Why Is My Female Dog Whining at Night and What to Do?

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Posted Oct 18, 2024

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If your female dog is whining at night, it's likely due to a medical issue such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, which can cause her pain and discomfort.

Dogs with anxiety or stress may also whine at night, especially if they're not getting enough physical or mental stimulation during the day.

Separation anxiety is a common cause of whining at night, and it's often triggered by a change in your work schedule or a new addition to the family.

Some dogs may whine at night simply because they're bored or need more attention from their owners.

Causes of Whining

Your dog might be whining at night due to a few reasons. One possible cause is that your dog is scared or stressed, which can manifest as a high-pitched whine accompanied by trembling and pacing.

Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit this type of behavior when left alone, so if you suspect this might be the case, try giving your dog a treat when he goes to his crate, and provide long-lasting dog chews or puffed treats to keep him calm and occupied.

Scared or Stressed

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Dogs can whine to communicate their fear or anxiety. This type of whine is often high-pitched and sounds like a cry.

Your dog may be whining because he's scared or stressed, especially if he's trembling or pacing back and forth. This behavior is more common in dogs with separation anxiety.

To help your dog feel more secure, try telling him to "go to his crate" and giving him a treat when he does so. You can also provide long-lasting dog chews or puffed treats to keep him calm and occupied.

Check this out: Dog Whine

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Attention-seeking behavior is a common issue in dogs. They quickly figure out how to get your attention with actions like whimpering or barking.

If you say no to your pet, they still get what they want from you, which can reinforce this behavior. Your pup may soon grasp that it also works for other things.

Dogs may use whimpering at the door to get outside, or pawing at their empty bowl to get food. They may do the same thing to get attention from you.

10 Potential Causes of Whimpering

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Some dogs may develop anxiety associated with confinement, leading to whining in a crate, especially as they age.

Separation anxiety can also be a cause of whining, making it difficult for owners to leave their dogs alone.

As they age, dogs may experience hearing loss or cognitive decline, which can lead to increased whining.

Dogs may whine due to a medical issue, such as pain or discomfort, that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.

Old dogs may whine due to their age-related health issues, such as arthritis or dental problems.

Physical Discomfort

Your female dog whining at night could be a sign of physical discomfort. Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian, notes that if the crate is not comfortable or if your dog has arthritis, lying down on a hard surface in a confined space can cause discomfort and whining.

Vomiting or lethargy can be indicators that something is wrong and a medical issue needs to be addressed. If you notice either of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with your vet.

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A new dog bed can make a big difference in your dog's comfort level. Consider purchasing a new bed, like the Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic bolster dog bed, and try to entice your dog to sleep there instead of on the couch or bed.

Physical Discomfort

Physical Discomfort can be a real challenge for our furry friends. Dogs may experience discomfort due to a hard surface in a confined space, such as a crate.

Physical discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors, including arthritis. If your dog has arthritis, lying down on a hard surface in a confined space can cause discomfort and whining.

It's not just about the crate, though - your dog may also be experiencing physical discomfort due to vomiting or lethargy. These symptoms can be a sign that something is wrong and needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.

You may notice that your dog is whining more clearly when the house is quiet. This can be due to the fact that you're more aware of their whining, but it's also possible that they're experiencing physical discomfort.

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To help alleviate your dog's physical discomfort, you can try making some changes at home. For example, you can set up ramps to help with climbing stairs or getting into the car.

Here are some changes you can make to help your dog feel more comfortable:

  • Set up ramps, like the PetSafe Happy Ride foldable pet ramp, to help with climbing stairs or getting into the car.
  • Purchase a new dog bed, like the Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic bolster dog bed, and try to entice your dog to sleep there instead of on the couch or bed.
  • Consider how you're bringing your dog outside and try to make it easier for them.

By making these changes, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and reduce their physical discomfort.

Does Your Bark at Night

If your dog is barking at night, it's likely because they're not feeling well, need the bathroom, are bored or nervous, or responding to noises in the environment.

Young puppies have very poor bladder control and will be homesick, so some noise at night is normal, especially if your puppy is learning to sleep alone.

You can try taking your puppy for a toilet break before the barking starts to prevent the habit from forming.

Dogs are social animals and may be lonely or suffering from separation anxiety if they're locked away by themselves at night.

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Consider a crate or bed in your room, especially if your dog is getting older or has failing hearing, as a comfort measure.

Night time barking can be caused by a disturbance, such as mice, possums, or a noisy neighbor, so investigate as quickly as possible.

To stop the barking, keep the visit brief and uninteresting if you're woken by your dog, and go back to bed as fast as you can.

Here are some tips to help your dog relax and prevent night time barking:

  • Keep your daily routines as consistent as possible.
  • Keep your environment as low energy and calm as possible.
  • Play soothing music throughout the day and consider more ways to create a zen space for your dog.
  • Try to keep your dog away from stressful situations, like meeting new people or pets.

