A man who is wearing a tan raincoat sits on the green grass. His Husky dog sits closely next to him on his left. There is sand is front of them, and a blue lake beyond the sand. Lining the lake are green trees and it is foggy and gray outside.

Why is My Dog Crying?

Unfortunately, we can’t talk to our dogs and they can’t talk to us. However, that doesn’t mean that our canine companions are not communicative. Your dog will let you know when they are happy with a tail wag or a smile while whining or crying can be a sign that something is amiss.

It might be they are just seeking attention or it might be something more serious. Here’s what you need to know.

Reasons a Dog Might Cry

There are many reasons why your dog would cry. Sometimes, it can be them just expressing everyday discontent. As you become attuned to your dog’s needs, it will become easier to identify the source of their upset.

Other times, they may cry to express that they are not feeling well for some reason. Some common reasons your dog might cry include…

  • Hungry or thirsty
  • Want attention
  • Need to go outside
  • Bored
  • In pain
  • Stressed or anxious

What to Do if Your Dog is Crying

The best thing you can do when your dog cries is listen. Most importantly, if they are crying, make sure they have everything they need like food and water.

Have they been outside to use the bathroom lately? Have they gotten enough exercise today? Use a process of elimination to rule out any likely reasons they would be asking for your attention in this way.

Once you have determined that your dog’s basic needs have been met, do a body scan to check for signs of distress or injury. If their ears are back or are breathing rapidly and showing other signs of unease, ask yourself if anything is going on in the environment that might be causing your dog to experience stress or anxiety.

If the answer to this is still no and they continue to cry, it might be time to consider that something more serious is going on with your dog that is not initially obvious to you. At this point, it may be wise to call your vet.

Get Joy is Here for You

At Get Joy, our primary goal is to make sure dogs are healthy and happy. If you need fast access to veterinary advice, Get Joy’s virtual vet services are available anytime, anywhere to help.

For all your dog needs, big and small, we're here for you with everything from treats to calming supplements to providing guidance and peace of mind in times of need.


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