A dog letting out a big sigh is a common occurrence and experience for many owners, but it may not always be an indication of the same thing. According to experts, there’s a number of reasons behind your dog letting out a big sigh and it’s important to understand what they’re trying to communicate.

Dogs are a popular choice of pet thanks to their unwavering loyalty and affection, and their tendency to deeply bond with their owners. It’s no surprise so many people choose to welcome a pet into their homes, with many keen to understand their dog’s behaviours.

Though dogs, like humans, each have their own unique personality, they do display many common behaviours and characteristics.

One habit dogs are well known for is letting out a big sigh. This practice can be a sign of anything from relaxation to boredom.

In a popular TikTok video by the team at Howls You Day, an online store that aims to “provide high-quality dog products that promote the health and happiness of dogs everywhere”, the many reasons behind a dog’s sigh were detailed.

Kicking the clip off, a narrator began: “Did you know your dog sighing has a meaning? It’s not because they had a long and tiring day, it’s because they’re expressing their feelings.

“Here are the reasons your dog sighs:”

Communicating relaxation or contentment

If your dog doesn’t appear to be stressed then hearing them sigh could be an indication that they’re feeling particularly content or relaxed.

Howls Your Day explained: “It’s their way of releasing tension and showing that they’re at ease in their environment.”

Sleeping 

Most adult dogs sleep for around 12-14 hours, on and off, throughout the day. It’s important they get enough sleep to help them maintain their health and wellbeing.

As with humans, dogs typically sleep for lengthier periods during the night but they need to have many naps during the day time.

Howls Your Day continued: “Like humans, dogs will sometimes sigh when they’re sleeping. This is another pretty common cause of sighing in dogs and it is nothing that dog owners need to worry about, most of the time.

“If your dog sighs in their sleep, it is likely that they are just having a dream or getting more comfortable.”

Boredom

Dogs need consistent attention and stimulation. If a dog isn’t properly exercised or engaged, they can become restless and anxious, which could lead to unwanted behavioural issues or health issues.

Dogs can become bored, just as we humans can. Howls Your Day concluded: “In this case, the dog would not show signs of stress or anxiety. Rather, they will likely appear to be restless or are laying around.

“If you believe that this may be the cause of your dog sighing, then taking them for a walk or playing a game with them is sure to cheer them right up.”

Howls Your Day’s assessment of a dog’s sigh is supported by Pet MD, which states: “Dogs might sigh when they’re annoyed, like when they aren’t receiving enough attention or are over an interaction like cuddling. But a sigh doesn’t always point to annoyance.”

It continues that dogs may sigh because they “just laid down”, “they’re relaxed and happy”, “they’re bored” or, in some cases, “they’re in pain”.

Pet MD adds: “What’s ‘normal’ for one dog might not be for another. Understanding the context clues and body language can help you meet your dog’s needs.

“However, if sighing is a new behavior or is accompanied by other changes in behavior, schedule a visit with your vet to make sure everything is OK.