Mention this offer to claim $25 off your pet's first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Learn how heartworm disease spreads, the symptoms to watch for, and how year-round prevention can protect dogs and cats from this serious parasite.

Heartworm Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease

Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Learn why parasite prevention for dogs and cats is essential year round. Understand how fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms affect pets and how veterinary preventive care protects their health.

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison exposure is one of the most common and preventable causes of emergency veterinary visits. This guide outlines the most common sources of pet poisoning, warning signs to watch for, and steps you can take to protect your pet.


Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of dental and oral disease in dogs and cats. While it is often dismissed as normal, persistent odor from the mouth is almost always an indication of an underlying issue.

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

Wed Jun 04 2025 15:22:31 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Androscoggin Animal Hospital

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

careers-section

forms-page

landing-page

contact-us-section

cta-bar

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and friendly, compassionate service.

Financial Aid:

Obedience:

Local Dog Parks:

Boarding Kennels In Our Area:

Microchipping:

Doggie Daycare in our Area:

Adoptions:

Androscoggin Animal Hospital has a curated hub for pet owners in Topsham, Brunswick, Bath and surrounding areas. It includes helpful links for financial aid like CareCredit, pet insurance plans, training & boarding facilities, general pet health & safety info, microchipping, adoption resources and local dog parks. Easily access trusted external resources and local services in one place.

General Information:

links-and-resources

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

payment-section-4

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<p dir="auto">Dogs like to talk. Of course, they don’t use words, but they get their point across by using different sounds. Different dog sounds are used to communicate different things. Your dog knows which sound they need to make to get you to feed, pet, or play with them. As a dog parent, you learn your dog’s language. So, if you’re figuring out your dog’s communication, here are the different types of dog sounds and what they mean.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Barking</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Of all the dogs’ vocalizations, barking is the sound everyone attaches to a dog. When you ask a little child what a dog says, they say, “Woof.” Studies found that barks are a means of communication in dogs. Barks can be explosive, repetitive, or short clips. Different breeds and even individual dogs use barking for different reasons. Barking can be a group activity where one dog barks, setting off other dogs to bark. It’s thought that dogs can distinguish different acoustical sounds in another dog’s bark, which makes them react. If they don’t know a dog’s bark, they may bark in response out of fear rather than familiarity. Dogs often bark when they’re lonely or bored.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Little dogs have a higher-pitched bark because of their size. Big dogs have a greater lung capacity, so their bark is deeper and louder. Of all dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are considered to have the loudest bark.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Whining</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Whining is attention-getting. Puppies often whine as their first communication. Their whining gets results, especially if you’re potty training! Older dogs whine if they’re scared, stressed, or in pain. Sometimes dogs whine to say they’re sorry after you scold them for chewing your sofa. Dogs also whine for food or to get something like a treat or a toy, you have in your hand. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety">Separation anxiety</a> may cause a dog to whine. If your dog is whining as well as</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Panting</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Looks uncomfortable</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Loss of appetite</p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">It might be worth taking them to the vet to be sure they’re not in pain from some ailment.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Whimpering</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Whimpering is different from whining. A whimper means your dog is in distress. It’s often a yelping sound. Whining could mean your dog’s having pain because another dog bit them or someone stepped on their paw, and they let out a loud yelp. Some dogs whimper when they’re excited, for instance, when you come home after work. Dog whimpering isn’t as intense as whining, and it’s softer. Whimpering will stop when you find the cause. If your dog is whimpering, check them to look for physical problems that could put them in distress. Below are some reasons your dog may whimper:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Scared</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Cognitive decline</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Illness</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Pain</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Fear</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Anxiety</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Grunting</p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Dogs also grunt. It’s a guttural sound that your dog makes when he lands on your bed or settles into his favorite blanket. Puppies sometimes grunt when they eat or while napping. Some dogs grunt when they’re upset. Your dog might make an irritated grunt when you don’t do what they want, such as taking them for a walk or playing ball with them. Every dog parent learns their dog’s communication sounds. Some dogs are noisier than others.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Growling</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">A growling dog may seem aggressive, but growling isn’t always an aggressive sound. Sometimes dogs growl due to fear, like when you’re going to cut their nails, or they are afraid of something outside, like a motorcycle going by. If someone knocks loudly at your door, your dog may growl to communicate that they want to protect their territory. Dogs also growl to protect their toys, food, or when they’re in pain.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Of course, when a dog growls, it’s good to respect it. Sometimes dogs growl to show their dislike of another dog or person. They may be picking up on something you can’t know or see, so it bears paying attention when your dog growls.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Howling</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Howling is a distinct dog sound. It’s often associated with certain hounds or hunting breeds, such as:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Beagles,</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Bloodhounds</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Basset hounds</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Dachshunds</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Huskies</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Alaskan malamutes</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Alaskan Eskimo dogs</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Coonhounds</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Foxhounds</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Spitz</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Elkhounds</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Springer spaniels</p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Somehowling almost sounds like singing. It has a musical sound, which is a throwback to a dog’s wild wolf ancestors who howled while in their packs to communicate.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Sighing</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">When your dog sighs, it sounds just like a human sigh. Dogs often sigh with contentment when they lie down in bed. But it can also indicate your dog is irritated with you for not taking him on a walk. They wanted attention and didn’t get it, so they’re “disappointed” with you. It feels very personal when your dog acts this way, so you get up and take him for a walk. No one wants to disappoint their dog!</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Snorting</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Does your dog snort? Certain breeds have a brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that flat-faced breeds of dogs have that makes breathing hard. They sound like they’re snorting. The flat-faced dog breeds that are more prone to this sound include</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Pugs</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Terriers</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Boxers</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Bulldogs</p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Although it’s common to these breeds, if your dog continues to snort for long stretches or seems uncomfortable when they snort, it’s best to see your vet to rule out infection or other breathing issues.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Sneezing</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">It’s easy to assume your dog is catching a cold when he sneezes. While that could be true, some dogs sneeze when they’re excited or to get your attention. A dog may sneeze every time you take them on a walk, not because they have allergies, but because they’re excited to be outside with you. If your dog sneezes and has a thick white, green, or yellow discharge from his nose, it could mean they are sick or has allergies. Talk with your vet to determine if it’s behavioral or an illness.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Your dog is communicating with you. They let you know when they’re hungry, need to do their business, or want you to play with them. Learning your dog’s different sounds and what they mean will help you give your pup the care they need.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left"><strong>Call our hospital or make an appointment if you have any questions at all related to your dog’s health and well-being.</strong></p>

