Why Do Dogs Sigh? 5 Common Reasons

Out of all the daily sounds a dog makes, the sigh might be their most dramatic. While your pooch might spend their days lounging in plush beds, chasing their pals at the dog park, or receiving endless belly rubs, they still manage to let out the occasional sigh that could rival your own after a long, hard day.

So what does it mean when a dog sighs? Is it stress or something else? Learn the possible reasons, and also what normal breathing in dogs should look and sound like.

What Is Sighing in Dogs?

A dog's sigh is like ours—a deep breath followed by a slow, exaggerated exhale.

“Physiologically, the result of a sigh is to bring oxygen into the body to supply important organs and tissues with energy and expel carbon dioxide on the exhale,” says Samantha Palermo, DVM, a relief veterinarian and partner at Evette.

Why Do Dogs Sigh?

To figure out whether your dog is sighing out of happiness, boredom, or wanting attention, we can learn to pay close attention to context clues and body language.

Laying Down to Relax

Why the big sigh when your dog flops down? Dr. Palermo offers a simple explanation: The physical act of lying down can push out a breath, resulting in a sigh. This sigh can be big or small, but it's usually a one-time thing followed by normal breathing, she says.

Settling into a comfy spot triggers a deep, satisfied exhale in us. The same goes for your pooch, says certified Fear Free™ animal trainer Brett Reynolds.

“When my senior dog stretches out and finds the perfect sleeping position and sighs, I consider that an expression of contentment,” he says, adding that even puppies express happiness with similar sighs and low moans.

Boredom

If it's been a while since you've gone for a walk or played together, boredom might be to blame for those dramatic sighs.

Try going on a walk, playing tug-of-war, or offering a stimulating activity like a chew toy stuffed with peanut butter or a challenging food puzzle.

Seeking attention

Our pets sometimes feel ignored or left out. When this happens, they might sigh to get our attention, Reynolds says. When you oblige (after all, dogs need love!), they may learn to associate sighing with playtime or petting.

Lucky for you, dramatic sighs are a better call for attention than destructive chewing or excessive barking.

Anxiety

A heavy sigh from your dog at the vet's office or other high-stress or unfamiliar environment could be a sign they’re feeling anxious, Reynolds says.

Other signs your dog is feeling stressed out include pacing, trembling, a tucked tail, lip licking, yawning, or hypervigilance, which means your dog is inappropriately tense or on guard when there is no risk of danger.

Pain or Discomfort

Dogs may sigh as a way of expressing that they’re feeling uncomfortable or in pain. For instance, Reynolds says if you notice repeated sighs when cuddling your dog, they may actually be uncomfortable with the interaction and saying "that’s enough" in a polite way.

They could also be expressing pain. Signs of pain in dogs include:

• Wincing when touched
• Restlessness, pacing
• Hiding
• Panting
• Aggression
• Change in sleeping or eating habits
• Shaking

If you suspect your pup may be in pain, schedule an appointment with your vet right away. Your vet will be able to help determine the cause and the next best step to help your fur baby feel better.

What Is Considered Excessive Sighing in Dogs?

It's tough to say what is "excessive" when it comes to sighing because dogs’ “normal” behaviors can vary so much. However, like any new or abnormal behavior, frequent or unusual sighing calls for a vet visit. This helps rule out any underlying medical issues.

When Is Dog Sighing a Concern?

According to Dr. Palermo, occasional sighing in dogs is usually nothing to worry about. For reference, she says a healthy dog's breathing rate can be anywhere from 15–30 breaths per minute. You'll see their belly slowly and rhythmically expand and contract with each breath.

Abnormal breathing to look out for in dogs includes:

Panting

Panting is a normal cooling mechanism for dogs. It's also common when pups get excited. Panting dogs will have a rapidly moving belly with the breath but should otherwise appear normal.

However, excessive panting can indicate an underlying issue, like heat exhaustion, pain, heart issues, or internal issues. It’s especially common in dogs with short snouts (brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Boxers) who may have trouble getting enough oxygen and regulating their body temperatures.

Signs of abnormal panting include:

• Panting at rest
• Panting in cool temperatures
• Difficulty breathing
• Panting accompanied by lethargy, drooling, or vomiting

If you notice these signs, contact your vet right away.

Whining

Whining can be your dog asking for attention, playtime, or a bathroom break. However, whining can also signal pain or anxiety. Pay attention to your dog's body language and context clues to decipher the underlying cause.

Labored Breathing

“Labored breathing is when it appears as though your pet is having a hard time getting air in and out of their body,” Dr. Palermo says. If your dog has labored breathing, they should be seen by a vet right away.

Wheezing

If your dog's breathing sounds like a high-pitched whistle, it's a sign their airway might be blocked. Schedule a check-up with your veterinarian right away.

Rapid Breathing

If your pet's breathing seems much faster than usual with their belly moving quickly with each breath, it's a sign something might be wrong. See your veterinarian right away.