Constant whining in dogs can indicate a lack of attention, boredom or even fear. Poisoning, Alzheimer's disease, cold or other pain can also be responsible.
In almost all cases, whining is a kind of “whining” – i.e. rather negative. Puppies and young dogs tend to do this behavior much more often because they want to test their limits.
In old dogs, on the other hand, there is usually pain or illness behind it. In addition, the respective situation often allows statements to be made about the possible cause.
Initial situationPossible causesWhen walking the dogInflamed joints, cold, other painWhile sleepingUnsatisfied longings, Alzheimer's, chronic fear, other pain, chronic stressWhen strokingSubmissive behavior, unsatisfied longings, Alzheimer'sAfter surgeryFears, other painWhen drivingStress, unsatisfied longings, fearsLonelinessLack of attention, chronic fear, unsatisfied longings, chronic stress , lacking UtilizationSimultaneous pantingChronic stress, fearsAt nightAlzheimer's, poisoning, lack of utilization, fears, other pain, chronic stress, coldSuddenly for no reasonPoisoning, submissive behavior, chronic stress, unsatisfied longings, lack of attention, other pain, Alzheimer's
Then let's go through the 11 most common causes together below.
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#1 Lack of attention
Very young dogs tend to require significantly more attention than older dogs. There are also some breeds that naturally need a lot of it.
These include Beagles, Chihuahuas, Miniature Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Alaskan Malamutes, Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies, Labradors, Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Dachshunds. [1]
If you don't get enough attention, you can usually tell by the following symptoms:
- Constantly seeking eye contact
- Constant jumping on the owner
- Tracking the owner at every turn
- Constant whining and whining
- Hyperactive and restless behavior [2]
Some breeds are also prone to jealousy. The cause here may be that a stranger or a new pet has received significantly more attention.
The following measures can help here:
- More pets for entertainment
- Playdates with neighborhood dogs or children
- Lots of toys (like ours)
- Cuddle at the same time every day
If all of these tips do not bring any improvement, then the cause lies somewhere else.
Constant whining is often caused by dogs not getting the attention they need. What is noticeable is that the dog almost always makes eye contact with the owner during this time. In addition to more attention, more employment can also help here.
#2 Chronic Anxiety
As fearless as some dogs may appear, many breeds are naturally much more fearful than humans. This is especially true for all lap dog breeds.
In addition, small, very young and very old dogs tend to be more anxious. Typical causes behind the fears are:
- Social phobia due to lack of socialization
- Separation anxiety when the master is absent
- Noise and sounds over 85 decibels
- Severe weather such as storms, hail and thunderstorms [3]
Basically, the more scared your dog is, the louder and more often he will whine. You can usually recognize existing fears by the following signs:
- Heavy panting
- Dog avoids eye contact
- Restless behavior
- Constant beeping
- Tail between legs
- Dog is hiding [4]
Here you should first investigate the cause. Because if you know the trigger for the fear, you can specifically avoid it or get your dog used to it.
When dogs are chronically afraid, they start to whine constantly. The more intense the perceived fear, the louder it is. In most cases it is triggered by loneliness or a lack of socialization. To solve this, the trigger should be avoided.
#3 Lack of utilization
In dogs, whining can also be an expression of frustration. For example, if dogs are bored or simply don't get enough exercise.
Typical signs of this are:
- Dog starts running around the apartment
- Yelling, barking, whining and whining
- Dog starts digging in the apartment
- Gnawing and destroying toys and furniture
- Constant jumping on the owner [5]
You've probably already seen a child who starts nagging out of boredom. The constant whining is the equivalent of dogs here.
In addition to walks that are too short or too infrequent, the following things can also be responsible for the behavior:
- Large dogs are kept in small apartments
- Lack of mental tasks and workload
- Active breeds are kept in densely populated cities
- Strong guarding, guardian or hunting instinct
Basically, a tired dog is a calm dog. Here you should find measures to ensure that your dog gets enough exercise every day.
Insufficient physical and mental exercise leads to boredom and frustration in dogs. Most dogs therefore start whining all the time in protest. In this case, other hyperactive behavior is also usually evident.
#4 Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, accounting for around 70%. This is a chronic and pathological decline in cognitive performance.
