighthearted enjoyment. Whatever befalls such dogs reflects distress, grief, or the end of worldly pleasure. Being turned into a dog means Allah granted great knowledge to the dreamer, who then misused and abandoned it, whereupon Allah removed that blessing. A dog further represents an informant, a police hound, a feeble enemy, or a stingy person. Barking at someone foretells hearing shameful words from one lacking honour. Eating dog meat means crushing an adversary. Drinking dog milk signifies fright. Resting one’s head upon a dog or using it as a pillow shows the dog has become a loyal friend. In general, dogs symbolize street urchins, beggars, fawning flatterers, or base individuals who remain devoted to their master while jealously guarding his family and wealth. Dogs embody greed, lust for worldly gains, fighting over them, and possessing no savings. A hunting dog denotes honour and profit; a shepherd’s dog, a caring neighbour who prioritises others. Adopting a dog as a pet suggests wavering faith, paying compensation, or joblessness. Travelling with a dog means vanishing from sight. A dog may finally indicate disbelief, ingratitude, despair, falsehood, terror, imprisonment, or fleeing justice. Seeing a dog inside a city also heralds the renewal of a trade agreement.