Do dreams have meanings

[Bunty55]

Can I start by saying that I do not normally have dreams and certainly not any that I can remember next day but I had a stinker of a dream last night, and it was very vivid.
I was on a beach with my dog and we walked for a while. We walked around a headland of sorts .
I turned around and the tide had suddenly come right in behind us, cutting us off from the beach at the other side.The waves were right up against the sea wall and not only were they coming in but they were coming sideways towards us as well.
We had to start walking back in the direction we came but the waves were huge and there was no other way back.
I woke up after this and all I could think was how did that happen and what was I doing there and how was I going to save the dog.

I expect it must have a meaning of sorts. Does anyone have any ideas?

Are you worried about anything at the moment?
It sounds like an anxiety dream - not necessarily about the dog (although maybe it is about someone you feel responsible for?)

Yes. I am worried about a family member.

I was told that people generally have two types of dreams. One type is often “muddley” but usually has no strong emotion attached.

The other one is where there can be intense feelings - anxiety, fear, anger etc, and these are the ones to pay attention to.

So as camomila says the dog represents someone you feel responsible for and the waves represent a threat or danger, you may be unconsciously thinking about.

Thanks for the replies.