Skip to main content

Why do dogs sigh? It’s not just because they’re tired or bored

Ah, the sigh, a universally recognized symbol of sleepiness, relaxation, or even boredom. As easy as it is to identify this sound in people, can we say the same for the many noises dogs make? Well, yes and no. There can absolutely be moments when your dog expresses their sleepiness with a sigh, but there are also a number of other reasons why a little sound escapes their snoot. Most are completely harmless (and totally adorable) but there are a few behavior patterns to keep an eye out for — just in case!

Take sighing, for example. Humans sigh for a variety of different reasons, including when we’re overwhelmed or unhappy. So, why do dogs sigh? Here are the most common reasons.

A yellow Labrador retriever looks up with big eyes as someone reaches down to pet him

Why do dogs sigh?

Remember — since canines can’t speak the same way people can, they rely a lot more on their other senses to communicate. This includes vocalizations like growling, barking, grumbles, and sighs. Here’s what those sighs may mean.

Contentment and relaxation

When your pup lets out a sigh as they plop down or curl up for a nap, you can be pretty sure it’s a sign of contentment.  You may also notice this habit shortly after a meal, or when things calm down after playtime, notes Professor Stanley Coren. Take a second to ponder whether your dog’s sigh could be related to a recent happy event.

Even if they’re snuggled up next to you as they exhale, they’re likely just comfy. One way you can know is by looking at your dog’s eyes; a relaxed pup will keep their eyes only partially open. When their eyes are wide open for a sigh — well, just keep reading!

Disappointment

If your pup lets out a long sigh with their eyes wide open, they’re not a happy camper. They’re not angry or afraid, or even sad necessarily, but instead were likely expecting more of a treat, walk, or greeting than they got. Sighing is not an extreme expression of emotion by any means, so don’t be hard on yourself if you think your pup might be a bit disappointed. Things happen: busy days, rainy weather, or a case of the blues — we can’t have a perfect day every day. It’s okay!

Deep sleep

If your furry friend gives off a sigh while they’re already resting, it can simply mean they’re getting some high-quality, truly deep sleep (and that you should be completely jealous). “These sighs,” notes SFGate, “seem to mark a physiological transition into a deeper state of relaxation.”

You may notice your dog twitching, kicking, or full-on “running” in their sleep while they make sigh-like noises. It may also be a lone sigh with no conceding behaviors, but it’s still a sign of deep relaxation and sleep.

Attention seeking

If you’ve responded to your dog’s sighs and grumbles in the past, they’re more likely to repeat the behavior. It might be their subtle way of asking for attention or scratches, notes Pet Assure, especially if they make this sound while looking at you. If you notice your dog sighing while they look at their food dish or water bowl, it may be time for a refill.

An English Bulldog Puppy lies on a couch

When to worry about dogs sighing

Every now and then, a sigh can be an expression of a larger problem, so it’s important not to ignore any potential signs of discomfort. Of course, don’t assume every sigh means something bad either, just keep an eye out and let your veterinarian know about any new behaviors. They’ll guide you from there.

Noises can indicate discomfort or pain

If you notice your dog sighing while moving or sitting in certain positions, it’s possible that they’re uncomfortable. Canine arthritis, especially in the spine and hips, is a common culprit, particularly for larger and older dogs. Look closely, you may even be able to see where your pup is hurting.

There are many causes of pain, though, so it’s important to bring your veterinarian into the loop if you’re unsure.

Hearing loss

In rare cases, new sighs and sounds can be signs of hearing loss or even cognitive dysfunction syndrome (via Pet Assure). This form of doggie dementia can range from mild to severe, but it shouldn’t be left untreated in any case.

As a dog’s hearing decreases, they may not be able to tell when they’re vocalizing themselves (or how loud they can be). This can be annoying at first, but your vet can help you and your pup adjust to enjoying life in a new way.

Overall, a sigh from your fur baby doesn’t need to be a sign of concern. They’re most likely just expressing a feeling or emotion in the same way we do — though pet parents will have to look a bit more closely to determine what exactly led up to each sigh.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Sorry Labs, you’re no longer America’s favorite dog (here’s what replaced them)
The French bulldog is now America's favorite pure breed
A French bulldog holds a leash in their mouth while standing in the grass

Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) releases a list of the most popular breeds in America. For 31 times in a row, the Labrador retriever stubbornly held onto the number one spot, like a dog with a chew toy. However, this breed has finally been ousted and slipped to number two while the adorable French bulldog secured the top. The 2022 most popular dog breeds shook things up, but why has this changed?

Why are Frenchies so popular?
The Lab continued to reign as number one for so long, likely because this breed is known for being friendly and versatile. What better pooch for a family? But as people, especially younger adults, continue to flock to cities, big family-oriented dogs might become less popular (though we should note that the top 10 still includes many large dogs).

Read more
The Tibetan terrier: Why the ‘Holy Dog of Tibet’ isn’t actually a terrier
Tibetan terrier 101: About this breed and why these dogs aren't terriers
A Tibetan terrier's side profile against a blue sky

Tibetan terriers are affectionate companion dogs that make loyal lifelong pets, but they're not even in the top 100 most popular breeds in the U.S. The American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks them at number 106 out of 284, which proves there's still a lot to learn about this "Holy" dog breed. In fact, even the name "Tibetan terrier" is slightly misleading. Did you know this breed isn't a terrier breed at all?

It's true! Despite having the terrier name, this breed is anything but. It's a bit confusing -- we know -- so that's why we want to break down a few basic facts about these versatile and very affectionate dogs. Consider this Tibetan terrier 101!
Tibetan terriers: All about this lovable, ancient breed
Though this breed's history is just as fascinating as the dogs themselves, let's get to know the basics about these pups first.

Read more
Video: This dog doesn’t just wag their tail, but their whole body
Here's why dogs wag their tails when they are happy
Happy Golden Retriever outside on the lawn wagging his tail

Seeing a happy tail is half the reason to keep a dog in your house. While tail communication can have other meanings, we mostly associate dog tail wagging with happiness and excitement, and that's spot on the nose. In fact, your own animal might have different levels of tail wagging to indicate his excitement, everything from "I'm getting a belly rub" to "I see a squirrel." Our ancient pups probably originally developed a wagging tail as a means to communicate with each other but now have happily brought us into the secret code.

We can't lie — the Animals Being Derps subreddit might be our go-to spot to scroll through videos that capture some of the funniest moments of our pets. This week, we were lucky enough to get a particularly adorable Golden from u/founddumbded who wags his tail and then some. Watch this little buddy get their whole body into the dance as the excitement over his ball spills over. It helps that he's an extra fuzzy specimen and the long fur swishes right along with him. Appropriately entitled "Full-body wag" this captures a certain feel that only a sweet dog can have.

Read more