Why is My Dog Whimpering?

Why Do Dogs Whimper?

We humans know the effects on us when baby is crying. We definitely know that either baby needs your attention or in trouble.

Same way, dog puppies learn to whimper immediately after birth. Dogs consider you as their companion and part of their pack.

Usually dogs whimper to communicate with you for many reason such as indication that they want to go out, they need your attention or they are in pain.

Dogs whimper sounds is high pitched softer version of whining. This post on why my dog is whimpering will help you understand and react right way on your dog's behavior.

Your Dog is trying to Communicate

Whimpering is easy way for dogs to communicate with you. Dogs tend to whine softly to tell you whether they need food, need to go out, need water, want your attention or want to play.

Being pet owner, you should be able to understand what in real your dog wants from you.

Attention

Sometimes dogs whimper to seek your attention. Being left alone without your attention might triggers anxiety.

Dogs whimper to get your attention, that time you must try to pet your dog to calm down. May be few belly rubs will just reduce the anxiety in your dog.

Dogs are in Pain or Sick

Like humans, dog express their pain through sounds. Yes, dogs whimper when they are sick or in pain.

Make sure to check your dog if everything is fine health wise.

Because of Fear or Stress

Scared or stressed dogs tend to whimper to communicate the fear or stress they are going through at that moment.

Stress could be caused by being left alone for longtime, fireworks, thunderstorms or any conditions that makes your dog uncomfortable and vulnerable. You may also like my post on how to stop your dog from growling !

Senior Dogs

Older dogs may experience overall confusion, stress, anxiety and sometimes tiredness. Any of these conditions will cause whimpering in older dogs.

If whimpering gets worst then I recommend to visit vet for help.

Boredom

If you leave your dog alone for longtime or do not give enough time then it may cause whimpering in your pet.

Overall, you must keep your dog entertained and busy. You must consider to add regular exercise routine, playtime and toys to keep them busy.

Due to Excitement

Whimpering is not always associated with bad things. Sometimes when good happens to your dog, and feels happy then your dog may whimper in excitement.

For example, being a dog owner you may experience your dog whimpering, when you are about to feed dog. 

What to do if your hear your dog whimpering or Whining?

Most of the time if something is not right then your dog tends to whimper. Following will help you determine the real reason and how to help them calm down.

Find out what's wrong

It is important to find out why your dog's whimpering or whining. Check your dog to make sure they are not in pain or stressed. Make sure if your dog needs to go outside, that will also avoid any accidents inside house.

Resolve Your Dog's Needs

Once you figure out real reason behind your dog's whining, address their immediate needs. For example, your dog might need to go potty then take outside for potty break.

If whimpering is due to health issue then make sure to visit vet immediately.

Comfort your dog

If your dog is whimpering due to stress or anxiety then make sure to comfort your dog to calm down.

For example, thunderstorm or loud fireworks might stress out your dog. In that case, you must sit next to your dog and give belly rubs or petting to relax and show extra love.

Consult Vet

For any reason, if you are not able to figure out why your dog is whimpering, then you must consult vet to get diagnosis.

Usually vet will examine your dog and figure out the real reason behind whimpering. If whining is not related to any health issue then vet might suggest anxiety medication or professional dog training.

Overall, if your dog whimpers consistently it is a red flag especially if you notice any physical problems, loss of appetite or any kind of changes in behavior.

It is always good idea to visit vet if your dog is whimpering consistently and you are not able to figure out the root cause.

How can you prevent your dog's Whimpering or Whining?

Training - Most of the time anxiety causes whimpering in dogs. Considering professional training or even in home personal dog training can help alleviate dogs whimpering.

Activities - Similar to kids, dogs tend to get bored. They express their boredom through whining or whimpering. By following daily play time, walking or exercise will remove your dog's loneliness. Activities make your dog happy, and happy dog means no whimpering.

Stress free Environment - Generally, stressful surrounding causes whimpering in dogs. Make sure to provide safe and stress less place to your dog. Certain circumstances such as thunderstorms or fireworks are unavoidable, in that case make sure to be next to your dog. By cuddling and petting your dog will help relieve stress.

Regular Vet Visit - Make sure to visit vet regularly. It will help you ensure your dog's health problems, if any. Healthy dog means no whimpering or whining.