Dog owners only just learning 2 major reasons why their pets sigh

Most pet owners can’t resist a chuckle when they spot their furry companion letting out an enormous sigh after spending an entire day lazing about the house.

However, this has left some pondering whether their dogs are simply knackered from doing absolutely nothing, or if they’re feeling restless and craving more attention or mental engagement.

To provide the answers you’ve been seeking, TikTok channel @basepaws has revealed precisely what a dog’s sigh signifies – and what they’re attempting to convey to you.

In the clip, she explained: “Did you know your dog sighing has a meaning. It’s not because they’ve had a long stressful day. It’s because they’re expressing how they’re feeling.

“Here are the reasons your dog sighs. They are content especially if they sigh while they’re resting or before laying down. They are feeling relaxed and content just like humans do after a long day of work.”

Nevertheless, she suggests another reason could indicate “exasperation”, explaining: “They want to play or walk. If they sigh with an open eyed look, they are feeling frustrated.”

Responding to her post, one viewer remarked: “So when my dog has just finished barking his head off and then lays down and sighs… It means that he’s content with all his hard work?”

Another viewer commented: “My dog sighs after I gave him lots of kisses and annoys him and I get the side eye too.”

A third viewer added: “Your dog is expressing its very uncomfortable, raw paws.”

One additional viewer noted: “Long day of work? My dog sleeps 18 hours of the day.”

Another user added: “My dog sighed as he snuggled onto my couch for the first time.”

A final user shared: “Me and my dogs chain sighs.

“When we go to bed, I’ll do a big sigh and then one dog will sigh too, and then the second dog will also sigh afterwards.”

Can a dog’s sigh indicate stress?

According to PetMD: “If your dog lets out a heavy sigh in an unfamiliar or stressful environment, it could be a sign of stress. However, if your dog appears relaxed, a sigh might mean something else, such as:

• Relaxation
• Contentment
• Boredom

A statement added: “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 behaviour or is accompanied by other changes in behaviour, schedule a visit with your vet to make sure everything is OK.

“Sighing while cuddling is often a sign of relaxation and happiness. However, sometimes sighing can indicate your dog feels a bit squished or uncomfortable. Stiff body, flattened ears, and trying to pull away are signs of the latter.”