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 may cry for different reasons , but it's always to show us something or to let us know how they feel.

In this article, we'll help you interpret your dog's whining. We'll answer questions like why dogs cry, what to do when a dog cries , and how to stop my dog ​​from crying when home alone. Read on to fully understand your pet and give them 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 dogs cry is separation from their 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 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. This is why there are many unfamiliar noises and sounds 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. These little ones, who are so attached to us, are often exposed to situations they don't fully understand , which can cause them to feel anxious. For example, when they're left alone at home, when they stay at someone else's house, when traveling to unfamiliar places, or when they have to visit the vet.

For health reasons

Dog whines also serve as an indication that the dog isn't feeling well . Sometimes, it can be due to physical pain, such as a scratch or a puncture on the pads, and other times it can be due to internal issues—which we can detect by palpating the dog's belly and stomach. This crying functions as a survival instinct and is a way for the dog to communicate to its owners how it feels.

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 who reach an advanced age often show signs of cognitive decline, such as memory loss, disorientation, and a lack of instincts, which can cause them to become increasingly slower. This can cause your pet 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 affection : The most important part of having a dog as a pet is providing it with love and affection. Dogs are very sensitive animals who 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-enhanced collars : Hormone-enhanced collars help pets feel protected and secure at all times. These products are very useful for helping pets adapt to a new space, for training, for dealing with loud noises, and for fear—they are also recommended for dogs that 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 reinforcement : Positive reinforcement is highly recommended when your dog has a lot of fears. It 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.
• Sensitize them : Another way to help your pet, especially if they're afraid of loud noises, is to raise their awareness. 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 veterinarian : If 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 wise to rule it out.
• Try a behavioral therapist : If, despite everything, you can't avoid seeing your dog crying, then you should consider visiting a behavioral therapist. Behavioral therapists are dog psychologists who offer the necessary guidance to help your pet overcome 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 their dogs alone at home due to separation anxiety . Separation 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 home : To keep your dog entertained when he's home alone, you can hide several dog treats in different corners of the house and have your pet search for them when you're gone. This will help calm his fears and distract him.
• Old t-shirts or clothes that smell like us : Another thing you can do is leave old t-shirts or used clothes that smell like you on their bed, so they feel like you are with them at all times.
• Don't throw a party for the dog when you get home : Separation should 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 a party for the dog when you return.
• Don't overindulge your dog : If you reassure your dog of the impending separation with excessive pampering, it will be counterproductive. It's essential to teach your dog to be self-sufficient, allowing him 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.