How mental illness cause whining
Depression in dogs is a poorly understood mental illness. This is because unlike humans we cannot ask our dogs what's wrong! As such, an animal behaviorist relies on a dog's behavior, vocalization & body language to diagnose depression. The are many reasons why a dog may be depressed, some of these include:
- A lack of social interaction with people and other pets
- A loss of a close family member or fellow pet friend
- Boredom as a result of lack of mental stimulation
- Lack of physical activity
Dogs with depression may show symptoms such as:
- Excessive licking (OCD)
- Lack of interest in activities they may have once enjoyed
- Whining or crying if left alone
- Anxiety
- Excessive sleeping
- Lack of eating
A Fearful Pooch! PTSD in Dogs
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is known as a psychological illness that affects people. But did you know even your pooch can experience C-PTSD? PTSD is not a result of chemical imbalances in your dog's brain. Rather, it occurs as a result of dogs recalling unpleasant memories. For example, PTSD may be most common in dogs that have suffered through:
- Abuse
- Accidents
- Military service
- Natural disasters
Dogs with PTSD tend to show symptoms like:
- Shaking or trembling
- Hiding
- Excessive barking
- Yelping and whining
- Easily spooked
- On alert at all times
The Edgy Pooch! Anxiety in Dogs
If your dog whines a lot and happens to be a senior (above the age of 8 years old), then chances are dementia can play a significant role in whining. Canine dementia is more often referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Currently, there's no definite answer about what causes CCD. Dogs with dementia often show symptoms like:
- Disorientation
- An inability to remember people, tasks or routines
- Loss of appetite
- Pacing
- Depression
- Anxiety
When it comes to dementia in dogs, an anxious pooch who is not in the right mindset will whine on a regular basis.