The first thing that comes to mind when you hear your dog grunt or groan is that he must be hurt. However, not all grunts and groans are caused by pain. There are several different reasons why dogs grunt and groan, including: It’s their way of saying “hi!”  They’re showing excitement, joy, or happiness. They’re asking for food or water. They’re communicating with other dogs. They’re letting you know that they need attention. So while it’s important to make sure your dog isn’t hurting themselves, it’s also important to consider whether your dog’s grunting is actually related to them needing attention or comfort. The key here is to observe your dog’s behavior closely. If you notice that your dog is grunting and groaning often, especially when he’s alone, then it’s likely that he needs more interaction from you than usual. If this happens, it’s time to take your dog to the vet.