Why do dogs cry?

Dogs are highly intelligent animals that have adapted perfectly to living with humans. Although they can't pronounce words, these little ones have other ways—equally or more effective—of communicating with us. Crying is one of them. Dogs can cry for different reasons., but it is always to show us something or to tell us how they feel.

In this article, we'll help you interpret your dog's whining. We answer the questions about why dogs cry. what to do when a dog cries and how to stop my dog ​​from crying when he's home alone. Read on to fully understand your pet and give him a better quality of life.

Why do dogs cry?

There are many reasons why a dog may cry, as we mentioned in the introduction. Animals have many ways of communicating with humans and with each other, and dog whining is one of them. Hearing a dog crying can be related to the following:

They miss their canine family

One of the reasons why dogs cry is due to the separation of the animal from its family, especially when we adopt a dog from an acquaintance because their pet has just had puppies. Sometimes, the same thing happens when a dog has just left the shelter and misses their old, collar-free companions.

They are afraid or anxious

Another of the main reasons why we might see a dog crying is due to fear or anxiety. Dogs don't have the same understanding of things that we do, since they have no choice but to adapt to a world adapted to humans. That's why There are many noises and sounds that they don't know and that can scare them or make them cry, such as loud noises—such as firecrackers or traffic—or any noise from outside.

Anxiety is another of the main reasons why dogs cry. And often, these little ones who are so attached to us They are exposed to situations that they do not fully understand, which can cause them to feel anxious. For example, when they're home alone, when they stay at other people's houses, when traveling to unfamiliar places, or when they have to visit the vet.

For health reasons

The whines of dogs also serve to indicate that the dog is not feeling wellSometimes it can be due to physical pain, such as a scratch or a puncture on the paw pads, and other times it's due to internal issues—which we can detect by palpating their tummy and stomach. This crying functions as a survival instinct and is a way for them to communicate how they feel to their owners.

Because of hunger

Sometimes barking isn't enough for dogs to get their owners' attention—especially if they're very noisy and bark frequently. In these cases, animals have a more effective technique for demanding food from their owners: whining. Hearing a dog crying in the kitchen is a clear indication that your pet wants to eat, and that it's asking for it.

By age

We all age as the years go by, and the ailments of age affect us in one way or another. The same thing happens with dogs. Animals that are at an advanced age often show symptoms of cognitive decline in which they can lose memory, become disoriented, and their instincts can fail—becoming increasingly slower. This can cause your furry friend to cry constantly, sometimes continuously.

What to do when a dog cries

We've just seen why dogs cry and the causes that cause it. Now let's see what to do when a dog cries. We'll explain some simple tricks to help calm your little one and make him feel better:

• Lots of love and affectionThe most important part of having a dog as a pet is providing it with love and affection. Dogs are very sensitive animals that are affected by everything—of course, it depends on the individual. With a large dose of constant love and affection, dogs will feel protected and stop crying.
• Hormone collarsHormone-enhanced collars help pets feel protected and secure at all times. These products are very useful for helping your little one adapt to a new space, for training, for dealing with loud noises, and for fear—they are also recommended for dogs who are afraid of the street. These collars transmit safety messages to dogs, similar to those transmitted by a mother to puppies, giving pets a natural sense of security and peace of mind.
• Positive reinforcementsPositive reinforcement is highly recommended when your dog has a lot of fears. This will help distract crying dogs and stop them from thinking about what's frightening them. You can offer them toys, for example, when they start to tremble, distract them with fun activities, and reward them with sticks for good behavior.
• Raise awarenessAnother way to help your pet, especially if they're afraid of loud noises, is awareness training. In the case of firecrackers, for example, you can gradually accustom your pet to them by watching YouTube videos—and gradually increasing the volume on the TV.
• Consult a veterinarianIf your crying dogs won't stop whining, it's best to see a veterinarian. The problem may be caused by an illness, so it's always a good idea to rule it out.
• Try an ethologistIf, despite everything, you can't avoid seeing your dog crying, then you should consider visiting a dog ethologist. Dog ethologists are dog psychologists who offer the necessary guidelines to help your pet overcome its fears and anxiety, among many other issues.

How to stop my dog ​​from crying when he's alone

One of the biggest concerns for dog owners is leaving them alone at home due to the separation anxietySeparation anxiety disorder is a psychological condition that occurs in dogs when they are left alone at home or separated from their owners. This anxiety is usually excessive and irrational, causing dogs to cry as a way of expressing their distress. In these cases, you can try the following:

• Create a treasure map at homeTo keep your dog entertained when he's home alone, you can hide several dog treats in different corners of the house and have him search for them when you're gone. This will help calm his fears and distract him.
• Old t-shirts or clothes that smell like usAnother thing you can do is leave old t-shirts or used clothes that smell like you on their bed, so they feel like you're with them at all times.
• Don't throw a party for the dog when you get home.Separation has to be seen as a natural process, and that's the message you need to convey to your pet every time you leave and return home. Therefore, avoid throwing parties for the dog when you return.
• Don't pamper the dog too muchIf you reassure your dog of the impending separation with excessive petting, it will be counterproductive. It's essential to teach your dog to be self-sufficient and able to move around the house independently, as well as to eat and drink without your presence. This will help you answer the question: how to stop my dog ​​from crying when he's home alone.