Why does my dog whine?

Dogs whine when they want your attention. This behavior could also mean they’re bored or anxious. Potty breaks are also one of the reasons why dogs whine and try to get your attention. Some dogs also show excitement and happiness through whining. Excessive whining could also be due to old age.

Is whining in dogs a bad sign?

Most of the reasons why dogs let out a whine are not necessarily an emergency. However, this can be a sign that they’re feeling some sort of discomfort.

In other cases, whining can also be a way to display their positive feelings!

If you’re not sure which one your dog means when they whine, let’s talk about all the other signs that will help you pinpoint what your pup is trying to tell you!

Potty break

Dogs adequately trained to go potty in a specific area will always do their best to adhere to their training. Canines are animals that thrive on having a solid daily routine.

Given this, your furry friend will most likely whine to get your attention if their potty area is located outside or is in a different room they can’t easily access.

Try to see if their whining happens around 30 minutes after their meal. This most likely means they want to “do their business.”

Feeling bored

Exercise plays a huge part in a dog’s overall health. It’s also a way to bond with their owners and other pets.

Playing and other physical activities are also an amazing way to keep their joints in good shape and their weight healthy.

This is why dogs can feel bored and generally lonely when they don’t get the appropriate amount of exercise or mental stimulation they need. This is even more prominent in canines with high energy levels.

More often than not, giving your pup a few minutes of indoor play may not be enough, which can cause them to whine incessantly at you. This is their way of telling you they want to play.

If you notice your dog bringing their toys to you or pawing at their leash, you should take them out for a walk or play with them for a bit.

Other things dogs do when they’re bored include:

• Digging.
• Pacing around.
• Excessive barking.
• Chewing on non-food items.

Expressing feelings of excitement

Like humans who scream out of excitement, dogs also show giddiness by whining loudly!

You can see this when you’re preparing your dog’s meal or when they hear someone they love knocking at the door.

Their whining will most likely be paired with tapping their paws and frantic running around. Much like how kids would get giddy if they’re expecting a new toy they can play with!