Ever Wonder Why Your Dog Sighs? Experts Explain What’s Going On

From their empathetic eyes to their smile to wagging their tail, it can be hard to resist assigning human emotions to our dogs’ behaviors. But dogs do something even more relatable: sighing. When your dog sighs and stares at you while standing next to its empty food bowl, or after plopping down on the couch (after circling the same spot nine times), it feels like they’re communicating something with you.

We may assume that, like humans, dogs sigh when they’re frustrated, exasperated, or exhausted. But is that an accurate assessment? We spoke with several dog behavior experts to find out.

Why do dogs sigh?

As is the case for humans, the meaning of a dog’s sigh usually depends on the context, says Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. Here are several examples of reasons why a dog might sigh, according to Ellis:

• Contentment or relaxation: A long exhale while flopping down, often with eyes half-closed or body relaxed, is like a “happy sigh.”
• Frustration or resignation: A sigh after trying to get your attention (e.g., pawing at you, then lying down) may signal “I give up.”
• Stress relief: After an exciting or stressful moment, a sigh helps release tension — similar to how people decompress. Like humans, sighing helps regulate breathing and can be a way of resetting their body after stress or excitement.
• Attention-seeking: Some dogs learn that sighing makes their human look or respond, so they’ll use it deliberately.

How can you tell what your dog is expressing when it sighs?

Context and body language are key, Ellis says. Here are some clues to help you decode what your dog is expressing with its sigh and how to respond:

Relaxed and happy

When a dog signs and then flops down with loose muscles, it’s probably relaxed and happy, says Dr. Nita Vasudevan, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. Its eyes may also be soft or half-closed, Ellis adds. This shows that they are bonded to you and feel safe, says Sally Grottini, a dog behavior specialist at JustAnswer. “You don’t need to do anything — just enjoy the moment,” Vasudevan says.

Stress or frustration

A sigh paired with ears back, avoiding eye contact, or whining may suggest stress or frustration, Vasudevan says. According to Ellis, a frustrated dog may be sitting upright or lying down with a tense, stiff body, looking at you or the object of their desire, sometimes paired with a little “huff.” It may be accompanied by other stress signals, like lip licking, yawning, whale eye, and a tucked tail, she notes. Your dog pacing may also be a sign that it’s stressed. Try to identify and reduce the trigger, or offer comfort if appropriate, Ellis says. “It can help to redirect your dog’s attention with a toy, mental enrichment, or gentle reassurance,” Vasudevan explains.

Attention-seeking

A sigh, followed by staring at you, shifting positions, or pawing at you, can mean your dog wants attention, Ellis says. But try not to give in. “Avoid reinforcing sighs that are attention-seeking by immediately giving in — wait for calmer behavior before rewarding,” Vasudevan explains. When the dog stops sighing, you can call it over to you for petting, playing, or a walk, Grottini says. “This shows the dog that you will decide when attention will be given,” she explains.

Contentment

A sigh when you’re petting or interacting like your dog in other ways could be a sign of contentment, Vasudevan notes. If your dog sighs when you’re already petting it, then Grottini says to keep it up: They’re telling you they trust you.

Disappointment

A sigh after being denied something — like play, a treat, or going outside — may signal mild disappointment, Vasudevan explains. Your dog’s eyes may also be open and looking at you, Grottini says.

Pain or discomfort

Sighing can also be a sign of pain, Grottini explains. “A dog that has arthritis or other joint pain may go in a circle trying to lie down, and when they finally get down to the floor, you may hear a big sigh as they try to get more comfortable,” she says. If it’s clear that your dog is in pain, it’s time to take them to the vet.

Is it possible for a dog to sigh too much?

Occasional sighing is completely normal, Vasudevan says. However, if it’s paired with labored breathing, coughing, lethargy, or changes in appetite, excessive sighing could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as respiratory disease, heart disease, or pain, she explains. “If your dog is sighing heavily multiple times an hour, seems uncomfortable, or you notice other changes in breathing patterns, it’s best to check with your veterinarian to rule out medical causes,” she says.

“Often a sigh is just your dog’s way of expressing feelings, like us exhaling at the end of the day — even though they didn’t go to an office and work all day,” Ellis says. “Most of the time it’s harmless and even sweet — but context, frequency, how you reward it, and accompanying body language will tell you whether it [means] ‘I’m happy,’ ‘I give up,’ or ‘I don’t feel right.’”