Your is Crying

Your dog is crying because they're bored and want attention from you. It's not uncommon for dogs to throw tantrums when they're left alone or ignored.

Prolonged whines can be a sign that your dog is seeking attention, just like kids do when adults are engrossed in conversation. To avoid encouraging your dog's whining, direct them to their dog bed and ask them to stay.

Consistency is key, so try to keep your daily routines as consistent as possible to prevent your dog from feeling anxious or bored.

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Some dogs, especially as they age, may develop anxiety associated with confinement, leading to whining in the crate.

This can result in separation anxiety and more vocalization.

Dogs may whine in their crates due to anxiety associated with confinement, which can be a sign of underlying separation anxiety.

As dogs age, their anxiety levels can increase, making them more prone to whining in their crates.

If your dog is whining in their crate, it's essential to address the issue to prevent it from becoming a long-term problem.

As your dog ages, she may start to develop aches and pains, just like humans do. This can lead to whining at night, especially if she's not comfortable or is experiencing discomfort.

Just like humans, older dogs can develop medical conditions that impact mobility and make them feel less comfortable. This can be due to age-related wear and tear on their joints or other health issues.

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One way to help alleviate your dog's discomfort is to set up ramps or mobility aids in your home, like the PetSafe Happy Ride foldable pet ramp. This can make it easier for her to move around without having to jump.

Here are some ideas to make your dog's life easier:

  • Set up ramps to help with climbing stairs or getting into the car.
  • Purchase a new dog bed to entice your dog to sleep there instead of on the couch or bed.
  • Consider how you’re bringing your dog outside, and use the entrance that is less cumbersome.

They're Anxious

As dogs age, they can experience anxiety, which is often manifested through excessive vocalization, such as whining. This can be a sign that your dog is feeling stressed and anxious.

Consistency is key when it comes to reducing your dog's anxiety. Keeping your daily routines as consistent as possible can help your dog feel more secure and calm. This means feeding them at the same time every day, taking them for walks at the same time, and so on.

A low-energy environment is also essential for reducing anxiety in dogs. This means keeping the noise level down, avoiding loud noises, and creating a peaceful atmosphere. Playing soothing music throughout the day can also help to calm your dog's nerves.

Here are some tips to create a zen space for your dog:

  • Keep your environment as low energy and calm as possible.
  • Play soothing music throughout the day.
  • Avoid loud noises.

By following these tips, you can help your dog feel more relaxed and reduce excessive vocalization due to anxiety.

Illness

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Illness can cause similar signs as other age-related issues, such as pain. If you notice your dog's whining is accompanied by vomiting and GI distress, it may point to a digestive problem.

Dogs, like humans, can develop medical conditions that impact mobility and make them feel less comfortable. If you suspect your dog is in pain, the first step is to talk to your vet about potential support to help alleviate their discomfort.

Some signs of illness in older dogs include sudden or persistent whining, limping, changes in appetite, weight loss, or increased thirst and urination. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek veterinary advice promptly.

A veterinarian can evaluate your dog's teeth, joints, and more, and possibly run lab work to see if there are any obvious metabolic abnormalities. Regular visits to the vet for screening are helpful in catching any potential issues early on.

Here are some common age-related health issues that can cause whining in older dogs:

  • Vomiting and GI distress
  • Changes in appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Increased thirst and urination

Helping Older Adults

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Helping older adults can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Many older adults experience anxiety and discomfort due to age-related issues.

Isolating the cause of discomfort is crucial in helping older adults. This could be related to a new diet, an injury, or other factors.

A comfortable environment is essential for older adults. Provide a warm, soft, and quiet place to rest, and make sure their bedding is comfortable and supportive.

Regular exercise is still important for older adults, even if they may not move around as fast as they used to. Gentle exercise can help alleviate joint pain and improve overall well-being.

Consider behavioral training if you suspect that an older adult's anxiety or discomfort is related to a behavioral issue. Positive reinforcement training can help manage these behaviors.

A daily routine can provide a sense of security and predictability, lessening anxiety and making older adults feel calmer. Try to feed, walk, and play with them at the same times every day.

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Some older adults may benefit from calming supplements, such as VetriScience Golden Years Calm & Confident. This supplement contains a colostrum blend and L-theanine to help promote calm behavior.

Here are some tips to help older adults feel more comfortable:

  • Provide a comfortable environment with a warm, soft, and quiet place to rest
  • Make sure their bedding is comfortable and supportive
  • Consider behavioral training to manage anxiety or discomfort
  • Stick to a daily routine to provide a sense of security and predictability

By following these tips, you can help older adults feel more comfortable and reduce their anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do female dogs whine when they are in heat?

Yes, female dogs often whine when they're in heat, which is a sign of their readiness to mate. This behavior is usually accompanied by other noticeable changes in their body language and habits.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.