Why Does My Dog Whine in the Morning

Why Does My Dog Whine in the Morning? Is Something Wrong?

Many dog owners wake up to the sound of their dog whining in the morning. A simple glance at your pet, and you can’t help but notice his sad eyes and droopy ears, making you worry even more. 

But have no fear; while it’s true that dogs do whine, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily in distress or something is wrong with them. 

In fact, there are many reasons why dogs whine in the morning, and some of them might be right under your nose.

ALSO READ: Why Does My Dog Keep Looking Out the Window at Night?

Top 10 causes of dogs whining in the morning

Why Does My Dog Whine in the Morning? — If your dog is whining and howling as soon as you get up, there’s probably a good reason.

If you want to figure out why, consider these ten common causes of doggie depression in the morning.

  • Loneliness

There’s a reason people equate loneliness with dog days of summer. Many dogs are at least somewhat affected by seasonal changes, too. 

Just like humans who tend to be less social during the winter months, pets may be more likely to express their sadness or anxiety through whining in colder months when they can’t go outside and play as much.

  • Pain

The most likely cause of your dog whining and crying when you’re leaving is because they’re experiencing some kind of pain. This could be physical, like a sore hip or tail from arthritis, or emotional, as with separation anxiety. However, it could also be related to behavioral issues.

  • Boredom

Dogs are usually quiet in their crates during the day because they sleep or simply relax. If your dog seems restless and barks or whines all day, it could be that he’s bored. 

Dogs need mental stimulation, and most can’t entertain themselves for hours at a time. If you work all day, think about hiring a pet sitter to come over during your lunch break to play with him for an hour.

  • Hunger

If your dog wakes up hungry (or is particularly hungry at a certain time of day), you may want to check their diet.

If your pooch’s food is low quality or too rich for their system, you could see them act out by eating grass, throwing up, or whining. Are you still giving them puppy chow now they’re grown? You may need to switch to an adult formula.

  • Bad dreams

Have you ever heard your dog whimper, growl, or yelp while asleep? It may be a nightmare. Dogs can have nightmares, just like humans. When they experience bad dreams, they tend to lose sleep and may even urinate inside their sleeping area.

ALSO READ: Why Is My Dog’s Head Hot? 7 Possible Reasons

  • Exercise

Set the alarm for 5-10 minutes before you get up. Take your furry friend on a short walk, or just let them run around your backyard.

Either way, even if they don’t seem to be enjoying it, it is good for their body and will help them feel better about getting up in the morning.

  • Infections

Most of us take for granted that our canine companions have robust immune systems, but even they can fall prey to diseases and infections. 

Many common infections that afflict both dogs and humans have similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell whether your furry friend is experiencing a bug or a serious medical condition. 

If you’re concerned about your pup’s health, consult your veterinarian. In many cases, early detection and treatment can mean big differences in health outcomes.

Why Does My Dog Whine in the Morning

  • Separation anxiety

If your dog tends to whine whenever you leave him, he might be suffering from separation anxiety. He’s expressing his distress at being left alone, and it’s important to try to calm him down. Find out more below. 

  1. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety may experience a number of different symptoms, including excessive chewing and destructiveness when they are left alone. They may also bark or howl uncontrollably when their owners are absent, become agitated or nervous, or can show signs of stress by urinating or defecating indoors. 
  2. As well as being destructive, dogs with separation anxiety will often refuse to eat while their owner is away.  This can be very distressing for both owner and pet, as it means your dog isn’t getting any nutrition while you’re out. 
  3. If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it’s important to take steps to try and calm him down before you leave him alone. 
  4. Try giving him a treat, or playing with a favorite toy for around 10 minutes before you go out, so he has something pleasant to associate with being left on his own. 
  5. Then when you return home, don’t make a big fuss; just give him a pat and move on with your day as normal. 
  6. If these strategies aren’t working, or if they are making things worse by reinforcing his anxiety, then it might be time to get some professional help.
  • Odors

You may notice that your pup whines when you get up and start moving around, but not so much while they’re sleeping. 

There’s a good reason for that: They can smell changes in your body odor. According to Animal Planet, some dogs will sense what your mood is when you wake up based on shifts in pheromones; if it smells fear or anxiety, they may start to whine. 

This might also be why dogs are known to cry at night. They can hear your breathing change as you sleep, signaling that you’re about to wake up. 

So, if you want them to stop whining in the morning, give them a big hug before bed!

  • Allergies

If your dog’s whining begins after you let him outside, he may be suffering from allergies. Springtime is prime allergy season for canines and humans alike, but allergens like pollen and mold can trigger an allergic reaction year-round. 

If your pet has a sudden onset of allergies, give your vet a call. 

It might just be a simple matter of adjusting his food or giving him some medication to make breathing easier.

ALSO READ: Why Does My Dog Like to Eat My Nails?

Conclusion on Why Does My Dog Whine in the Morning?

If your dog starts to whine and whimper while you’re getting ready for work, it may be because they are hungry. It’s best to feed them a little before breakfast and then again when you get home. 

If that doesn’t work, see your vet as soon as possible. He or she will examine your dog thoroughly and tell if there is an underlying medical condition that could explain their behavior.

Sources on Why Does My Dog Whine in the Morning