You’ve probably heard your dog whine at least once if you own one or have ever had one. Dogs can also communicate by whining, but since energy and body language are a dog’s primary means of expression, the progression to whining denotes a greater degree of excitement and need on the part of the dog.
Not all dog whines are the same; dogs whine to express their physical, mental, or emotional states. The main categories are listed below, along with what your dog might be trying to tell you.
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.
Your Dog Needs or Wants Something
The most obvious reason your dog may be whining is that they need or want something from you, like food, water, or a walk. Maybe their favorite toy is stuck underneath the couch, or the cat is sleeping in their bed. The whining should stop once you identify the problem and fix it.
But if your dog is begging for more food after you’ve already given it to them, there’s a problem that needs to be fixed. Never feed your dog from the table and make sure no one in the family gives them extra helpings. The behavior will only worsen if you give your dog more food in response to their whining.
Additionally, if your dog cries for a walk after you’ve already given them one, this may be a sign of a bladder or digestive issue. You should take your dog to the vet if they need to relieve themselves again as soon as you enter the house.
Dogs will occasionally cry out when nobody is looking at them. This is similar to how young children complain when they are bored by the conversation at the dinner table between the adults. Your dog seeks a playmate or an activity to keep them busy.
Physical Need
The first thing to rule out if your dog starts whining for no apparent reason is pain or any other form of physical distress. This is especially true for a dog that whines while lying down in a very submissive position and makes no other attempt to interact with you.
Consult your veterinarian if this behavior emerges suddenly to rule out any pain or discomfort.
In particular if they are housetrained, the need to urinate is another bodily need that dogs may express through whining. Their instinct not to enter their den clashes with the growing need to urinate or defecate. This is a very particular kind of annoyance, and it might also include your dog pawing at the door or nudging you with her snout.