Constant whining in dogs is usually caused by a lack of exercise or a lack of attention. Under certain circumstances, whining can also indicate emotional problems, poisoning, allergies or even pain.
Basically, dogs can whine in 4 different ways. Through whining, whining, yelping and barking. Whining and whimpering are often a symptom of existing pain.
Barking and whining, on the other hand, is often due to unsatisfied longings. In addition, the respective initial situation also allows conclusions to be drawn about the possible causes.
Initial situationCommon causesWhining at nightFear, unsatisfied longings, dementia, other painConstant whiningGrowing pains, allergies, lack of attention, unsatisfied longings, lack of workload, fear, other pain, psychological stress, dementiaWhining while drivingMental stress, fear, unsatisfied longingsTrembling and whiningFear, poisoning, psychological stressWhining in lonelinessUnsatisfied longings, fear, psychological stressWhining and restless behaviorPoisoning, unsatisfied longings, psychological stress, dementia, fear, lack of workloadReasonless whiningDementia, growing pains, lack of workload, lack of attentionWhining after an operationOther pain
In puppies, whining is often a sign that they want to test their limits. Here you should ignore their behavior to break the habit. [1]
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#1 Lack of utilization
The need for physical and mental exercise varies from breed to breed and also depending on the dog. But if this is neglected, frustration will result.
Typical behaviors here are:
- Dog digs in the apartment
- Constant whining through whining
- Jump up on the owner
- Chewing on pieces of furniture
- Suddenly running around the apartment
- Dog destroys his own basket [2]
All of these activities are just a sign of boredom and excess energy. This is comparable to nagging children who annoy you with “I’m bored!”
The following measures can help here:
- Avoid keeping active breeds in big cities
- Pay the neighbor's child pocket money to walk your dog once a day
- Get plenty of toys (like ours)
- Organize playdates with neighborhood dogs
- Make sure your apartment is big enough
In general, you can remember: a busy dog is a calm dog. What alternative measures can you think of?
Insufficient physical or mental exercise can cause dogs to whine almost all the time. Here it is important to be creative and ensure more employment every day. Neighborhood dogs or neighborhood children are often the easiest method for this.
#2 Growing pains
You've probably noticed that dogs grow incredibly quickly between the 3rd and 9th months. This is completely normal.
It only becomes a problem when the bones grow too quickly for the rest of the body to adapt. This causes pressing and dull pain.
Other typical symptoms of the so-called “panostitis” are:
- Sudden limping
- Aversion to jumping
- Constant whining
- Lack of motivation
- Groaning when getting up
- Stiff gait [3]
Young large dog breeds are most commonly affected. This is especially true for German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Dobermans and many Great Dane species.
Here you should consciously reduce your dog's activity level in order to protect the growing bones and joints.
Although the problem resolves itself over time, medication can still be useful in the meantime to reduce the pain. [4]
Growing pains are part of maturing for many large dog breeds. Affected dogs often whine in pain and behave unusually. A veterinarian should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
#3 Fear
Puppies and small dog breeds are often very anxious by nature. Lap dog breeds in particular are considered particularly sensitive. Typical triggers here are:
- Absence of the master
- Sudden loud noises
- loneliness
- presence of strangers
- Impending storms
- Lack of socialization [5]
In most cases, you can recognize fear when the dog hides, shakes, or starts to whine. But there are also other typical signs:
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Heavy panting despite the cold temperature
- Unusually slow pace
- Nocturnal whining
- Hiding behind the owner's legs
- Pull the tail between the legs [6]
The most effective option here is to identify the trigger and gradually get the dog used to it. In addition, frightened dogs need a lot of attention.
In more severe cases, anxiety-relieving supplements or even medication can also be useful. Here you should follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Frightened dogs usually show their emotions through restless behavior, constant panting or a hunched posture. Among other things, they start to whine more often out of fear. It is important to find out the cause and act proactively.
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#4 Arthritis
Old dogs and generally large dog breeds are particularly likely to struggle with arthritis. This disease leads to chronically inflamed and painful joints.