Older dogs in particular are often affected. According to studies, almost 30% of all dogs over 11 years of age and around 70% of all dogs over 15 years of age suffer from it. [6]
The most common symptoms of this are:
- Constantly repetitive behavior
- Excessive grooming
- Confusion and loss of orientation
- Walking around at night
- Ignorant and stubborn behavior
- Sudden aggressiveness [7]
The constant beeping is usually an expression of increasing fear. Because the loss of memory is accompanied by unusual confusion.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this yet. However, such intelligence toys and mental thinking tasks help to slow the spread of the disease.
The decline in mental performance with age is a common cause of anxiety, frustration and confusion. Affected dogs therefore often whine all day long because their entire environment suddenly seems unfamiliar and strange. A cure for this is still pending.
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#5 Unsatisfied desires
In many ways, dogs behave similarly to toddlers and babies. For example, when babies want something, they start crying. Dogs whistle instead.
In comparison, young dogs are much louder than older dogs. Because they still have to test their limits. The most common triggers are:
- Unsatisfied sex drive
- Strong urge to play
- Lack of attention
- Hunger and thirst
- Lack of utilization
- Pressing bladder [8]
In unneutered male dogs aged 9-18 months, a strong sex drive is often the cause. This is because the dog’s testosterone levels are at their highest during this time.
Unneutered female dogs, on the other hand, only come into heat for around 2 weeks every 6 months. Even during this time they are almost always crying with longing. [9]
What is striking about longings is that the dog always seeks eye contact with his master. Here it is important to identify the longing and then satisfy it.
Unsatisfied desires lead to frustration and despair in dogs. They usually express this by looking at their owner and constantly whining. The possible longing should first be found out and then measures to satisfy it should be initiated.
#6 Inflamed joints
According to studies, one in five dogs over the age of one year struggles with chronically inflamed joints. Doctors also refer to this as “arthritis”. [10]
Basically, the older and larger the dog is, the more likely it is to suffer from arthritis. Common symptoms here are:
- Dislike of stairs
- Sudden limp
- Excessive licking of the joints
- Dog whines all the time
- Swollen joints
- Whining when getting up
- Avoiding jumps [11]
While the disease itself is currently considered incurable, the symptoms can usually be treated very well with the help of medication.
In addition, it usually helps to adjust your diet, supplement with omega-3 or even take your dog to physiotherapy to strengthen the joints. [12]
If older dogs start to whine constantly and at the same time avoid stairs and jumps, then it is usually due to inflamed joints. Other pathological symptoms often appear here. However, with the help of medication, the pain can be greatly reduced.
#7 Poisoning
If you take a closer look at the statistics from veterinary practices, you will see that poisoning is one of the most common reasons why dog owners go to the doctor.
In most cases it is because the dog has swallowed toxic things. Typical examples of these are:
- Chocolate, macadamia nuts and avocados
- Insecticides, rat poison and snail killers
- Medicines and drugs from people
- Toxic grasses and flowers
- Hops, alcohol or sugar alcohol [13]
The constant beeping is just a cry for help. Poisoning often leads to stomach pain and organ failure. Other typical signs include:
- Sudden tremors
- Confusion
- Constant whining
- Restless behavior
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Breathing problems [14]
Poisoning can be fatal under certain circumstances. If you suspect something, you should immediately contact the emergency veterinary service. The sooner you act, the better.
A variety of poisonings can cause severe pain or even damage organs. Affected dogs often whine all the time to draw attention to their symptoms. It is important to consult a veterinarian immediately.
#8 Chronic stress
Not only people, but also dogs regularly experience stress, which leads to the release of stress hormones such as “cortisol” and “adrenaline”.
However, the triggers are very different in dogs. Typical examples are here:
- jealousy
- Violence in education
- Visit to the vet
- Weekly bathing
- Cushing's syndrome
- Existing traumas
- Threat to the territory [15]
Constant whining in dogs is just one of many possible symptoms. Other typical signs of stress are:
- Sudden panting
- Strong thirst
- No direct eye contact
- Tail between legs
- Frequent licking of the mouth
- Incontinence
- Dog is hiding [16]
Before you immediately resort to medication, I recommend first limiting the possible causes. Often it is…