Yes, dogs can make all kinds of sounds and noises. You all believe that they can bark only. But, dogs can sigh as well. Why do dogs sigh? As usual, there is not just one answer. As a matter of fact, there are a few things you need to know here. Some are harmless and funny while others are not so funny. We will have to clarify this particular topic and reveal all the related things dog owners need to know.
Sigh: What is it?
Why do dogs sigh? Well, first you need to know what this is. See, many people believe that sigh is when a dog uses his vocal cords at some level. In reality, it isn’t. A sigh is a deep exhale and he will not use vocal cords. Other noises such as whining and groaning use vocal cords. Of course, in these cases, he will use vocal cords very little but this is still enough to make a distinctive sound.
A dog will sigh when he wants to communicate with you. This can happen rarely or all the time, it depends on the dog. Scientists have been doing all kinds of research to understand the body language of dogs better. Sigh is one of the most interesting and appealing behaviors. Anyway, let’s see the most common reasons for this type of behavior.
Your dog is relaxed and content
In many cases, a dog will sigh when he feels relaxed. This will usually happen after playtime, when he sleeps, or when he is preparing to sleep. For instance, if you play with your dog and you enter the house, start to rest your dog will sigh. This is very common. You will know that this is the reason if your dog has a relaxed face. His eyes may be half open. The sigh is deep and long. In most cases, he will lie down while doing this. He may stand but it is a rarer case. You don’t have to do anything. It means you are a good owner and your pet is happy.
Exasperation
A dog will sigh when he wants to play more. He will stand up, his ears will be erect and his eyes will be completely open. In a nutshell, your pet wants to play more or he wants something from you. It is possible that he wants you. Yes, that’s right. He wants you to play with him more and more. Sigh is also deep and takes a few seconds. If you start playing with him, he will be happy and he will enjoy it. Once again, there is no need to worry about it. If you don’t have the time to play more, your dog will understand that. Just don’t make this a habit.
Dogs enjoy and love to play with their owners. This is the best time for them and as such, you may want to help them get this. Some breeds deserve and require far more time from their owners. Others prefer to sit next to you. But, you should always have fun with your dog and play together on a weekly basis.
Sighing is not always harmless
Sighing is usually harmless and a nice thing to hear from your pet. But, there are some cases when you will need to be worried. For instance, if a dog sighs and also groans or moans at the same time there is some issue. Arthritis, upset stomach, or pain, in general, can be the cause. Try to remember that your pet will do this more often than if the 2 reasons mentioned above are the cause.
This means that your pet must visit a vet as soon as possible. Make sure that you investigate the matter in detail and solve any issue that is present. If you start treatment soon, you have better odds to cure your dog completely. In rare cases, this behavior can reveal a more severe issue. Some of them are liver disease, diabetes, and more. But, a dog will always be lethargic if these conditions and diseases are present.
There is no need in telling you that immediate treatment is needed. You should always take your dog to a vet if you notice that he doesn’t have the energy or that he is upset all the time.
A dog who sighs and also whistles while doing this is another reason to be worried.
There are all kinds of reasons here. For instance, there might be a foreign object present in the nose or airways. There might be other forms of obstruction. For instance, something is growing in the airways. Usually, this happens in the upper airways. Some infections can cause the same problem. Regardless of why this happens, a vet must examine your dog. The treatment will depend on the cause.
If there is a foreign object, he must remove it. If there is something growing in the airways, removing it is mandatory as well. Infections usually require simpler and drug-based treatment. All of these are not very dangerous and treatment is successful.
We must add that puppies can often sigh and moan at the same time. This means that they are happy and once again, you are a good owner. There is no need to do anything when this happens and your puppies are happy and satisfied. This rarely happens in adult dogs but it is possible.
The final word
Why do dogs sigh? Well, you know now and you can see that this behavior is not dangerous most of the time. It is an actual positive trait a dog will use and something you may want from your dog more. But, remember that if a dog is lethargic, like pain or moans when sighing there might be another cause of all of this. A vet check is mandatory and your pet may need treatment. Luckily in most cases, sighing means that your dog is happy and satisfied.
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