According to current statistics, one in five dogs over 12 months old is said to suffer from it. [7] In addition to whining, there are usually other symptoms:
- Swelling of the joints
- Sudden limping
- Dog gnaws on joints
- Dislike of stairs
- Stiff gait
- Dog avoids jumping
- Groaning when getting up [8]
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, the symptoms can be greatly alleviated with pain-relieving medications and anti-inflammatory supplements.
Depending on the cause, bandages, a diet, a change in diet, physiotherapy and acupuncture can also help. [9]
Dogs with arthritis experience pain with almost all movements and often express this through whining and an unusual walking style. However, with the help of an individual dosage of medication, the pain can be almost completely avoided.
#5 Allergies
According to studies, up to one in five dogs are said to struggle with allergies. [9] So-called “allergens” are responsible for this. Typical examples are here:
- Chicken, lamb and beef
- Cleaning products, chemicals and pesticides
- pollen and grasses
- Cereals, milk and soy [10]
You can most often recognize allergic reactions by visible skin rashes, redness or by the dog constantly licking itself. Other signs of this include:
- Swelling of the skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constant whining
- Dog has trouble breathing
- Runny nose
- Restless behavior
- Constant diarrhea [11]
Depending on when the allergic reactions occur, this can allow conclusions to be drawn about the possible cause. An allergy test at the doctor can provide certainty here.
Treatment usually involves adjusting the diet and prescribing medication (“antihistamines”). This helps both for prevention and relief.
Alternatively, such a free food check can also help to get individual food recommendations and free food samples.
Dogs with existing allergies express their symptoms more often by whining. In addition, other symptoms can also be seen on the skin with contact dermatitis. Especially where the allergens were in direct contact. An allergy test is advisable here.
#6 Psychological stress
If your dog behaves unusually restlessly, then there is usually stress behind it. This is because hormones are released that keep your dog on alert.
Sensitive dog breeds are most often affected here. Typical causes of this are:
- Violent handling
- Presence of strange dogs
- Past surgery
- Cushing's syndrome
- Jealousy in other pets
- Vaccination or visit to the doctor
- Territorial threat [12]
Complaining is just one of many possible reactions. Other typical examples are:
- Dog is panting heavily
- Trembling at rest
- Increased thirst
- Sudden incontinence
- Dog constantly licks around mouth
- Constant urge to urinate
- Avoiding eye contact [13]
Just like with fear, the first thing to do is to find out what triggers it. You should then accustom your dog to the trigger step by step.
A chewing bone made of coffee wood is also ideal for breaking the habit. Gnawing reduces stress and at the same time cares for the teeth and gums.
Stressed dogs often start shaking, suddenly become very thirsty and constantly lick their mouths. Among other things, they express their emotional state through constant whining. The solution here is to identify the cause and proactively get the dog used to it.
#7 Lack of attention
The younger a dog is, the more attention it needs. Dogs and people have this in common. But there are also some breeds that naturally need more.
Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Siberian Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers are particularly known for this. [14]
If your dog lacks attention, in addition to whining, he will often express this with the following behaviors:
- Dog constantly looks at the master
- Restless and hyperactive behavior
- Dog follows owner everywhere
- Constant whining and whining
- Dog jumps at master [15]
The solution here is to take measures so that your dog gets enough attention day after day. Playdates with neighborhood dogs are a great solution here.
If you can't find the time necessary for this, then getting a second pet for entertainment might make sense.
If dogs lack attention, they usually complain loudly about it. In addition to whining, dogs generally behave very restlessly, often jump at their master and always look for eye contact. The solution here is obvious.
#8 Dementia
Dementia is a generic term for diseases that result in a decline in mental performance. Alzheimer's is by far the most well-known form.
The risk here increases steadily with increasing age. Around 7 out of 10 dogs over 15 years old are said to be affected. At 11 years old it is already almost 30%. [16]
You can usually tell if the dog appears increasingly confused and wanders around the apartment aimlessly. Other symptoms are here:
- Unusually frequent grooming
- Aggressive…