Is it normal for my puppy to whine a lot?

Your new puppy communicates many of his needs by crying, just like a human newborn does. But what should you do if you’ve taken care of your puppy’s essential needs but he still whines and cries?

Dr. It’s important to give your puppy time to adjust, according to Carolyn Lincoln, a Cleveland-based veterinarian who specializes in behavior medicine. Puppies must make the challenging adjustment of being separated from their mother and littermates. “Your dog isn’t trying to annoy you. He simply has a need, and he will keep crying until that need is met. ”.

But Dr. The veterinary advisor for petMD, Jennifer Coates, warns that how you react to a crying puppy is crucial. “How you respond to a puppy’s cry can significantly influence future behavior,” the speaker claims. “Knowing how and when to respond is key. ”.

Identifying the source of the issue is the best way to get your puppy to stop crying. Here are some typical causes of your puppy’s crying and some suggestions for how to comfort it.

According to Lincoln, persistent whimpering and crying could be symptoms of a sick puppy. Lethargy, a loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, or an accelerated breathing rate are some signs to watch for. An allergy, infection, parasites, or other skin issues could be indicated by excessive licking, biting, or scratching in one area. Your typically affectionate dog may be in pain or injured if he becomes anti-social, refuses to be touched, flees or hides from you.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your puppy to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Coates cautions that taking a “wait-and-see” approach with younger pets is riskier because puppies lack the reserves of adult dogs.

Dogs are social animals. But as they adjust to being separated from their mother and siblings, puppies can be particularly needy, according to Lincoln.

Lincoln suggests that you comfort your puppy by keeping him close to you, even during busy times of the day. She advises placing crates in your home’s high traffic areas, such as the family room, bedroom, or kitchen, in a strategic manner. For instance, your puppy can stay in his crate next to you while you prepare dinner in the kitchen. Most of the time, all he needs is to feel your presence and participate in the action.

Lincoln advises tying your puppy to your waist with a leash and connecting it to a harness so you can always be aware of where he is if you need to be more mobile.

Coates agrees that keeping your puppy nearby is beneficial. This will allow your puppy to benefit from your physical presence while lowering the likelihood of mishaps or other issues when you must focus most of your attention elsewhere, she continues.

Your puppy may exhibit a variety of behaviors as he learns about his new environment, from being adventurous and playful to shy and fearful. He might whimper and hide in a corner or under some furniture rather than extending a greeting to strangers. When you introduce an item like an umbrella, backpack, or hat, he might flee from you.

Lincolns refers to these periodic behavioral displays as “fear periods. Puppies may suddenly develop a fear of something they have never been afraid of before during these times.

According to Lincoln, this typically occurs between 8 and 12 weeks, 4 to 9 months, and once more between 1 and 2 years. She continues, “We’re not sure why, but it could be because a puppy’s brain goes through growth spurts.” Or, as puppies start to separate from their mother, they may learn to be more cautious out of a survival instinct. ”.

How to help: Pet parents should closely monitor their puppy’s body language as this may be normal behavior for a puppy. According to Lincoln, a dog will show you that he is afraid if he avoids eye contact, turns his ears back, or lowers his tail.

Dr. According to Coates, a puppy should be removed from a situation as soon as they exhibit signs of fear. When a puppy repeatedly encounters a fearful situation, fears may become ingrained. ”.

Coates advises exposing your puppy to a “less intense version of the experience” later on to foster confidence. For instance, if a puppy barks and withdraws when a stranger approaches, repeat the incident the following day while maintaining a greater distance and letting the puppy approach the person rather than the other way around, advises Coates. Speak to your veterinarian if the frightened behavior continues or gets worse.

If your puppy only cries just before meals, this may indicate that he or she is hungry.

According to Lincoln, as a result of typical biological changes, puppies frequently experience an increase or decrease in their appetite. “A puppy’s growth phase is not always linear,” she says. Because each puppy is unique, you can’t always follow the instructions on the food package. ”.

How to help: Talk to your veterinarian about changing your puppy’s diet if you think he isn’t getting enough to eat, advises Lincoln. Coates concurs and adds, “Sometimes it is preferable to pay closer attention to your puppy’s body condition rather than focusing on the amount in the bowl. Increase the amount of food you are offering if they appear to be a little underweight. If they’re getting chubby, cut back a bit. ”.

If your puppy is bored and has a lot of unreleased energy, he may bark and cry excessively. “Puppies need mental as well as physical exercise,” Lincoln says. All puppies require physical activity and mental stimulation at different times throughout the day.

How you can help: Lincoln advises making sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise and playtime each day. However, you can try including some food puzzles for those times when you have to be away from home in addition to making sure your puppy gets regular exercise and playtime with you. Alternately, play a game of hide and seek while your puppy explores the house in search of food. Nothing mandates that you must feed your puppy out of a bowl, asserts Lincoln.

Lincoln also enjoys stuffing a muffin tin with kibble and then placing a tennis ball on top of each cup. You can’t give your dog the treat until he retrieves the ball. “It’s a challenge because the ball fits snugly. It’s also a great way to amuse your puppy and build a strong relationship with him. ”.

