Are you a parent to a cute little pup that has started to whine every now and then? Well, it must be heartbreaking to see your tiny pal in distress. Also, the nonstop crying, especially in the middle of the night, can get overwhelming and make you feel helpless as to how to help your little buddy.
Decoding the reason for the whining is the first step you can take to address your pet’s discomfort. Puppies whine due to a wide variety of reasons, which may include the need to relieve themselves, the desire to go for a walk or an expression of dissatisfaction.
In this blog, we shall shed light on some of the possible reasons behind your puppy whining for you to be able to pacify it.
Common Reasons Behind Puppies’ Whining or Crying
Let’s have a look at some of the possible factors behind your puppy whining.
Separation
If your puppy has been separated from its mother or littermates, there are possibilities for it to suffer from separation anxiety. They are used to sleeping and cuddling with their mothers and littermates. Sleeping alone can be lonely and scary for them, resulting in whining and crying. Also, a pup that has become attached to its human parents can experience separation anxiety while being away from them.
Discomfort or Pain
Whining can be a sign that your furball is experiencing discomfort or pain. For example, if they whine while trying to climb stairs or get on the couch, there is a possibility that it has a leg injury. However, if you can’t figure out the reason behind your pup’s discomfort, you must seek medical help so as to provide it with appropriate treatment and care.
Illness
A puppy is likely to whine if it is unwell. In case of illness, the crying can be accompanied by discharge, diarrhea and vomiting. You must urgently see the vet in such situations.
Items out of Reach
Just like their hooman counterparts, puppies tend to whine when they don’t find their favorite toy within reach. They may also cry if their pet parents prevent them from playing with them or chewing on inappropriate objects.
How to Pacify a Whining Puppy?
There is a difference between an attentive dog parent and giving in to their each and every whimper. Therefore, if your pup whining is an attention-seeking behavior, it is better to ignore it. However, it is essential that you use your judgment and examine the circumstances so as to decide whether to ignore or attend to your pooch’s whining.
Below are a few situations when your pup’s whining calls for immediate attention:
If your pup needs to relieve itself
If you sense that your pup is whining as it needs a washroom break, promptly take it outdoors so as to avoid accidents inside your home.
If it appears to experience pain or discomfort
If you sense that your pup is in pain or getting uncomfortable, take them for a medical examination without delay.
If your pup gets scared of loud noises like a thunderstorm
Puppies are generally scared of loud noises and may whine out of anxiety and fear. In such circumstances, it is essential that you address the underlying issue and help your pup build confidence while comforting them.
If your pooch is crying due to separation anxiety
If your puppy is crying due to separation anxiety, ignoring him will not help. Instead, you may seek the help of a dog behaviorist who can assist you in addressing the issue. Also, treatments like Anxitane Chewable Tablets and Zylkene Calming Supplements help subside anxiety and comfort your canine.
How to Stop a Puppy from Whining at Night?
Establishing a bedtime routine, providing a comfortable place to sleep and ensuring a safe environment can prevent a pup from whining in its crate at night. Make sure to provide comforting essentials like its favorite toys or a familiar-smelling blanket. If whining continues, a washroom break or a little bit of reassurance may help.
Should I Ignore my Crying Puppy?
Ignoring a whining puppy is not advisable. Crying is a puppy’s way to communicate with you and express its dissatisfaction. While you may think that ignoring its crying can help reinforce attention-seeking behavior, you should always get to the root cause of the whining.
If your pup is crying because it has lost its favorite toy or because you’ve taken away an inappropriate object it was chewing on, address the situation by fining its toy or redirecting it towards appropriate objects to play with.
When a puppy has just arrived at your home, it is important that you provide it with comfort to give them time to adjust. Eventually, you can train them appropriately to fix behavioral issues, if any.
Also read this: 7 Summer Safety Tips for Pets
Concluding Note
In most cases, whines can be managed with training, exercise and mental stimulation. However, if the behavior gets difficult to change, you may consider seeking help from a behaviorist or a trainer. Always remember that consistency is the key. Decoding the reasons behind your pup’s whines and addressing their issues will help make their life comfortable and develop a bond between the two of you that’s worth cherishing for a lifetime.