Sigh Language

Is your dog just being dramatic, or is there something more behind his sighing and groaning? Surprisingly, these displays of emotions are actually pretty common in all pooches, and in addition to frustration, they can also mean that Fido is happy!

“I give up!”
Ah, that feeling of defeat. If you’ve ever denied him a piece of your delicious bacon, you’d probably recognise this. When your dog lies on the floor and sighs, he’s telling you that he has given up. Oh well, maybe next time!

“That feels awesome!”
When your dog starts groaning or sighing when you’re scratching or petting him, it’s not a sign of discomfort! This actually means that he’s enjoying it, and doesn’t want you to stop. Think of it as your pup’s way of saying, “Oh yeah, don’t stop now!”

“Sleepy time!”
When your furkid is tired and about to lay down for a nap (usually after playtime or a workout) he may sigh and groan. Just like his pre-nap stretches, this is done as he enters a deeper state of relaxation. He’s just unwinding after a long, tiring day!

“Uh oh, something feels wrong.”
Unfortunately, not all sighs indicate a state of relaxation. If you observe that Fido sighs and groans frequently even when he isn’t calm and relaxing, it could mean that he is in pain and needs medical attention.

Some sighs can also be mistaken for wheezes, a symptom of respiratory illnesses, and if you suspect that, it’s best to take the dog to your vet for a check-up.

*This article was updated on 5 Oct 2020. It first appeared in PetsMagazine.com.sg on 7 Jul 2016.