How mental illness cause whining

Mental illness is a psychological disorder that results in an inability to function normally. It involves conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, dementia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Unfortunately, even our canine friends can succumb to various forms of mental illness.

A Sad pup! Depression in Dogs


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


Anxious dogs tend to whine on a regular basis if they have been placed in an uncomfortable situation. Anxiety in dogs can come in various forms. Yet, it seems like separation anxiety may be most common as it affects 20-40% of dogs in the United States. But dogs can also experience social, traumatic and noise anxiety.

Social anxiety often occurs when dogs have not learned how to socialize with other pets & humans. As a result, they may become more fearful and cautious when encountering new people or pets. A classic example of noise anxiety would be dogs who hide or whine when they hear fireworks. Now, noise anxiety doesn't mean that fireworks are the reason for your dog's anxious behavior. In fact, dogs can become fearful of noises such as thunderstorms, cars and even children crying.

Traumatic anxiety goes hand-in-hand with PTSD. For example, if you have recently rescued an abused or neglected dog, then there might be a few triggers that can set them off. This can be the sight or sound of a discomforting object. For example, a dog raised in a puppy mill may not whine or yelp if placed in a crate.

Senior Dogs! A Case of Dementia 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.