Our family dog started howling frequently about a week ago. Before that, I had never heard our pet of 10 years do this. He is about 14 years old, but is still healthy (as far as we know). His howl sounds like a moan or cry, but when you approach him he is completely normal and friendly. He only seems to howl when everyone is in their own room or gone and he is in the living room alone. Sometimes it seems like he is just testing his vocal skills, but I'm not sure. He also cries when he is scared or when he begs, and sometimes barks for attention, but this is something new and different. Is this normal or a sign of something?
2007-03-28 17:33:49 · 5 answers · asked by Jake F 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Howling is a form of communication in dogs. It is a way for dogs to signal their presence to other dogs that are often located far away. It is common in wolves and coyotes, both relatives of today's domestic dog.
Domestic dogs that howl, especially those that howl excessively are usually doing this because they are bored and lonely. Getting extra toys, and giving your dog more attention and exercise will help to stimulate your dog and reduce excessive howling. If you make your dog sleep outside all night, it's no wonder the dog howls a lot. Bring the dog inside!
Sometimes dogs will howl when they hear sirens or other loud higher pitched sounds like clarinets and flutes. These sounds may even come from a television set. Dogs do this as an instinctive response to hearing what they interpret to be another howl (dog in the distance). They are not doing this because it hurts their ears.
Hope this helps!
2007-03-28 17:42:52 · answer #1 · answered by Cinta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is probably normal. Your dog is probably getting very lonley and wants some attention. Maybe he is talking to other dogs as well but thats a totally different subject lets not go there. Anyway what i understand from your description is that when everyone is in a different room or out of the house he howls. As i said this may be a result of lonliness. Make sure you give your dog extra attention. Hope that helped. Good Luck!
2007-03-28 17:37:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs howl for different reasons. They may be hearing a High Frequency or Low Frequency sound we can't. They could be sensing something we can't.
HOWEVER; when I was growing up, our Dog (half-German Shepherd/ half-Collie) would Howl once in awhile. Once in a great while,........but,......
....everytime he did this,.........a relative of ours died or was killed. Coincidence? I don't know. But, I've read about this happening.
It happened with our family and Dog.
2007-03-28 18:17:04 · answer #3 · answered by The Sylvan Wizard 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs howl to connect with their pack and to let you know they want to be with you.
Your dog may not be seeing or hearing as well, and that could account for the change in behavior.
2007-03-28 17:36:29 · answer #4 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dog may be ill or an impending natural disaster. During the Santa Cruz earthquake of 88 my bird was acting crazy for a week before and then he went to normal after the quake.
Make sure to document the details in any case, it will be useful to the vet or scientist.
Tell us what area you're in please.
2007-03-28 17:39:07 · answer #5 · answered by SemperFi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is lonely it seems. Maybe you should spend more time with him or another family member. Make him sit down with you when u watch tv so hes not alone? You get my drift? Throw a ball let him catch it. Buy a string toy and play tug-a-war. Maybe walk him outside to see the beauty of nature. If you do SPEND alot of time with him then i guess you should do a check up there might be something in his throat that hes tryin to release.
2007-03-28 17:39:34 · answer #6 · answered by ForYou,WithYou 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Might be a new dog in the neighbourhood that he is responding too.. Maybe wild animals in the area ?
Sounds like he is lonely and he is sending out the ' I'm over here ' signal!
2007-03-28 17:43:19 · answer #7 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