What this means
A sudden or new change in behaviour is a reason to have a vet rule out pain and illness first. Whining that appeared suddenly, repeats at night, or comes when the dog changes position, gets up or is picked up is often a sign of pain rather than an attempt to get attention.
An owner can notice and write down when the dog whines (at night, on getting up, after a walk, when the neck or back is touched), whether its posture changes alongside, whether it avoids moving, and whether appetite, thirst or urination have changed. A short video can help your vet.
Whining can also come from anxiety, boredom or a need such as going outside. Here we do not guess; we point out that a new and unusual form of whining first deserves a veterinary assessment.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Pain
Pain in the joints, muscles, belly, teeth or ears can show as whining, especially when changing position or at night.
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A back or neck problem
Problems with the discs between the vertebrae can cause strong back or neck pain, a tense posture and reluctance to move.
About the condition: Intervertebral disc disease -
A spinal cord disorder
A condition seen in some small breeds, in which fluid collects in the spinal cord, can cause whining, scratching near the neck and sensitivity to touch.
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Anxiety or tension
When a dog is anxious, its surroundings have changed or it has been left alone, whining often goes with pacing, panting or following you around.
About the condition: Anxiety -
A need or discomfort
A dog may whine because it wants to go out, is thirsty, hungry or uncomfortable. If those needs are met and the whining continues, look for another cause.
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Age-related changes
Older dogs sometimes whine at night because of confusion, pain or disturbed sleep.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- When exactly your dog whines and whether it is new
- Whether it whines when getting up, lying down or when the neck or back is touched
- Whether it avoids jumping, climbing stairs or bending its neck
- Whether appetite, thirst or urination have changed
- Whether there is shaking, panting or a changed posture alongside
- Whether the whining gets worse at night
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit if the whining is new, keeps returning, gets worse at night or comes when your dog changes position. If it also avoids moving, be seen the same day.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Anxiety General health Anxiety is a state in which a dog feels tension and fear constantly or far too strongly, even when there is no real danger. It can be set off by being left alone, loud noises, new surroundings or strangers, and long-lasting anxiety wears down both the dog and the whole household. It helps to understand that this behaviour is not stubbornness or disobedience but a sign that the dog is struggling.
- Arthritis Bones and joints Arthritis is inflammation of the joints in which the cartilage gradually wears down, leaving the joint stiff and painful. It can develop with age, after an injury or because of joints that did not form properly. Ongoing pain limits how freely and comfortably a dog moves, so changes are worth showing to a vet.
- Intervertebral disc disease Bones and joints Intervertebral disc disease is a condition in which the discs that cushion the spine between the vertebrae degenerate, bulge or rupture and start pressing on the spinal cord or nerves. This causes pain and, in more serious cases, weakness or even paralysis of the legs. The damage can happen suddenly, even after a perfectly ordinary jump, or build up gradually, so it is not something to wait out.
- Syringomyelia Nerves and muscles Syringomyelia is a condition in which fluid-filled cavities form inside the spinal cord. It is linked to the shape of the back of the skull, which disturbs the flow of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, and the cavities that form damage the nerve tissue. It can cause chronic pain and strange sensations, so it has a big effect on how a dog feels.
Body systems: General health Bones and joints Nerves and muscles