Medically Reviewed by Dr. Brad Hinsperger, DVM
Last Updated: November 2025
Dog whining at night is one of the most frustrating problems pet owners face. If you’re reading this at 3 AM because your dog won’t stop whining, I feel you.
There’s nothing quite like being jolted awake by that high-pitched whimper just when you’ve finally dozed off. Trust me, you’re not alone in dealing with dog whining at night.
The good news? Your dog isn’t trying to drive you crazy (even though it feels that way).
They’re actually trying to tell you something, and once you figure out what that is, you can finally stop dog whining at night, and both get back to sleeping peacefully.
Let’s explore the reasons behind dog whining at night and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Dog Whining at Night
Here’s the thing—dogs don’t whine just to annoy you.
According to Brie Blakeman, a certified canine behavior consultant, dogs pretty much never whine for no reason.
They’re trying to communicate something important.
So what could it be? Let’s break down the usual suspects:
They're in pain or uncomfortable
This is especially common in older dogs. Is that arthritis that’s manageable during the day? It can feel a lot worse when they’re lying still at night.
Separation anxiety is real
Studies show that about 17% of dogs deal with separation anxiety, and nighttime can be the worst. When it’s dark and quiet, they feel even more alone.
Senior dogs might be confused
If your dog is getting up there in years, they might have canine cognitive dysfunction (basically doggy dementia). The numbers are pretty striking—28% of dogs aged 11-12 and a whopping 68% of dogs aged 15-16 show signs of cognitive issues. These dogs can get disoriented at night and vocalize because they’re genuinely confused.
They need a bathroom break
Sometimes it’s just that simple. When they gotta go.
They're hungry or thirsty
An empty belly or dry mouth can keep anyone up, dogs included.
They didn't get enough exercise.
A bored dog is a restless dog. If they’ve been cooped up all day, they’ve got energy to burn at the worst possible time.
Something's stressing them out
New sounds, changes in routine, or an uncomfortable sleeping spot can all trigger anxiety.
When Dog Whining at Night Requires Immediate Veterinary Attention
Look, I don’t want to scare you, but some situations need immediate attention. Call your vet if you notice:
- Whining along with panting, shaking, or obvious distress
- Sudden whining that came out of nowhere
- Changes in how much they’re eating, drinking, or using the bathroom
- They seem weak or lethargic
- Trouble breathing or moving around
Dr. Brad Hinsperger explains that when dogs are in pain, whining is often their clearest way to tell us something’s wrong. Better safe than sorry on this one.
7 Proven Methods to Stop Dog Whining at Night
Alright, let’s get to the solutions. I’m going to be honest with you—these aren’t overnight fixes, but they work if you stick with them.
1. Tire Them Out (Seriously)
You know that saying, “a tired dog is a good dog”? It’s true.
Research backs this up, too—dogs that don’t get enough activity are over 6 times more likely to have cognitive and behavioral problems.
Here’s what works:
- Give them 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily (depends on breed and age)
- Play fetch, tug-of-war, or chase games
- Use puzzle toys—those snuffle mats where they hunt for treats are gold
- Exercise them a few hours before bedtime, so they have time to wind down
2. Stick to a Routine (Even on Weekends)
Dogs are creatures of habit. They feel safer when they know what’s coming next.
Rachel from Chicago told me her Border Collie used to cause dog whining at night every single evening at 2 AM.
Once she nailed down a routine—walk at 7 PM, dinner at 7:30, puzzle toy at 8, final bathroom break at 9:30, lights out—the dog’s whining at night stopped within a week. Consistency was the game-changer.
Your routine should include:
- Same feeding times every day
- Regular walk schedule
- A predictable bedtime ritual
- The same cues and commands each night
3. Make Their Sleeping Spot Actually Comfortable
Would you sleep well on a thin pad in a noisy, bright room? Neither will your dog.
Here’s what helps:
- Get them a quality bed (orthopedic foam for older dogs)
- Make sure it’s not too hot or cold
- Put something that smells like you nearby
- Use a white noise machine to cover up random sounds
- Add a night light if your senior dog seems confused in the dark
- Pick a quiet spot away from foot traffic
4. Deal With Separation Anxiety Head-On
This one’s tricky, but researchers at the University of Lincoln found that separation issues come in four types: wanting to escape something, wanting to get to something, reacting to outside events, or just plain boredom.
