Why do dogs cry at night? Understanding their whines, cries & what they mean
We all sometimes wish that our dogs could speak, maybe just to say ‘I love you’, but also just to let us know they’re OK. Instead, they show us how they feel and what they need through their own language of barks, whines, cries and growls, which we then need to try and understand. So, yes, whining is totally normal behaviour. But if you’ve heard cries when they’re asleep or out for the count at night, it’s natural to worry a little more.
Read on to discover the common reasons why dogs cry at night, plus what you can do to help.
What is your dog trying to say?
Humans have an entire alphabet and dictionary packed with descriptive words to communicate how we feel. But our dogs rely on growls, howls, barks and whines to tell us what’s going on. Below, we decode what different sounds mean so you can better understand your dog’s communication style.
What is a whine?
Even though the Collins Dictionary defines a whine as a long, high-pitched unpleasant sound, for dog lovers, that squeak can melt the heart of even the strictest owner. Whining is one of the most expressive sounds your dog can make.
- Size matters: Smaller breeds tend to produce higher-pitched whines.
- Emotional triggers: Studies show whining is designed to provoke an emotional response from humans.
- Pitch changes: Varying frequencies grab our attention more effectively.
What's the difference between whining and crying?
For most owners, crying and whining sound similar, but there are key differences:
- Volume: Crying is louder and more frantic.
- Meaning: It signals urgent need — pain, fear, or distress.
- Pattern: Whining tends to be softer and more repetitive.
What about barking?
Barking is another common canine vocalisation, used mostly for alerting or warning.
- Short, sharp and loud sounds
- Used for alerting, warning, or territorial behaviour
- Triggered by external stimuli such as noises, people or animals
If your dog barks rather than whines at night, it’s usually due to external triggers or alert behaviour.
What about howling?
Howling is a longer, sustained sound, often linked to communication and emotion:
- Triggered by loud noises or other dogs howling
- Can signal loneliness or separation
- Less common at night than whining or barking
Why do dogs whine at night?
Understanding why dogs cry at night is the first step to helping them (and you!) get a better night’s sleep.
1. It’s time for a toilet break
The most common reason for night-time whining is needing the toilet. The whine may sound more urgent or distressed than the soft whine they use to get attention.
- Pacing or fidgeting
- Sitting up and looking at the door
- Whining that gets progressively louder
2. Your dog is in pain
Dogs also whine when they’re in pain or discomfort. Their cry sounds very different from an anxious or attention-seeking whine.
- Check for shaking, panting, or limping
- If the crying is sudden or intense, treat it as urgent
- Contact your vet immediately if you suspect pain
It’s always better to be safe than sorry — get your dog checked by a trusted local vet.
3. Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common cause of night-time whining. Signs include:
- Pacing or restlessness
- Panting or drooling
- Destructive behaviour or accidents
If your dog whines when left alone at night, it’s likely they’re feeling insecure rather than misbehaving.
4. Fireworks or loud noises
Whining can increase during firework season or after a noisy night. Even if your dog seemed calm at the time, stress can linger.
Prepare in advance by setting up a quiet, safe space to help muffle the loud noises. Learn more in our 'Why do dogs hate fireworks?' guide.
5. Cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs
Older dogs can develop cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia), which causes confusion and restlessness at night. Routine and predictability can help ease their anxiety.
To give their brain a little extra support, try BrainCopa® — expertly formulated with DHA, Bacopa monnieri, Lemon Balm, Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin E. Together, these ingredients help maintain cognitive function, memory and alertness, while supporting calmness and sleep in older dogs. Used daily, it can help settle them by supporting both mind and mood as they grow older.
You can also speak to your vet about supportive medications or management strategies to improve their comfort and sleep quality.
6. Learned or attention-seeking behaviour
Dogs are clever — if whining gets your attention, they’ll remember! This type of behaviour takes patience to unlearn. Try to avoid reinforcing it by reacting immediately. Wait until your dog is calm and quiet before offering attention.
What not to do when your dog cries at night
- Don’t rush. Acting too quickly can reinforce the behaviour.
- Don’t ignore emergencies. If your dog is shaking, panting, or showing distress, act fast and contact your vet.
- Don’t shout. Raising your voice only increases anxiety.
- Don’t make a fuss. Keep night-time check-ins calm and minimal to avoid rewarding unwanted behaviour.
How to stop a dog whining at night
Now that you understand the causes, here are some practical solutions to help stop night-time crying and restore peace at home.
Take them to the toilet before bed
Set a bedtime routine: limit food and water before bed and ensure your dog has time to wee and poo before settling. Young puppies and senior dogs may still need a quick midnight trip.
Check for any health problems
If the whining is sudden and out of character, it could be medical — not behavioural. Perform a quick check for injuries or signs of illness, and contact your vet if concerned.
Separation anxiety
Use gentle desensitisation training: start with short periods of alone time and build up gradually. Give a long-lasting chew or comfort toy only at bedtime to create a positive association.
Fireworks & noise phobias
Create a quiet den in the calmest room of your home before firework events. Play white noise or music to mask sounds, and consider using natural calming aids like Scullcap & Valerian Tablets for ongoing support or Valerian Compound for fast-acting calm.
Cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs
Stick to consistent evening routines to give your senior dog a sense of security. Add a soft nightlight near their bed to help them navigate in the dark and reduce confusion.
Learned or attention-seeking behaviour
If your dog cries purely for attention, ignore the whining until they’ve been quiet for at least 5–10 seconds, then reward the silence. Ensure they’ve had enough exercise and mental stimulation before bedtime.
Common Questions (FAQ)
- Why is my dog crying at night? Check first for illness, pain or discomfort. Once health issues are ruled out, focus on training and routine to manage behavioural causes.
- Why is my dog panting and whining at night? Whining paired with panting or shaking may indicate distress or pain. Contact your vet promptly.
- Why does my dog whine for no reason? There’s always a reason — dogs use whining to communicate. Observe body language and context to identify the cause.
- Why do puppies cry at night? Puppies often cry due to separation anxiety, fear, or needing the toilet. Crate training and a comforting bedtime routine can help.
- Why is my dog suddenly whining at night? Sudden, intense whining is a red flag for distress or pain. Contact your vet if it continues or worsens.
Always consult your vet if your dog’s crying is persistent, sudden, or paired with signs of distress. For more natural calming and wellbeing support, visit our Calming Support Range
If you have any questions or need any help choosing which product is best for your pet's anxiety - feel free to reach out and contact us our expert and friendly team on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com.
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