Why is my dog whining at night?
Sleep is crucial for overall well-being as it plays a vital role in physical and mental health. The lack of sleep can lead to various issues, including impaired cognitive function, mood swings, increased stress, and a higher risk of health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular issues. A consistent lack of sleep may negatively impact daily performance, relationships, and long-term health, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality sleep for a balanced and healthy life. So, sleep is an important factor for healthy life, good mood and better relationships with other people.
People have trouble sleeping because of different factors. For instance, anxiety or extraneous noise. Dog owner often have trouble sleeping because of their dog howls or barks at night.
Sometimes the peaceful night is disturbed by the sad sounds of a whining dog. If you've ever wondered, "Why is my dog whining at night?" you're not alone. Many dog owners struggle to figure out why their furry friends make noise at night. Is it a way to get attention, a sign of discomfort, or maybe they're feeling anxious? In this article, we explore why your dog might choose the night to express themselves through whining. Understanding these signals can strengthen your connection with your dog and lead to a more restful night's sleep for both of you. Let's uncover the reasons behind the nighttime whines and understand the messages your dog is trying to share.
Why Is My Dog Whining At Night?
Dogs might whine at night for different reasons. Often, it's because they feel worried or stressed about something around them. They might also be lonely or bored, wanting you to give them attention. Sometimes, the whining happens because they're in pain, or have arthritis, or other medical issues, and it makes them uncomfortable.
When we grasp the reasons behind our dogs' whining, we can meet their needs, leading to a better night's sleep for both them and us.
Dog Keeps Whining At Night: Causes and Solutions
As, we have already mentioned, dogs whine at night for various reasons, and luckily, many of them aren't too serious. However, even if the problem isn't life-threatening, it's still crucial to figure out what's making your dog behave differently so you can help fix it.
Read further to learn about the main reasons of dog’s whining.
When dogs feel pain, they whine
If your dog whines more when lying down, he or she might have joint pain or another problem with how he or she is positioned. The dog could also struggle to breathe while sleeping or have various issues causing the whining.
Older dogs or those with ongoing illnesses might whine at night more due to their health problems. If your dog falls into these categories or you think he or she might be in pain lying down, take him or her to the vet promptly for a checkup.
Even though there could be less serious reasons for night whining, there's always a chance it's because your dog is hurting or sick. So, it's essential to rule out this possibility by consulting your vet before trying to figure out why the whining has appeared?
Dogs get bloated or have upset stomachs
This might be why your dog seems to whine at night without a clear reason. Giving dogs low-quality food or stuff they're allergic to can cause this. Eating too fast can also lead to bloating and other digestive problems.
If you think your dog's tummy hurts, try switching her to better-quality food with simple, real ingredients he or she can digest easily. You could also feed your pup a plain diet for a few days, like cooked white rice and boiled chicken. If the whining gets better during this time, it probably means her diet is causing the issue.
Your vet can also help with this problem, so if you suspect stomach pain and digestive trouble, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment.
Another reason is boredom
Dogs require plenty of activity and more exercise than many indoor dogs receive. If you don't spend at least 30 minutes playing with your dog every day, he or she might get bored with the usual routine. When your dog feels bored and everyone else in the house is asleep at night, he or she might start whining without an obvious reason. He or she probably wants attention, someone to play with, or to go outside and run around, even if it's late!
Anxiety
Lots of dogs struggle with being away from their owners, and it's called separation anxiety. If your dog starts whining when you leave or only whines when he or she can't sleep in bed or be in the room with you, it could be separation anxiety. Your vet can suggest training tips and might even recommend medicine to help.
Different kinds of anxiety could also make your dog whine at night for no clear reason. For instance, if your dog is scared of storms, your pup might whine, hide, or even act aggressive when there's a storm.
Pay attention to the training
If dogs are never taught not to whine at night when they're young, they might keep doing it as they grow older. Not having proper training might be the only reason your dog seems to whine at night without a clear cause.
Enrolling your dog in a class where you both learn together could help with this issue. Another option is hiring a dog trainer who can concentrate on the whining problem and work with you one-on-one to fix it. Either way, more training might be the key to solving the problem.
Lastly, your dog might whine at night for no clear reason simply because she's a puppy! Puppies whine more than grown-up dogs, and that's normal. They do it because they miss their moms and siblings, and also because they want your attention.
Puppy factor
Even though it's tough to ignore a whining puppy, it's crucial not to respond when your pup does. If you give attention when he or she whines, she might think it's a good way to get noticed, and the whining won't stop. Instead, ignore her until she's quiet, and then reward her with a treat for being good.
Discomfort or Dissatisfaction
Is your dog happy with where he sleeps? If not, he might be too hot or cold and whine to show he's not pleased. Make a comfy sleeping spot for your dog, like a crate, bed, or a soft blanket. Keep it clean, cozy, and roomy enough for him to move comfortably. Add things that make him feel safe, like your smelly clothes or his favorite toys. When your dog has a comfy space, he'll be more relaxed and quiet. A happy dog is usually a calm and sleepy one!