When dogs whine, it can indicate fear, stress or joy. Among other things, it can also be a sign of pain, lack of activity or unmet needs. However, other symptoms usually appear here.
In most cases, whining is whining. But dogs also sometimes use it as a means of communicating joy. It should therefore not always be viewed negatively.
Incidentally, studies have found that the whining of dogs triggers people just as much as a crying baby. So it's hard to ignore. [1]
Whining in the dog
The initial situation also provides conclusions about the possible cause. Here is a brief overview:
SituationMost common causesWhimpering at nightFear, pain, arthritis, dementiaConstant whiningLack of employment, stress, longings, arthritisWhining while playingJoy, submissiveness, longingsTrembling & whiningFear, stress, painWhining in the carStress, fearReasonless whiningLack of employment, longings, dementiaWhining when lonelyFear, lack of employment, stressRestlessness & WhiningStress, pain, fearWhining in other dogsSubmissiveness, joy, fear
Then let's go through the 9 most common causes together.
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#1 Fear
Fear is an integral part of everyday life for both people and dogs. Very old, very young and very sensitive breeds are most commonly affected.
Typical triggers here are:
- Loneliness: The so-called “separation anxiety”.
- Noise: In dogs, the acoustic pain threshold is already reached at 85 decibels. Loud sounds only hurt people at around 140 decibels. [2]
- Social phobia: Due to a lack of socialization in people at a young age.
- Storms: Storms, hail and thunder trigger ancient survival instincts. [3]
The stronger the fear, the more frequent and louder the dog's whining. In addition, anxiety states usually have other symptoms:
- Stooped posture
- Ears laid back
- Physical restlessness
- Retracted tail
- Avoiding eye contact
- Yelling, barking or whining [4]
In order to solve the problem, you must first identify the cause. Regardless, a lot of attention and anxiety-relieving medication help in such situations.
When anxious, dogs often start whining to protect themselves. This is most commonly seen in young puppies who are left alone for the first time. In addition, anxiety is usually accompanied by a number of other symptoms.
#2 Arthritis
Arthritis refers to pathological inflammation of the joints. According to current statistics, around 20% of all older dogs suffer from it. [5]
In this case, the whimpering is caused by pain. Because with severe arthritis, not only walking becomes painful, but also lying down and doing nothing.
Other typical symptoms include:
- Aversion to physical activity
- Hobbling and limping
- Constant licking of the joints
- Yelling upon physical contact
- Swelling of the joints [6]
There is currently no cure for arthritis. However, the pain and other complaints can be easily treated with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
In addition, physical therapy, diet, omega-3 supplementation, and strengthening exercises are often recommended in such cases. [7]
Arthritis can cause dogs so much pain, both when walking and when resting, that they will whine to warn you of it. Arthritis is considered incurable, but you should still see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
#3 Desires
You've probably seen a baby who starts to cry when he's hungry. Dogs don't react much differently to desires. Instead of screaming, they tend to whine.
Typical causes here are:
- Attention: If the other caressing was not enough today.
- Urge to defecate: When the dog can hardly stand it anymore.
- Sex Drive: In female dogs or mature male dogs in heat.
- Hunger & Thirst: If food or water has been forgotten.
- Urge to play: When your favorite toy is taken away. [8]
In very young dogs, the desire for attention is most common. Dogs also test their limits at a young age.
In mature dogs, however, whining is usually due to hunger or sex drive. The former is particularly noticeable when you are eating.
In such cases, it is typical for dogs to look at their master while whining. This clearly signals that they want something.
The solution here is to recognize the corresponding need and (if possible) satisfy it. However, if your dog demands too much, ignoring it can also make sense.
Dogs whine, among other things, to communicate desires such as attention or hunger. Puppies in particular show this behavior very often because they are testing their limits. The solution here is to satisfy the underlying longing.
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#4 Lack of employment
Young and very active breeds in particular need a lot of physical and mental activity every day. If this is missing, dissatisfaction will spread.
Whining here is equivalent to a nagging child who is frustrated out of boredom: “I’m bored!”
