Sighing may be the most dramatic sound a dog makes on a daily basis. Your dog may be lazing around all day, but… Luxury bedEven as they chase their friends around the dog park and receive endless belly rubs, dogs sometimes let out a sigh that rivals a human’s after a long, hard day.
So what does it mean when your dog sighs? Is it stress or something else? Learn about possible reasons and what normal dog breathing looks and sounds like.
What is a dog sigh?
A dog’s sigh is similar to a human sigh, consisting of a deep inhale followed by a slow, exaggerated exhale.
“Physiologically speaking, sighing brings oxygen into the body to provide energy for vital organs and tissues, and expels carbon dioxide when you exhale,” she says. Samantha PalermoDVM, Emergency Veterinarian, Partner Evette.
Why do dogs sigh?
To determine whether your dog is sighing because he’s happy, bored, or looking for attention, pay close attention to contextual clues. Body language.
Lie down and relax
If you’re wondering why dogs sigh so loudly when they lie down, Dr. Palermo has a simple explanation: The physical act of lying down causes the dog to exhale, resulting in a sigh. This sigh can be loud or quiet, but it’s usually a one-time thing, after which the dog will resume normal breathing, says Dr. Palermo.
We let out a deep, contented breath when we settle into a comfortable spot, and certified experts say dogs do the same. Fearless™Animal Trainer Brett Reynolds.
“When my old dog stretches out and sighs as he finds the perfect sleeping position, I think it’s an expression of contentment,” he says, adding that puppies also express happiness with a similar sigh or low moan.
boredom
If it’s been a while since you’ve gone for a walk or played with him, the dramatic sighing could be due to boredom.
Take them for a walk, play tug-of-war, or provide stimulating activities. Peanut butter stuffed chew toy Or challenging Food Puzzle.
to attract attention
Pets can sometimes sigh to get attention from their humans if they feel ignored or left out, says Reynolds. If you comply (dogs need affection!), your pet may come to associate sighing with playtime or petting.
Luckily, exaggerated sighing is a more effective way to get attention than destructive biting or excessive barking.
anxiety
Reynolds says that deep sighing in dogs at the vet’s office or in other stressful or unfamiliar environments could be a sign that they’re feeling anxious.
Other signs that a dog is stressed include pacing, shivering, tail tucking, lip licking, yawning, or hyper-vigilance (meaning your dog is inappropriately tense or alert when there is no danger).
Pain or discomfort
Dogs may sigh to show that they’re uncomfortable or in pain. For example, if you notice your dog sighing repeatedly while hugging you, he may actually be uncomfortable with the interaction and trying to politely tell you, “That’s enough,” says Reynolds.
They may also be expressing pain. Signs that your dog is in pain include:
If you suspect your puppy may be in pain, make an appointment with your vet right away. Your veterinarian can help determine the cause and advise you on the best steps to help your pet feel better.
What is excessive sighing in dogs?
When it comes to sighing, “normal” behavior in dogs varies widely, so it’s hard to say what is “excessive.” But as with any new or unusual behavior, frequent or unusual sighing warrants veterinary attention so that potential medical issues can be ruled out.
When should you be worried about your dog’s sighing?
Dr. Palermo says that your dog’s occasional sigh is usually nothing to worry about. For reference, a healthy dog breathes between 15 and 30 times per minute. You’ll likely notice his belly expanding and contracting slowly and rhythmically with each breath.
Abnormal breathing in dogs can include:
Out of breath
Panting is a normal mechanism for dogs to cool themselves down, and is also common in excited puppies. A panting dog’s abdomen will move violently in sync with their breathing, but they will otherwise appear normal.
However, excessive panting may indicate an underlying problem, such as: Heat stroke, pain, heart problems, or internal problems, especially common in short-nosed dogs (brachycephalic breeds like pugs and boxers) who don’t get enough oxygen and have trouble regulating their body temperature.
Signs of abnormal breathing include:
- Shortness of breath when resting
- Shortness of breath in cool temperatures
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath accompanied by lethargy, drooling, and vomiting
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.
Whining
Your dog may whine for attention, to play, or to go to the bathroom, but whining can also be a signal of pain or anxiety. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and situational clues to uncover the underlying cause.
Difficulty breathing
“Respiratory distress is when your pet appears to be struggling to get air in and out of their body,” says Dr. Palermo. If your dog is having trouble breathing, you should take them to the vet right away.
Wheezing
If your dog’s breathing is making a high-pitched whistling sound, his airway may be blocked and you should schedule an appointment with your vet immediately.
Rapid breathing
If your pet is breathing much faster than normal and their stomach seems to move rapidly with each breath, something may be wrong and you should take them to the vet immediately.
Frequently asked questions about dog sighing
Do dogs sigh when they’re frustrated?
Dogs may sigh when they are frustrated because they aren’t getting enough attention or are bored with an interaction like a hug. However, sighing doesn’t necessarily mean they’re frustrated. There are a few reasons why dogs sigh:
- They just lay there.
- They are relaxed and happy.
- They are bored.
- They are suffering.
Why do dogs sigh when you hug them?
Sighing while hugging is a sign that your dog is relaxed and happy, but sighing can also mean that your dog is feeling a bit overwhelmed or uncomfortable – signs of the latter include stiffening, flattening of ears and pulling away.
Is your dog’s sighing a sign of stress?
If your dog sighs in an unfamiliar or stressful environment, it could be a sign of stress. But if your dog seems relaxed, the sigh could have another meaning, such as:
- relaxation
- satisfaction
- boredom
Is it normal for dogs to sigh a lot?
What’s “normal” for one dog may not be for another. Understanding situational cues and body language can help you meet your dog’s needs. However, if sighing is a new behavior or is accompanied by other behavioral changes, schedule a veterinary appointment to make sure everything is normal.
