A perk of being a dog owner is enjoying your dog’s odd eccentricity.
But with no established vocabulary, it’s easy to miss most of their cues.
Be it an energetic bark or a lazy sigh, you can’t tell what’s going on with your dog.
Why does my dog sigh?
Your dog is sighing because he’s bored and wants your attention. In some cases, a dog might sigh as an expression of relaxation. Sighing can also be a sign of fatigue and sadness. Whichever it is, you need to understand your dog’s personality to deal with it.
Not convinced yet? This article will explain all the reasons behind your dog’s sighing—tag along for more information.
Why Do Dogs Sigh?
Due to their highly-emotional nature, dogs like to make their feelings known to everyone around them. They’ll use exaggerated sounds as an outlet to express their emotions.
Sighs are often conceived as signs of lethargy in dogs by many dog owners. But that’s not the case most of the time.
We elaborately explained the reasons to clear up the confusion surrounding a dog’s sighing.
Here are six reasons why your dog is sighing all the time.
Reason 1: He’s Bored!
Let’s be honest for a second. We can never match the level of energy of our puppers. But that doesn’t mean we should give up trying!
Dogs love to have an eventful day. It’s only expected to see them bored if you guys haven’t done anything fun lately. By sighing, your pet Fido is trying to tell you, “I’m bored”.
Observe your dog. If you notice your dog pacing frantically while sighing, he probably suffers from boredom. As his owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your dog cheerful.
Take him out for a walk a few days a week. Spend some quality time with your dog. That way, your dog will be on the moon all day and stop sighing. Let your dog sit on you occasionally and pet him to give him company.
A good kong toy can keep your dog occupied and eliminate his boredom. We recommend these best-quality kong toys to keep your dog engaged:
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It’s a fun product for your dogs. Insert your dog’s favorite treat inside it and let him work his way around it. Simple as that!
Reason 2: They Feel Relaxed
Who could have guessed that the idiom “Breathing a sigh of relief” also works on dogs?
Dogs often sigh when it feels relaxed and comfortable, especially after finishing a particular activity that they enjoy doing. As an extra indication, your dog might go for a nap after it’s spent goofing around.
Maybe it’s a game they just finished. Or perhaps, something you did make their day. Whatever it is, you should carefully note everything that keeps your dog relaxed. Remember to engage your dog in those activities to keep him stress-free.
Reason 3: They Feel Fatigued
Just like the sigh of relaxation, your dog might leave a sigh before falling asleep. Sighing helps them unwind from the day’s fatigue, preparing them for a good night’s sleep.
DO NOT confuse the sigh of a tired dog with that of a lazy dog. Aging dogs can constantly be found sighing and tired all the time. And it’s completely natural.
Sudden signs of lethargy, however, can indicate some other problem.
Consult a veterinarian if your young, energetic puppy keeps sighing constantly. You might be required to change your dog’s diet and feed them more nutritious food.
Reason 4: Your Dog is Happy!
Is your dog wagging his tail, sighing repetitively, with his tongue drooping down? It can mean only one thing. He is happy!
After an eventful session of playing fetch, your dog might show you how grateful it is. You will find your dog laying his face on you and leaving a sigh of happiness.
Aside from sighing, your dog will wag his tail and relax his muscles. That way, you can tell that your dog loves it.
Reason 5: They’re Upset
Unfortunately, you can find your dog sighing for being upset as well. Noticing a sad puppy is not that complicated of a task. The body posture will give away everything you need to know about your dog.
Why do dogs get upset?
Your dog can get upset if you leave home for an extended period. Not being near you can make your puppy anxious and scared as well. Lack of attention and loss of a fellow pupper can also upset your dog.
A sad dog will be slumped while sighing, with its ears flopping down the side. The dog will lose appetite and act tired.
Reason 6: Mood Disorder
Like us humans, even dogs can experience anxiety and depression. Increased panting, nose licking, shivering, etc. can indicate a mood disorder in dogs. In addition, the dog will caress his face against you to seek comfort.
Depression can have an evident impact on your dog’s everyday life. For example, your dog will lose interest in his favorite activities and sleep more than usual. Sudden aggression can also be another sign that your dog is on edge.
An exercise routine can help your dog keep his mind off depressing thoughts. He’ll appreciate occasional walks outside alongside you. Look up new tricks on the internet to teach your dogs.
If things turn out worse, ask for your vet’s advice.
And that’s six reasons which can make your dog sigh. One shouldn’t panic about their dog’s behavior, and try to understand the reason behind their actions.
If something unpleasant comes from your observation, take your dog to the veterinarian.
Solutions and Considerations
You might not like the idea of your dog sighing all the time. Because sometimes it might not be suitable for their health and mood.
Here are some tips to stop your dog from sighing constantly.
Tip 1: Start by Specifying the Root Cause
While sighing is a positive sign in dogs, you should still be wary of it.
Excessive sighing is never a good sign in dogs. When you notice your dog is sighing too much, try to figure out the root of the issue.
Tip 2: Cheer Up Your Dog
If your dog struggles with a mood disorder, cheer him up. Scheduled exercises and frequent outings can be an excellent way to improve his mental health. Or the toys we mentioned above can be suitable entertainment.
Tip 3: Visit Your Vet
Respiratory conditions should be treated according to the advice of a veterinarian. Kennel cough can make your dog cough alongside sighing. Provide appropriate medications to your dogs as suggested by your veterinarian.
Dogs get lethargic, and that makes them sigh frequently. As your dogs get older, the risk of heart disease also rises. Treatment is the only solution to that.
FAQs
What makes a dog moan while lying down?
A dog can groan when lying down due to fluid buildup in the abdomen. This is also known as Ascites. The trapped fluid inside makes the dog make sounds that resemble moaning.
Why is my dog panting?
Dogs usually pant from excitement and play around. Panting can be a sign of happiness in dogs. But only if a wagging tail and drooping tongue accompany it.
Why does my dog grunt when I hug him?
Dogs usually grunt as an expression of happiness and contentment. It might sound as if the dog isn’t enjoying your hug. But your dog loves it and lets you know about it by grunting.
