Why do dogs howl? Origins, causes and meanings

When we think about how dogs usually communicate, we immediately think of barking, growling or whining. However, howling is one of their most evocative sounds. It recalls ancient images, folk legends and leaves us with more questions than answers. But why do dogs howl? Are they trying to tell us something? Is it a sign of distress? Or, as they say, is it related to the moon? 

Howling is an ancient language that dogs inherited from wolves, their direct ancestors. Understanding the causes and distinguishing when it is a normal expression or when it signals discomfort is essential for living together in a more peaceful way.

Why dogs howl: an instinctive behaviour

A howl is a long and modulated sound which is very different from a bark. In the collective imagination it is related to wolf packs howling, and it is not just a case: dogs are direct descendants from wolves, and this behavior is deeply rooted in them.
For wolves, howling means communicating with their pack members, signaling their location, strengthening the social bonds and defending their territory. For dogs this instinct remains unchanged even if their daily situations are now different.

Therefore, when dogs howl, they are simply expressing an ancient behaviour, a universal language that recalls their evolutionary history. Some breeds such as Huskies or Malamutes are more inclined to howling, but all dogs can use this language in certain circumstances.

Howling to respond to sounds: why do dogs howl at alarms?

A curious fact is that most dogs howl to when they hear specific sounds: fire or ambulance sirens, wind instruments and bells. The reason for this is easy: they all are auditory stimuli with a prolonged and sharp tone, similar to the natural howling of wolves. In case of sirens, the reason is technical: these rising and falling tones are specifically effective to draw attention and to be heard from long distances and over traffic noise. It is this similarity with wolves’ howling that stimulates the dog’s response. They unconsciously recognise the call and respond with the same ancestral language.

Therefore, it is not fear, but an instinctive communicative reaction that reminds us how fascinating dog’s perceptual world is. Just think about how dogs see or how dogs dream.

The most common reasons for howling

It’s not just sirens or prolonged sounds that trigger dogs’ howling. There are many other daily situations. The reasons are different each time, it can be about the dog’s need to communicate with the owner, the necessity to signal discomfort, or simply to express an emotion. Understanding the context is fundamental for correctly interpreting the message and distinguish an instinctive howl from one that requires attention.
Among the most common causes we find:

• Request for attention: our four-legged friends howl to communicate with us. For example, it can become a way to obtain cuddles, food or interactions when they feel ignored.
• Separation anxiety: some dogs howl when they are left alone for a long period, because they perceive separation from their human as a source of discomfort. In these moments, howling (just like persistent barking) is not a whim, but a way for the dog to express loneliness.
• Defence of their territory: in some cases, dogs howl to signal their presence and protect what they consider their own. Howling can thus become territorial behaviour to warn about suspicious noises and to scare any intruder.
• Pain or discomfort: in rare cases, dogs may howl to express physical discomfort. Don’t immediately assume it’s something serious: it can be temporary. However, if the howling is unusual and there are other behavioural changes, you should talk to your vet.
• Expressing excitement: howling is not always a warning signal. It can also express a positive emotion. In these moments, dogs communicate their joy and enthusiasm, and we can reinforce this behaviour with cuddles, a sweet word or even a dog treat.

Myths to dispel: do dogs howl at the moon?

Among the most widespread myths related to dogs’ howling, we often find the legendary image of dogs howling at the moon. In reality, there is no direct link between our four legged friend and Earth’s natural satellite.
This image has more of a symbolic than scientific meaning. The tendency to lift their muzzle upwards while howling is not to address the moon but to propagate the sound over long distances. The head’s position facilitates the transmission of sound waves, making them audible even from afar.

Howling as an omen of impending misfortune or mourning is another popular myth. This is another misconception as howling is a completely natural behavior, a way for dogs to communicate due to all the reasons explained in the above paragraphs.
Dispelling these beliefs is important to live more peacefully with our dogs and recognizing howling as part of their identity.

What to do to manage the dog’s howling

As we previously said, there is no need to think about howling as a problem. It is a natural behaviour that shouldn’t be repressed. However, if it becomes excessive or happens in inappropriate moments, learning how to manage it can be useful. Here are some practical tips:

• Observing the context: the first step is understanding when and why the dog is howling. If it happens during moments of loneliness, it can be related to separation anxiety. In this case, gradually managing the separation moments is ideal, as explained in the article on how to keep your dog calm when home alone.
• Dedicate time to play: a bored dog may howl to attract attention. Ensuring moments of fun together is essential. Howling, like other vocal behaviours, is part of dogs’ need to communicate, and playing together is fundamental. Besides stimulating their mind and body, it satisfies their needs to communicate and strengthens the bond with their owner.
• Don’t reinforce the behaviour: if the dog howls to attract attention and we respond with cuddles and treats, this behaviour may consolidate. It’s better to act when the dog is calm and, only at that moment, offering a snack (a tasty treat with creamy center, for example).
• Evaluating the overall wellbeing: in rare cases, when dogs howl, they may hide pain or discomfort. If this behaviour appears suddenly and it is associated with other symptoms, it is recommended to consult your vet.

Being able to control our dogs’ howling means finding a balance: allowing them to express their own nature, but at the same time educating them so that it doesn’t become a recurring habit, and consequently a discomfort for themselves and their humans. It is just like what happens with barking: it’s extremely normal in some situations, but when it becomes excessive, it is useful to know how to stop it.