Dogs like to talk. Of course, they don't use words, but they get their point across by using different sounds. Different dog sounds are used to communicate different things. Your dog knows which sound they need to make to get you to feed, pet, or play with them. 

What Do Different Types of Dog Sounds Mean

gtm_684016eb922db540aa8159e6

facebook_pixel_684016eb922db540aa8159e6

androscogginanimalhospital

We love educating our clients! That's why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Compassionate and quality care for your pet.

Same-day appointments welcome, call/text us for options!

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

This accreditation is important as it exemplifies the standard of veterinary excellence.

We look forward to seeing you! Please use our booking widget below to book an appointment today!

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Forms

Download App

Below are some answers to our most common questions.

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

<p>Here at Androscoggin Animal Hospital, we accept many different payment options, including cash, checks, CareCredit, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.</p>

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a deferred interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

<p>Get the care you need today, and pay for treatment costs overtime with a Scratch plan.</p>

CareCredit

Trupanion Pet Insurance

ScratchPay

Mr. Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm Personalized – Dog Training and Agility

Brunswick Maine Dog Park

Great Island Kennel

Pet Sitters of Maine

The Brown Dog Inn

Camp Bow Wow

Falmouth Happy Cats

Home Again

The Blue Dog Daycare

Happy Paws Unleashed

Midcoast Humane

Passion for Pets Rescue Organization

Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue

VeterinaryPartner.com

The Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Fix by Five

Traveling Out of the Country with Your Pet

AAHA Pet Health Library

Pet Poison Control

Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

Pet Microchipping

Get expert pet care from home with virtual vet telemedicine at (). Our licensed vets provide secure, convenient video visits for minor issues, follow-ups, and wellness advice, perfect for anxious pets or busy owners. Book your virtual vet appointment today.

Virtual Vet Care

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

Laser Therapy

Ensure your pet travels safely with expert veterinary health certificates for local, interstate, and international trips. Our USDA-accredited veterinarians handle exams, travel forms, and documentation for airlines and border requirements, so your pet is healthy, compliant, and ready to go wherever your journey leads.

Pet Health Certificates

Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

End-of-Life Support

When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


Pet Prescriptions

Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

Pet Behavior & Anxiety Support

A sudden limp. A skipped meal. A look that says something's off. When your pet isn't feeling right, same-day answers make all the difference. 

Urgent Care

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Simplify pet care with affordable wellness packages at (). Our customized plans cover exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, and diagnostics for every life stage, puppy, adult, or senior. Enjoy predictable pricing, peace of mind, and healthier pets with routine, proactive care.

Wellness Packages

Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


Dental Radiology

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

Sheet title

What Do Different Types of Dog Sounds Mean

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

Why is My Dog Limping?

Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies

FAQs

Sheet title

What Do Different Types of Dog Sounds Mean

Recent Blogs

Heartworm Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Related Blogs

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

Why is My Dog Limping?

Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies

FAQs

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

What if I have questions about my pet's medications?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?