Other typical behaviors include:
- Digging in the apartment
- Hyperactive jumping around
- Yelling and barking
- Suddenly running around the house [9]
The following factors can increase the daily need for employment:
- Food with lots of carbohydrates
- Keeping large dogs in small apartments
- Shepherd or hunting dog breed
- Keeping active breeds in large cities
In addition to longer and more frequent walks, toys (like ours) and chewing bones can also make sense here. Playdates with other dogs are also a great solution.
Dogs don't communicate enough mental and physical activity by whining. The daily requirement is highest for very active dog breeds such as hunting and shepherd dogs as well as young dogs. Here it is important to find suitable methods for employment.
#5 Submissiveness
If your dog avoids eye contact with you and whines in his basket, this is often an excuse for naughty behavior. Typical examples are here:
- Furniture gnawed
- Shoes torn
- Peed in the apartment
- Vomited inside
- Rummaging through trash
However, if your dog whines in the presence of other dogs, this is a sign of submissiveness. It signals to the other dog that he is the alpha. [10]
This behavior occurs most often in small and very sensitive dogs. Especially if the size difference to the other dog or person is very large.
Dogs inherited this behavior from wolves. Because if wolves do not submit to their alpha, they are often attacked or even rejected by the pack.
Whining is, among other things, a sign of submission in dogs. It serves both in dogs to form typical hierarchies and in humans as an excuse for past behavior. There is no specific need for action here.
#6 Joy
Dogs also use whining and barking to communicate joy and happiness, among other things. Typical triggers here are:
- Master comes home from work
- Dog got a new toy
- Visitors come over
- A strange dog is nearby
In this case, just look at your posture. Because you can read joy and anticipation relatively easily on your body:
- Wagging tail
- Relaxed ears
- Excited yelp
- Upturned tail
- Relaxed posture [11]
If the whining here bothers you, then I recommend introducing the “no” command. Because dogs only repeat behavior if it is rewarded.
For more in-depth tips on dog training, I can recommend Johanna Kessler’s online dog school. There you will learn not only the commands but also body language.
When dogs whine and wag their tails, it is usually an expression of joy. This behavior most often occurs when in contact with people and other dogs. In addition, the joy can also be clearly seen in the posture.
#7 Stress
Whining in dogs is, among other things, an expression of environmental or emotional stress. The most common causes include:
- Territorial threat: smell or presence of strange animals.
- Cushing's syndrome: Pathological production of too many stress hormones.
- Jealousy: A person or animal suddenly gets a lot more attention.
- PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder caused by past events.
- Everyday situations: bathing or fear of the vet.
- Homesickness: separation from mother or dog boarding during vacation. [12]
In addition to constant whining, there are often other symptoms:
- Heavy panting
- Licking the lips
- Ears laid flat
- Constant yawning
- Avoiding eye contact
- Retracted tail [13]
The solution here is to first identify the cause. The trigger then needs to be reduced or, if possible, even eliminated.
Regardless of this, a lot of attention, long walks, mental stimulation with toys and stress-relieving supplements also help.
Whining is one of many symptoms of stressed dogs. In very sensitive dogs it is usually triggered by jealousy or homesickness. In addition, dogs also tend to pant heavily, yawn frequently, and avoid eye contact when stressed.
#8 Dementia
Dementia is essentially just an umbrella term for a pathological decline in mental performance. Alzheimer's is the most common form, accounting for around 70%.
Hold onto. According to current studies, around ⅔ of all dogs over 15 years old suffer from dementia. In dogs over 11 years old, ⅓ are affected. [14]
Typical behaviors here are:
- Staring at the wall
- Sleep disorders
- Wandering at night
- Irritability and aggressiveness
- Loss of orientation
- Ignorance and stubbornness [15]
Affected dogs also whine more often because they are frustrated by their own confusion. In addition, they often get lost in their own house and feel trapped.
Dementia is currently considered incurable. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed down through thinking tasks and mental stimulation through intelligence toys.
In addition, night lights can help for better orientation. The veterinarian should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
Dogs with dementia become increasingly confused and anxious. Whining is just one of many typical symptoms. Older dogs are statistically affected much more often. But dementia can basically affect dogs…