What actually helps:
- Practice leaving for short periods during the day, then gradually stay away longer
- Don’t make a big deal out of leaving or coming home
- Give them a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or a long-lasting chew when you go
- Try a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser (studies show these really do work)
- Never punish them for whining—it makes anxiety worse
If it’s severe, talk to your vet about medication. Research shows that 72% of dogs improved with fluoxetine plus training, compared to just 50% with training alone.
5. Help Your Senior Dog Through Nighttime Confusion
If your older dog is experiencing dog whining at night, cognitive dysfunction might be the culprit. The earlier you catch this, the better.
Things that help:
- Keep night lights on so they can see where they are
- Don’t rearrange furniture—keep things familiar
- Ask your vet about prescription diets like Hill’s b/d
- Try supplements like SAMe (Denosyl)
- Consider medication like Selegiline, which is FDA-approved for this
6. Rule Out Medical Causes of Dog Whining at Night
Sometimes whining is your dog’s way of saying “something hurts.” Don’t just assume it’s behavioral.
Get them checked for:
- Arthritis or joint pain
- Digestive issues
- Urinary tract infections
- Thyroid problems
If they’re older, ask about pain management options and joint supplements like glucosamine.
7. Train the Right Way (No Yelling Allowed)
Here’s what you need to know: punishment doesn’t work.
Your dog will just learn to be scared of you, but they’ll keep whining because whatever’s bothering them is still there.
What does work:
- Completely ignore attention-seeking whining (no eye contact, no talking, nothing)
- The second they’re quiet, reward them
- Teach a “quiet” command during the day when they’re calm
- Catch them being quiet at night and reward that
- Stay consistent—if you give in sometimes, you’re teaching them to be persistent
How to Handle Puppy Whining at Night
Puppies are a whole different story. They’re babies who just got separated from their mom and littermates. Of course, they’re going to cry.
For puppies, try this:
- Put their crate in your bedroom at first (learn more about crate training puppies at night)
- Give them a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel for warmth
- A ticking clock can mimic mom’s heartbeat
- Take them out for potty breaks without making it exciting (see our puppy potty training guide)
- Whatever you do, don’t give them attention when they whine—you’re teaching them that whining gets results
If you’re dealing with a new puppy, check out our complete puppy training schedule for age-appropriate training tips.
Common Mistakes That Make Dog Whining at Night Worse
I’ve seen people make these errors over and over:
❌ Yelling at the dog (makes everything worse)
❌ Sometimes responding, sometimes not (confuses them)
❌ Giving up on a method after just a few days
❌ Chalking it up to “old age” without checking for medical issues
❌ Giving them attention to “calm them down” during whining
Your Action Plan to Stop Dog Whining at Night
Week 1: Get them to the vet to rule out health issues. Bump up their exercise and nail down a bedtime routine.
Weeks 2-4: Be super consistent with training. Ignore the whining when it’s for attention. Reward quiet behavior. If separation anxiety is the issue, start those short practice separations.
Keep Going: Track when the whining happens to spot patterns. Stick with what’s working. Make sure everyone in the house is on the same page.
Final Thoughts on Dog Whining at Night
Look, fixing dog whining at night takes patience.
It’s not a magic switch you can flip. But I promise you, it gets better when you understand what your dog needs and address it consistently.
Remember:
- Always rule out medical stuff first
- Figure out the real reason they’re whining
- Stick with your chosen method for at least 2-3 weeks
- Never yell or punish—it backfires
- Be patient with yourself and your dog
If you’ve tried everything and the dog’s whining at night continues after a month, it’s time to bring in a certified veterinary behaviorist for personalized help.
Your dog isn’t trying to ruin your sleep. They’re trying to tell you something.
Once you crack the code, you’ll both sleep so much better.
Also helpful: If you’re a cat owner too, you might find our guides on cat chirping behavior and helping cats not eat after moving useful for understanding your feline friends.
About the Reviewer
He specializes in behavior issues, pain management, and helping older dogs stay comfortable.
Sources & Further Reading
- NCBI – Canine Separation Anxiety Research
- ScienceDirect – Dog Anxiety Prevalence Studies
- University of Lincoln – Separation Behavior Research
- UC Davis – Cognitive Dysfunction Data
- Scientific Reports – Dog Aging Project
- Cornell University – Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
- PetMD – Dog Dementia Information
- Rover – Veterinary Expert Interviews
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Dog Vocalizations
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Always check with your vet about your specific dog’s health or behavior issues.