Puppies also need connection and affection. Your dog might wait all day to interact with absent family members.

When they see a child arrive home from school or if they can’t be with someone they want to be with, they’ll cry. They sincerely desire to meet and interact with them,” claims Lincoln.

How to help: Lincoln advises you to greet your dog when you enter the room and to be present and attentive when you are spending time with your dog. She says, “It’s important to greet your puppy for even just a minute when you walk in the door—that can be enough to calm him down.”

But Dr. Coates advises that rather than the other way around, you should decide when your puppy gets your attention. She advises ignoring puppies who cry and demand attention after their needs have been met. You can give them all the attention you want once they are still. Reward good behavior, not bad behavior, with your attention. ”.

Is Your Dog Excited?

Although it may seem like the least likely cause of your puppy’s whining, it is actually quite common. Your dog is smart. He is simply thrilled to see you because he knows how wonderful you are. He may also desire his ball, another toy, a treat, or perhaps dinner. There are many things that excite your dog. He just doesnt know how to communicate that yet. To manage the behavior, address each situation separately. For instance, if your dog constantly whines while you eat dinner and sits at your feet, think about giving him his meal at the same time in another room. It’s best to ignore your dog if he only whines for attention. When he is quiet and not making noises, give him the praise he deserves. Bear in mind that dogs are pack animals, and that they regard you as their pack leader. He may feel neglected if his pack leader isn’t paying him any attention. He just needs to understand that you still care about him even when you’re not directly with him.

Your dog might believe you are ignoring him if you break a routine, such as taking him for a walk in the early evening or playing with him before you leave for work. He will stop whining if you reassure him that he is still a good boy and try to give him as much one-on-one time as your schedule will permit.

Asking for Something

Your dog may whine to let you know what it needs from you, such as a walk, food, or a toy. While it is whining, you might even notice that its eyes are darting back and forth between you and the door or another goal.

When you’re engaged in activities other than those involving your dog, such as talking on the phone or concentrating on a crucial task, attention-seeking whining may happen. It could also occur if your dog develops jealousy over the time you spend with another person or animal. .

When your dog is agitated, whining may be one of its methods for burning off energy, along with jumping up and down and running around. This type of whining might include elements of attention-seeking.

Wailing out of boredom frequently sounds like a “woe is me” sigh and whine combination. The dog is whining because it’s bored, but it could also be that it wants your attention.

Why is my puppy whining? These are the common reasons.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind about puppy whining is that it’s a very typical, typically transient phase. Young puppies may only whine if they are missing their mother or siblings. Puppy whining typically results from basic needs that they haven’t figured out how to express. To avoid dismissing cries for legitimate needs, it’s best to distinguish between their various “whines”

Hunger or thirst is one of the most common causes of whining. Set your pup on a regular feeding schedule and make sure they have access to clean drinking water at all times. This will also stop them from trying to eat inedible items around the house like your favorite leather shoe!

Potty breaks will make your puppy whine especially if you’ve just brought them home or if you’re training them to go outside. If they’re confined to a play area in your living room by a dog fence, take them out consistently to prevent any accidents.

Boredom can cause your fur baby to whine or act out. Keep them entertained with lots of toys, time outside when possible, and walks. If they’re alone most of the day and whine when you get home, they might just be calling for attention.

Stress or fear is fairly natural in young puppies. When you first take them home, they might whine because of unfamiliarity. They might also whine when they feel scared at the local dog park or if they hear strange, loud noises.

Pain or discomfort whines are an important category to distinguish from the rest. Usually, this type of whining will be constant and can be accompanied by other symptoms like not wanting to be pet or picked up, not wanting to eat, and not being their usual self. If this is the case, take your pup to the vet immediately.

Crate training is a major cause of puppy whining. They’ll cry for attention, to be let out, and might feel afraid in their strange new enclosure. So what can you do?

FAQ

How do you get a puppy to stop whining?

1. Tire him out. Do not allow your puppy to fall asleep at your feet in the evening.
2. Limit food and water before bed. A couple of hours before bedtime, stop giving your puppy food and water.
3. Keep him close. …
4. Use music to calm. …
5. When crying continues.

When should I be worried about my puppy whining?

Other Issues That Could Lead to Whining Dogs frequently whined due to pain or a painful condition. It’s crucial to take your dog to the vet to rule out any medical causes if you notice that she vocalizes frequently or has just started vocalizing.

What does it mean when a puppy whines a lot?

Whining can be your dog’s way of expressing fear or anxiety. Your dog is probably fearful or anxious if they are also pacing, shaking, or panting while whining.

Is it okay to ignore puppy whining?

The best course of action is to completely ignore your dog if he only whines for attention. When he is quiet and not making noises, give him the praise he deserves. Bear in mind that dogs are pack animals, and that they regard you as their pack leader. He may feel neglected if his pack leader isn’t paying him any attention.