Introduction
Whimpering and crying are two distinct vocalizations that dogs make to communicate different emotions and needs. While they may sound similar, there are key differences between whimpering and crying in dogs.
Whimpering is usually defined as soft, high-pitched whines or whimpers that dogs make. It often expresses excitement, anxiety, fear, stress, or anticipation. Crying involves louder, more constant yelps, howls, or whines that convey distress, pain, or frustration.
Understanding when a dog is whimpering versus crying can help owners identify their pet’s needs and respond appropriately. While whimpering may just require acknowledgment, crying often signals an urgent need for attention and care.
Reasons Dogs Whimper
Dogs whimper for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is pain or discomfort. According to the AKC, dogs may whimper due to illness, injury, arthritis, dental problems or other medical issues causing them pain or distress (1). The sound of whimpering is their way of communicating their discomfort.
Fear or anxiety can also cause dogs to whimper. New environments, loud noises, separation from owners, or perceived threats may lead to anxiety that comes out as whimpering (2). The whimpers are the dog’s way of vocalizing their stress or unease.
In addition, dogs may whimper to get attention. If they want playtime, pets, food or to go outside, they may let out attention-seeking whimpers, according to WagWalking (3). They are looking for engagement, interaction and care from their owner.
Dogs also whimper as a form of greeting. When you get home or they see a friend, excited whimpers are their way of saying hello and expressing happiness (1). It’s a social communication tool for connecting with their loved ones.
Begging is another trigger for whimpering. When dogs want food or treats, they may let out little whimpers to convince you to give them something tasty (3). It’s their way of asking politely using their cute vocalizations.
In summary, pain, anxiety, attention-seeking, greetings and begging are some of the main reasons dogs whimper. It’s an important vocalization for them to communicate their needs and feelings.
Reasons Dogs Cry
Dogs cry for many reasons, often communicating some form of distress. Crying due to physical distress may indicate the dog is in pain from injury, illness or disease. Dogs will cry or whimper from even minor pains like a small cut or sore paw (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-cry/).
Dogs can also cry from emotional distress such as fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness or loneliness. The crying may be a response to triggers like loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, separation from owners, boredom or confinement (https://www.gcdogtraining.com/dogs-cry-whats-solution/).
In some cases, constant or excessive crying can indicate symptoms of disease like dementia, cognitive dysfunction syndrome or neurological issues. If a previously quiet dog suddenly starts crying often, it merits an examination by a veterinarian.
Differences Between Whimpering and Crying
There are some key differences between whimpering and crying in dogs when it comes to the volume, pitch, context, and body language:
Volume – Whimpering is typically softer and lower in volume than crying. Crying tends to be louder and more persistent.
Pitch – The pitch of whimpering is usually higher than crying. Whimpers have more of a whining, pleading quality.
Context – Dogs tend to whimper more often when they want something, like attention, playtime, or food. Crying is associated more with distress, pain, or responding to stimuli like other dogs barking.
Body Language – When whimpering, a dog may pace, jump, paw at you, or make eye contact. Crying dogs often cower, retreat, or hide. Ears may flatten, and the tail may tuck if the dog is fearful while crying.
According to the American Kennel Club (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-sounds-meaning/), whimpering communicates excitement, attention-seeking, or anticipation. Crying communicates fear, pain, or stress. Understanding the context and your dog’s body language can help decipher between the two sounds.
When to Be Concerned
While occasional whimpering in dogs is normal, excessive or prolonged whimpering may indicate an underlying issue. According to the ASPCA, you should be concerned if the whimpering persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other behavioral changes (ASPCA). Prolonged whimpering can be a sign of pain, illness, cognitive dysfunction, or other medical conditions. It’s important to rule out health issues by taking your dog to the veterinarian for a full checkup.
You should also pay close attention to any accompanying behavioral changes like lethargy, loss of appetite, aggression, or antisocial behavior. These may indicate psychological distress. If whimpering is excessive, disruptive, or accompanied by concerning behavioral changes, consult with your veterinarian and a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.
While some intermittent whimpering is normal, don’t ignore excessive vocalizing as it can lower your dog’s quality of life and health. Persistent whimpering, especially when paired with behavioral changes, warrants a veterinary examination to address any underlying physical or mental health issues.
