- Your dog's sighs can mean they’re content, dismayed, happy, bored, or want your attention.
- If your dog sighs while laying down with their eyes closed, they’re relaxed. If they’re sitting with their eyes open and sigh, they’re disappointed or bored.
- If your dog is sighing and whining or sighing excessively, this can mean they’re in pain or uncomfortable.
Reasons Dogs Sigh
They’re content. This is one of the most common reasons why dogs sigh. Your dog might give a long, deep sigh when they plop in their bed after a long day of playing, or when they snuggle up next to you after work to show that they’re happy you’re back.
They're feeling disappointed. This is another common reason why dogs sigh. Even if you’re done playing a game of fetch, your dog might not want to stop. When you come back inside, they might stare at you with pleading eyes, then huff a sigh of dismay when they realize play time really is over. Keep your dog entertained with an interactive treat toy, like a Kong, or with a self-fetching toy.
They’re happy. You might notice your dog sigh at you after a thorough, leg kicking belly rub or a particularly great bowl of dog chow. This sigh means they’re feeling satisfied, just like how you might sigh after a refreshing sip of lemonade on a hot day.
They’re bored. Maybe it’s raining and you can’t take your dog on their usual run, or you're busy and can't give your dog all the attention they crave. On these days, you might find your dog sighing at you to show you they want something to do. Buy your dog fun new toys, teach them new tricks, or take them to a dog park to keep them from feeling bored. If there are days you know you’re going to be busy, hire a dog walker to give your dog their much needed stimulation and exercise.
They want your attention. A sigh can be your dog's way of telling you they want more pets and scratches, or that they loved the treat you gave them so much that they think they deserve another. Your dog will look directly at you or the thing they want as they sigh. Petting your dog or brushing them away when they sigh tells them that sighs get attention. If you want to break this behavior, ignore them and then give them a treat when they lie down or play with their toys quietly. However, if their sigh makes you realize that you haven’t played with them or taken them on a walk, be sure to do so!
They’re deep in sleep. You’ve probably seen your dog twitch their feet and whine when they’re sleeping, and a sigh is just another reaction to their dreams. Maybe they’re contentedly dreaming about the ear scratches you gave them right before bed. EXPERT TIP Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com. Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant Don't touch a dog to wake them up. Touching a dreaming dog might startle them and cause them to accidentally bite you. Instead, use a unique sound or whisper their name. You can also shake their bag of treats to get their attention. If it's necessary to touch them, do so gently on their hindquarters while saying their name.
Reading Body Language
See if your dog is laying down or sitting up. A hard plop onto the floor followed by a sigh and their head resting on their paws usually means your dog is happy and relaxed. If your dog is sitting up or standing, their sigh most likely indicates they’re a little annoyed.
Look at your dog’s eyes. If your dog is sighing as their eyes are half open or beginning to droop, they’re probably feeling content, happy, or tired. On the other hand, if their eyes are open and looking at you, they’re conveying their disappointment, boredom, or need for attention.
Check if they’re relaxed or alert. It’s important to look at your dog’s whole demeanor to see what the sigh means. If your dog's ears are relaxed and their body is calm, the sigh means they’re at ease and peaceful. An alert position with ears perked up and head cocked can mean the sigh is disappointed or a request for attention.
When Sighs Mean Something More
Sighs and groans together can mean your dog is in pain. While sighs alone are normal, look for signs of discomfort like whining and moaning while your dog is laying down. They might have an upset stomach which makes laying down uncomfortable. If your dog is older, they could be feeling the pains of arthritis. Make an appointment with your vet to see if the sighs mean something is bothering your dog.
If your dog is sighing a lot, this can also mean they’re uncomfortable. It is easy to tell what your dog's sighs mean when they’re scattered throughout the day, but if your dog is sighing all the time, they might have a medical problem. Look for other pain cues like being lethargic or not eating before you call your vet.
Increased noises can mean your dog's health is declining. Experts have noted that older dogs often make more noise when they lose their hearing or get confused with age. If your dog is older and sighing is new behavior for them, make an appointment with your vet to get them checked out.
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