- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whining or whimpering refers to a high-pitched and sometimes nasal vocalization dogs use for communication. Common triggers for dog whining include frustration, excitement, or pain.
Whining is different from crying. Dogs do cry, but the tears they produce are usually caused by eye irritation.
If your dog is whining or whimpering, there’s usually a reason behind the sound—dogs generally don’t whine for no reason at all, explains Brie Blakeman, certified canine behavior consultant, certified professional dog trainer, and founder of Noble Woof Dog Training.
Understanding why your dog is whining can help you address the issue and better meet their needs! Read on to learn why your dog whines, how to stop them, and when to talk to a vet—plus get answers to questions about dogs whining for attention or at night and when it might help to consult a trainer
Common Reasons Dogs Start Whining
When dogs whine, they generally want to communicate a specific problem or desire.
Frustration
One study found that dogs may whine to communicate their frustration about a problem they can’t solve. In the experiment, dogs were given an unsolvable task with and without their person present.
Dogs had more frequent and intense vocalizations when their pet parent was there, suggesting that dogs whine to get help from their people.
So, your dog may whine if they want to retrieve a toy stuck behind furniture, need to go out, or haven’t had dinner yet. This is more likely to happen when you’re present and able to help.
Excitement
Dogs often whine when excited, so you might notice whimpering sounds when you arrive home, they hear or see dogs they know, or you take the familiar turn to the dog park.
Along with whining, dogs may also produce tears when reunited with their pet parents, according to one study. Experts believe these tears may happen due to the release of oxytocin, or the “love hormone.”
Attention-seeking
As puppies, dogs learn that whimpering tells their mom they need attention.
Some research suggests this communication method may evolve as puppies get older and want a response from their people.
For example, your dog may whine to get your attention if you’re watching TV or working from home.
Anxiety and stress
Frequent whining often happens as a symptom of dog anxiety or stress. In fact, one study found that whining is the most common vocalization for dogs experiencing separation-related disorder (SRD) or separation anxiety.
Other causes of anxiety or stress that could lead to whimpering include:
Pain or discomfort
“Dogs may whine or whimper when in pain because vocalizing is the most direct way they can communicate distress,” says Dr. Brad Hinsperger, veterinarian and director at Kingsdale Animal Hospital.
“Pain triggers the body’s stress-response system, which releases adrenaline and other hormones that make involuntary sounds like whining more likely,” he says.
Whining can also happen as a symptom of a physical injury or internal discomfort. Dr. Hinsperger explains, however, that dogs express pain in different ways. Some may stay silent or show other signs of pain.
Medical condition
“A sudden or persistent increase in whining often indicates that something doesn’t feel right for your dog,” Dr. Hinsperger says, adding that any condition that produces pain, discomfort, or physiological distress can lead to whining.
For example, whining can be a symptom of nervous system disorders, bloat, and many other conditions.
Confusion
According to Dr. Hinsperger, dogs often whine if they feel mentally lost, anxious, or otherwise unsettled. In fact, whining can happen as a symptom of dementia.
“Older dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction or dementia may pace, pant, and vocalize because familiar routines suddenly feel foreign,” he says. “Anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety or noise phobias, can also cause confusion and provoke the same restless vocalizing even in otherwise healthy, younger pets.”
How To Stop Your Dog’s Whining
If your dog is whining, it’s important not to punish them.
Blakeman says punishment only addresses the symptom, not the cause of the behavior.
So, if you punish your dog for whining, they may temporarily stop out of fear—but they’ll most likely whine again in the future.
Blakeman also explains that simply talking to your dog while they’re whining, without addressing the cause or offering a solution, generally doesn’t work.
Dogs whimper to communicate their needs, discomfort, or emotions, so responding with a solution-based mindset usually works best.
The following routine can help address or prevent whining:
- Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and physical enrichment.
- Provide the right type and amount of food and plenty of fresh water.
- Offer comfortable spaces to rest.
- Take your dog out on a regular schedule.
- Talk to your vet to rule out medical causes for whining.
How to help an excited or attention-seeking dog
Blakeman recommends operant conditioning and strategic training sessions if your dog often whines for attention or excitement.
With operant conditioning, you offer positive reinforcement to gradually teach your dog what you want them to do instead. You can do this by praising them anytime they’re calm or quiet, but you can also try specific training sessions for operant conditioning.
Blakeman suggests the following steps for training:
- Take an action that might result in your dog whining, like preparing food or picking up your keys as if you were leaving.
- Give your dog a specific command, such as “sit” or “touch.”
- Praise them when they successfully complete the task without whining.
- Keep sessions to a few minutes, increasing the time only after they consistently succeed.
Is it okay to ignore a whining dog?
Blakeman recommends not ignoring a dog’s whining unless you have already worked with a certified canine behavior consultant and vet who have ruled out any behavioral or medical issues.
In some limited circumstances, it’s OK to ignore mild attention-seeking whining, Blakeman says. “In these specific cases, you could quietly leave the room momentarily and return only when the whining has stopped.”
She emphasizes that this approach alone won’t create lasting behavioral change. It could even increase your dog’s frustration if you only use this approach instead of trying to find and address the cause of the whining.
When To Consult a Vet
Whining can happen as a sign of many different medical issues, including bloat, pain, and dementia. If your dog suddenly starts whining without a clear reason or continues to whine over time, it’s best to contact your vet for more guidance.
Dr. Hinsperfer recommends immediately contacting your vet if:
- Your dog’s whining is sudden, unusually intense, or persistent.
- Your dog has other symptoms in addition to whining.
- Your senior dog whines or whimpers during the night.
- Your dog is taking pain medication after surgery or injury and still whines.
As a general guideline: If your dog’s whining is new or worrisome to you, make an appointment with your vet right away.
Dog Whining FAQs
Why does my dog whine only at night?
Your dog might only whine at night due to boredom, separation distress, or needing to relieve themselves.
To understand the exact cause, Blakeman explains that it’s best to identify what triggers your dog’s whining, what keeps them going, and what happens when they stop.
To learn more about how your dog might feel, consider:
- The frequency, intensity, and duration of whining
- What happens immediately before and after the whining
- Your dog’s body language
- How you usually respond
Does whining mean my dog is sad?
Whining can mean your dog is sad. Some evidence suggests 74% of dogs in the U.S. have signs of poor mental health or sadness, and 18% show symptoms like whimpering or whining at least once a week. Working with a vet can help you find the underlying cause of your dog’s sadness.
Do dogs whine as a way of apologizing?
While dogs can give calming signals to show they’re not a threat, they don’t whine to apologize for unwanted behaviors. Blakeman explains that dogs don’t operate with human moral frameworks of right and wrong and don’t experience guilt in the way humans do.
“What may appear to us as guilty body language is your dog displaying behaviors designed to diffuse potential conflict and ensure their safety,” Blakeman says. “These behaviors aren’t apologies, but rather evolutionary, species-specific communication patterns to signal the dog comes in peace.”
How do I stop my dog from anxiously whining?
If your dog is whining due to anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause. Basic obedience training, enrichment activities, and bonding with your dog can also help improve their health and happiness.
Can a dog trainer help with my dog’s whining?
A dog trainer can help identify the cause of your dog’s whining and develop an appropriate training plan.
As a behavior consultant and trainer, Blakeman says her initial session includes a comprehensive assessment to gather detailed data about the behavior. This includes asking about what happens before, during, and after the whining, as well as details about the environment.
A trainer will rely on the details you provide to figure out the underlying cause and develop an effective training plan. Ideally, the training plan will include strategies that realistically fit into your daily life to help you strengthen your bond and communication with your dog.
