Although dogs have a rich and diversified body language, barking is still their form of expression and communication most easily identified by humans. For this reason, a puppy or adult dog that never barks or that has suddenly stopped barking usually arouses the concern of its guardians. Although it is true that some pathologies, such as laryngitis, can cause aphonia in dogs, there are also factors inherent to their nature and certain bad habits when walking that can damage their vocal cords and alter their vocal emission.
My dog does not bark: pathological causes
When you detect any abnormality in your furry's barking, behavior or appearance, don't hesitate to go immediately to a veterinary clinic. There are various pathologies that can cause both hoarseness and excessive barking in dogs. When your dog tries to bark and is unable to make sounds, or if he does not bark well, these may be symptoms that his vocal cords are affected As these structures are Located in the throat, very close to the larynx and just above the trachea, any injury, trauma, inflammation or infection in these regions can affect the ability to bark or make your vocal output more hoarse.
If your dog has a condition that causes chronic or excessive vomiting, it is very likely that his larynx and throat are constantly irritated, preventing him from barking properly. In addition, diseases that affect the respiratory tract can also cause hoarseness in our best friends.
On the other hand, if your dog barks excessively, it may be a symptom of stress, boredom, a sedentary lifestyle or other pathologies. In all the cases mentioned, it is equally essential to consult your trusted veterinarian
Breed predisposition is an important factor
There are certain breeds of dogs that are more expressive, alert or distrustful, tend to bark more constantly, while others may be more calm or introverted. For much of human history, dogs capable of barking loudly to ward off predators and alert their owners to impending danger were highly valued. However, nowadays, the less barking dog breeds are highly appreciated by those who live in flats.
The basenji, which leads the ranking of the breeds that bark the least, does not emit the characteristic sound that we associate with canine barking. To us, it may appear that this dog does not bark, as it makes a sound similar to a chuckle to communicate verbally. It is assumed that this particularity is due to the fact that the structure of its vocal cords is more similar to that of a dingo than to that of a domestic dog.
If you have a golden retriever, labrador, pug, french bullbog, rottweiler or akita inu, don't be surprised if your dog barks less than the other dogs in the neighborhood. The same goes for mongrel dogs that inherited this genetic predisposition from their parents.
Does your dog walk with a collar?
Does your dog pull a lot on the leash and use a collar for walks? Well, this constant impact can injure or irritate his larynx, throat or vocal cords, causing the dog not to bark. If your furry also seems to choke, pants very strongly, coughs, gags or has difficulty breathing while walking, playing or exercising, don't hesitate to take him to the vet quickly.
To avoid these disorders, we should prefer to use a harness on daily walks with our furry friends, and also teach them not to pull on the leash and walk properly. Remember that the choke collar is counterproductive and dangerous, and that positive reinforcement is the best way to stimulate and train our best friends without putting their well-being at risk.
You just adopted a dog and it never barks?
Adopting a dog is an act of love that gives thousands of animals a second chance to have a home and receive the love they so richly deserve. However, it is important to quickly take our new companion to the vet to rule out any pathology and find out his he alth status. It's also important to check with your vet to see if your new companion has undergone surgery to remove his vocal cords.
If you recently adopted a precious puppy, your little one may not immediately bark upon arrival at his new home. Your partner needs to adapt to new stimuliin his environment in order to feel safe and be able to confidently express his personality and his feelings. This phenomenon is popularly known as the “ honeymoon effect” and can appear in mestizo puppies or of a defined breed.
Also, if you adopted an adult dog, a sad possibility is that your new friend won't bark because being physically abused or emotional. In these cases, we will need patience and professional help to get our new best friend to regain his self-confidence and be able to express himself freely again, without fear.
Keep in mind that our articles are informative and should never replace veterinary care. Therefore, if your dog stops barking or shows any change in his appearance or behavior, do not hesitate to consult your trusted veterinarian immediately.
