Blog

  • June 13th, 2023
    Written by: Kimberly

    One of the reasons we love dogs so much is that they are incredible communicators. In many ways, they are like small children that may not be able to speak directly, but still have ways to tell us what they need.

    Learning to pay attention to their communication is considered a part of being the best pet owner you can be, because if you can meet your dogs needs they will be happier, better behaved, and more likely to live long and healthy lives.

    Dogs Make Sounds When They’re Hungry

    Most people feed their dog at specific intervals, using a carefully or loosely measured amount of food. Depending on your dog, you may not want to feed them anything extra. Some dogs can be obsessively hungry, but gaining weight can be dangerous for a dog. Talk to your vet before deciding on how much food they should have in their diet.

    However, we’ve all run into situations where we cannot remember if we fed our dog that morning – especially if our dogs are fast eaters that rarely leave any extra food in their bowls. If we forget to feed our dogs, they may be hungry, and it can help to know what sounds your dog may make while hungry to know if you need to give them a bit of food. Some of the sounds they could make include:

    1. Whining or Whimpering - Dogs may emit high-pitched whining or whimpering sounds when they are hungry. These sounds can be similar to the ones they make when they are in distress or seeking attention.
    2. Prolonged or Persistent Barking - Some dogs may resort to barking to get their owner's attention and communicate their hunger. This barking may be more persistent and urgent than their usual barks.
    3. Growling or Grumbling - While growling is often associated with aggression, some dogs may emit low, rumbling sounds when they are hungry. It can be a way for them to express their desire for food.
    4. "Talking" or Vocalizing - Certain breeds are known for making unique vocalizations that resemble human-like talking or mumbling. These sounds may become more frequent or pronounced when the dog is hungry, as if they are trying to communicate their needs verbally.

    Dogs can all communicate differently, much like people. That means you may have to listen and get a better understanding of your dog’s noises to know when they’re in need of more food. Eventually, you’ll learn the noises that your dog makes when it is hungry – either because they missed a meal or because they have exercised often and need more food for their stomachs – and that can help you know when it’s time to give them a little bit of extra kibble.