If the animal is watching you, your unconscious is reminding you not to forget or neglect the instincts that it represents.
If the animal is attacking you, this could indicate that you are in the grip of a rage that you fear you may unleash. Your dream is urging you express or deal with your anger in a controlled way.
If an animal is chasing you in a dream, this may suggest that in real life you are in flight from some area of your personality that wants to be expressed.
If you are trying to find refuge from animals—either by building a defense or running away—this indicates a struggle with instincts that threaten your safety in waking life. In some cases dreams of being threatened or attacked by animals may be telling you that you are repressing your instincts—perhaps being too civilized— and you should try and loosen up more. Being bitten by an animal could indicate aggression from someone close to you or that our own aggressive instincts are not under control. Any threat from a sinister animal suggests fears and doubts you may have about your ability to manage your emotions.
See also: SURREALISM AND FANTASY.
Animal noises
If you hear animals making sounds in your dream, you need to consider what these sounds mean to you in waking life and then to make a symbolic link. For example, if you hear an animal barking, wailing or whining for attention, these sounds could be calling your attention to the qualities that that particular animal represents to you.
If you hear ominous growling, roaring or cackling, it could reflect pent-up anger either within yourself or another person.
If you hear braying, it could indicate a need to overcome basic animal instincts.
If you hear bleating, you may be taking on new cares and responsibilities that could be positive or negative depending on your attitude towards them.