A dog in a dream signifies a man of bad character who does not refrain from sin and is devoted to pleasure and indulgence. If the dog is seen barking, it signifies that such a base person will exceed his limits and increase his wrongdoing. Being bitten or scratched by a dog signifies harm from an enemy in proportion to the pain felt.
Seeing a dog tear one's clothing signifies that a foolish man is backbiting the dreamer. A female dog signifies a base woman from an obstinate and bad people. A puppy signifies a lovable child; if the puppy is white, the child is a believer, and if black, the child will become the head of the family.
Seeing and possessing a shepherd dog signifies property, wealth, and benefit. An ordinary house dog signifies an unjust enemy. If a person suited to authority or office sees a hunting dog or greyhound, it signifies appointment as governor of a city. A greyhound may also signify strength and victory over an enemy. Killing dogs signifies victory over enemies. Barking together with dogs signifies attaining one's wishes and desires. Being bitten by a dog may also signify distress or misfortune coming from a servant, friend, or close person. Dogs may sometimes signify a wretched people.
Seeing dogs used for play and for fighting one another signifies a comfortable, pleasurable, and indulgent life.
Ja'far al-Sadiq said that seeing a dog is interpreted in four ways: a lowly enemy, a greedy rich man, a scholar whose deeds are ugly, and a slanderous and ignorant man.
Hearing a black dog howl signifies fever.
Seeing a dog bark at someone signifies a person speaking bad and ugly words against another.
Eating dog meat signifies victory over an enemy and consuming his wealth.
Drinking dog's milk signifies fear and alarm. Speaking with a dog signifies concealment, based on the well-known Qur'anic story of the Companions of the Cave. Dogs have also been interpreted in various ways: dogs in general signify worldly people; a hunting dog signifies honor, elevation, and provision; a sheepdog signifies a person jealous and protective regarding his wife, children, and neighbors; and a female dog signifies a woman with many children who protects her husband. Sometimes a dog also signifies disbelief, despair of God's mercy, and lying.