Why Is My Dog Whining at Night? Causes and Solutions

If your dog is whining at night, you may be losing sleep and wondering what's causing this worrisome behavior. There are several reasons why dogs may whine at night, including anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and medical problems such as urinary tract infections. However, one of the most common reasons is a lack of exercise and mental stimulation during the day, which can lead to dogs being restless and vocal at night when they haven't had a chance to burn off their excess energy.

This article will explore the latest findings from animal behavior experts and veterinarians to help you understand why your dog is whining at night. By learning how age, medical conditions, and other factors can impact a dog's behavior, you'll be able to better identify the cause of the problem and find ways to fix it so you can get a good night's sleep once again.

Reasons Why Your Dog Whines at Night

There are many reasons why your dog might be whining at night, and they can range from anxiety and old age to medical issues and boredom. According to PetHelpful, anxiety and separation anxiety are common reasons, especially for dogs that are used to having someone around all the time. For older dogs, whining can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which is similar to dementia, as mentioned in this article from the ASPCA.

Medical problems, such as urinary tract infections, digestive issues, and chronic pain, can also cause discomfort and whining at night. According to TailsChiroCare, an upset stomach caused by eating something they shouldn’t or a change in diet can lead to whining at night. Not getting enough exercise and mental stimulation during the day is another reason why your dog might whine at night, and TryFi says that this can lead to your dog having pent-up energy that they release through whining when they should be sleeping.

Environmental factors, such as loud noises or a change in routine, can also make your dog feel insecure. CBDLion says that loud noises can be particularly distressing for puppies that are new to your home. By knowing these many reasons why your dog might be whining at night, you can work to address the cause and help everyone get a good night’s sleep.

Dealing With Medical and Age-Related Issues

If your dog's whining is happening alongside other symptoms like a lack of energy or a change in eating habits, it's important to talk to a vet to make sure there aren't any medical issues at play, per BeChewy. For older dogs, cognitive dysfunction can lead to whining at night, and vets can help by prescribing medication, supplements, or treatments to help manage the problem, according to the ASPCA.

It's also important to make sure that pain is being managed for older dogs who have arthritis or other joint issues, as pain can lead to sleep disturbances and whining, per K&H Pet Products. It can also be helpful to make sure that the dog's sleeping area is comfortable and that there is enough light to help prevent age-related anxiety and disorientation, according to the Amherst Veterinary Hospital.

Keeping a regular schedule and making sure that your dog is mentally stimulated can also help slow cognitive decline and reduce whining at night in older dogs, according to Orvis News. By making sure that medical and age-related issues are being addressed, dog owners can make sure that their older dogs are as comfortable and well-cared for as possible when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.

Tips for Managing Anxiety and Encouraging Relaxation

Making sure that dogs get enough physical and mental activity during the day can help ensure that they are tired and ready to sleep at night, according to Rover. In addition, sticking to a regular schedule that includes consistent potty times and feeding times can help dogs feel more comfortable and reduce anxiety-related whining, according to Paws and Possibilities.

Calming products like pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, and supplements like melatonin and CBD oil can help dogs feel more relaxed and sleep better, according to Petplan. In addition, making sure that dogs have a safe, comfortable place to sleep with a soft bed and familiar items can help them feel more secure, according to the advice.

In some cases, crate training or gradually getting dogs used to being alone at night may be necessary to help dogs overcome separation anxiety, according to Good Boy. However, with the help of these tips, dog owners can help reduce their dog's anxiety at night and make it easier for both them and their pets to get a good night's sleep.

Training Methods to Stop Whining at Night

Positive reinforcement training can help dogs learn to stop whining at night by rewarding good behavior and not giving attention to whining, says Wag!. Crate training can help dogs feel safe and secure at night, and it can also help them learn to be more independent and self-soothe, according to this article from Country Life.

Desensitization and counterconditioning can help dogs get used to being alone at night and learn to like it, says Wag!. It's important to remember that these training methods will take time and patience, especially when it comes to helping dogs get used to new routines and schedules.

If whining at night is particularly bad or goes on for a long time, it may be helpful to hire a certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist for help. By using these training methods, dog owners can help their pets overcome the issues that are causing them to whine at night and learn to feel more comfortable and secure as they sleep.

How to Stop a Puppy From Crying at Night

Puppy whining at night is often due to a combination of their young age and the stress of adjusting to a new home, so it requires patience and a commitment to a consistent training routine. According to Good Boy, puppies are often confused and unsettled when first brought home, as they are used to the familiar smells and sounds of their previous environment.

Crate training is especially effective for puppies because it not only gives them a safe, den-like space, but it also helps them learn to be alone. As the Rover Q&A Community explains, crate training a puppy properly can turn their cries into snores. This means slowly introducing the crate and making it a positive place for the puppy, so they are less anxious and less likely to whine.

In addition to crate training, comfort items, such as toys or blankets with familiar scents, can help puppies feel more comfortable and secure in their sleeping space, according to Good Boy. However, it's important not to comfort or pay attention to a puppy when they whine, as this can reinforce the behavior. Instead, owners should be consistent and reward the puppy when they are quiet, according to the Rover Q&A Community.

With these techniques and a commitment to patience, puppy owners can help their pets feel more comfortable in their new home and learn the skills they need to get a good night's sleep.

Conclusion: How to Stop Nighttime Whining

While nighttime whining in dogs can be a challenging and annoying problem, knowing the potential causes is the first step in finding a solution. Whether it's a medical condition, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, or a lack of physical and mental stimulation, there are several ways that dog owners can help reduce their dog's whining and ensure that everyone gets a good night's sleep.

In addition to these potential causes, there are several ways that dog owners can help reduce their dog's whining and ensure that everyone gets a good night's sleep. This includes things like making sure the dog has a comfortable place to sleep, establishing a routine, and using calming products or training methods.

With the right amount of time, dedication, and a personalized plan that takes the dog's unique needs into account, dog owners can help their dogs stop whining at night and improve their relationship with their pets.

Of course, it's important to note that in some cases, dog owners may need to work with a vet or a dog behaviorist to get to the bottom of their dog's whining and come up with a plan to address it.