What to Do
If your dog is excessively whining, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. Sometimes whining can indicate a medical issue, so a veterinary exam may be necessary to rule out health problems. Other times, whining is a learned behavior that requires training and behavior modification to correct.
For whining due to attention-seeking, anxiety, or frustration, implement training techniques like rewarding quiet behavior, providing enrichment activities when alone, and desensitizing your dog to triggers that lead to whining. Setting a predictable routine can also minimize whining in dogs who vocalize for needs like food, walks, or play.
If your dog whines due to separation anxiety or noise phobias, consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist. Medication may be recommended in extreme cases, in conjunction with a customized behavior modification plan.
While training your dog, be sure to meet their basic needs for physical and mental exercise. Providing adequate outlets for energy and engagement can reduce undesirable vocalizing. Management tools like calming aids may also be useful during the training process.
With consistency and patience, most whining issues can be corrected. Identifying and addressing the root cause is key to stopping the behavior long-term and setting your dog up for success.
Breed Differences
Certain dog breeds are more vocal and have a wider range of vocalizations than others. For example, breeds like Siberian Huskies and Beagles are known to be quite “talkative” and make more sounds. On the other hand, breeds like Bulldogs and Chows tend to be quieter.
Herding breeds like Shelties and Collies use whimpers and whines to communicate with their owners during herding activities. Scent hounds like Beagles and Coonhounds may whine or bay when following an interesting scent. Northern breed dogs like Huskies and Malamutes are well known for their iconic “woo woo” howling sounds.
According to the American Kennel Club, Basenjis make a unique “yodeling” sound while Shiba Inus are prone to producing a loud, dramatic “scream.” Bull Terriers may “purr” when content. Understanding a dog’s breed can provide insight into the types of vocalizations they are prone to making.
While all dogs are capable of whimpering and crying, some breeds simply tend to express themselves vocally more often than others (Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/canine-communication-deciphering-different-dog-sounds/).
Puppies vs Adult Dogs
Compared to adult dogs, puppies are more likely to whimper and cry. Puppies vocalize more frequently for a variety of reasons.
Young puppies cry and whimper to get their mother’s attention. This is an instinctive behavior that helps the mother locate the puppies when they become separated. Puppies continue vocalizing frequently even after being separated from their mother. They may cry when anxious, hungry, bored, or simply wanting attention or playtime. The frequent vocalizations are a normal part of puppy communication and behavior.
As puppies grow up, they vocalize less often. Adult dogs generally only cry or whimper when in distress, like if they are hurt or sick. But some adult dogs retain more vocal habits from puppyhood or are naturally prone to being more vocal. An adult dog crying or whimpering for attention, while less common, can still happen depending on the individual dog’s personality.
So while frequent crying and whimpering should not cause alarm in puppies, it warrants more concern in adult dogs. Pay attention to any changes in vocalization patterns in adult dogs, as it may signify an underlying issue.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent excessive whimpering or crying in dogs:
Training – Obedience training is a great way to build confidence in dogs and provide mental stimulation. Teaching commands like “quiet” can help curb vocalizations. Consider working with a professional trainer if your dog has ongoing issues with whimpering or crying.
Enrichment – Providing engaging toys and activities can help prevent boredom and frustration in dogs, reducing the need to whimper and cry. Rotate novel toys to keep things interesting. You can also use food puzzle toys for mental stimulation.
Routine – Having a predictable daily schedule with enough exercise and playtime can minimize anxiety in dogs. Set a regular routine for things like walks, feeding time, and bedtime to help your dog feel secure.
Meet Needs – Ensure your dog’s basic needs are met each day, including social interaction, physical activity, bathroom breaks, food/water, etc. Puppies may need more frequent attention. Meeting their needs consistently can reduce the urge to cry for attention.
Summary
In summary, there are some key differences between dog whimpering and dog crying. Whimpering is often a communication of excitement, anxiety, fear, or distress, whereas crying tends to signal physical or emotional pain. Both sounds are a dog’s way of communicating their needs to their human companions.
While whimpering is not necessarily a cause for concern, crying may indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention. Dog owners should closely observe what triggers these vocalizations in their pet to better understand what their dog is trying to say.
With attentiveness and patience, dog owners can learn when whimpering or crying is normal communication, and when it may require intervention. By understanding their dog’s unique personality and needs, owners can better meet them.