My dog doesn’t bark. Is that normal?

There’s probably no reason to worry if your dog doesn’t bark. Some dogs just don’t like or can’t bark, and that’s normal. However, if your dog suddenly stops barking, there may be some medical problems. Next, I’ll tell you the possible causes and solutions.

Why do some dogs Don’t bark?

Of course, a dog that doesn’t bark seems strange. But in fact, some breeds just can’t bark. These include the basenji and beagle, the French bulldog, and the shiba inu. Check to see if your dog is one of the silent ones.

Dog breeds that can’t bark

Other dogs just don’t like to bark, even though they know how to do it. Yes, that also happens, and most owners find it pleasant.

If the puppy is new to your home, he may be embarrassed to bark because he doesn’t fully know what he’s allowed to do and what he’s not. For the first few days or even weeks dogs are looking out for their owners to get a better understanding of them. When your Fido is fully accustomed to his new home and feels more relaxed, he may allow himself to bark.

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Medical Causes

If your dog used to bark but then became silent, there may be a medical cause. 

  • Laryngitis. Your dog may be hoarse from excessive barking, ingesting coarse food, or getting smoke or chemical irritants into his airways (by inhaling fumes from chemicals)1. If this is the case, it is temporary, and your dog will bark again when his vocal cords are restored. But laryngitis can also be caused by an allergic reaction accompanied by throat swelling. In such cases, medication is needed.
a sad pug
  • Laryngeal paralysis. It can occur because of neck trauma, hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease2. Laryngeal paralysis can also be congenital, although it does not show up immediately. Middle-aged and older dogs are at risk.
  • Tumor. Tumors affecting the larynx are sometimes found in dogs.

How can you tell if you should sound the alarm if your dog doesn’t bark? Let’s explore that question now.

Should I be worried if my dog doesn’t bark?

If your dog doesn’t bark for as long as you know him, there’s probably nothing to worry about. You only need to worry if you notice symptoms such as:

  • coughing;
  • noisy breathing;
  • shortness of breath;
  • difficulty swallowing;
  • fever.

You should also consult your veterinarian if your dog’s barking changes and sounds strange.

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Although your dog probably doesn't have a serious problem, a veterinarian's consultation wouldn't be a bad idea. You'll need to tell the vet what other symptoms your pet is experiencing and if he has any chronic illnesses or injuries recently.

The veterinarian may be able to diagnose with a physical exam, but additional tests such as blood tests, x-rays or laryngoscopy may be necessary.

A rescue dog doesn’t bark

If you picked up an adult dog from a shelter and he’s not barking, there’s a possibility that he’s been exposed to a shock collar. It can cause wheezing and burns if used uncontrollably.

Also, previous owners may have taught the dog not to bark and punished him for barking. Now it will take time for your furry friend to feel safe and understand that he is allowed to express his emotions. Of course, it takes a lot of effort and proper behavior.

punish the dog

Also, some owners subject their dogs to vocal cord surgery to get rid of the barking. Unfortunately, nothing can be fixed in such cases, but you can ask your veterinarian how to care for such a dog.

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How do I teach my dog to bark?

If your dog knows how to bark but does it very rarely, and you want to teach him to bark on command, then you can try to do it with some tricks.

You need to provoke your dog to “talk” by repeating the command “talk” and then reward him specifically for that particular bark. Dogs usually bark when excited, so you need to figure out how to get your dog into a state of excitement. For example, play a game. You can let your dog know you have a treat in your hand, and he has to earn it somehow. Hold it in your fist at a distance from the dog. Let him jump around trying to get to it.

playing ball with the dog

You can also use a favorite toy, make the dog run after you, jump with you, etc. But for the right action, i.e. barking, you should reward the dog with a treat. You can see this method in action in this video:

Conclusions

Some dogs can’t or don’t like to bark. This is normal. But if your dog suddenly stops barking, there may be a serious medical problem behind it. In that case, it’s best to show your dog to the vet.

I wish you and your furry friend all the best and no problems with barking!

Sourced:

  1. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/laryngitis-in-dogs#:~:text=Laryngitis%20is%20an%20inflammation%20of,or%20excessive%20vocalization%20(barking).
  2. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/c_dg_laryngeal_disease
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