As furry parents, we always look after our furry companions and make sure they are completely doing well both physical and emotional aspects. So, when you notice some sudden changes in your dog's behavior, there must be something wrong.
If you know your dog too well, you're positive that every gesture or body language interprets something. When it starts yelping, you can anticipate this gesture as a sign of hunger, thirst, or a part of throwing tantrums to get your attention.
It really is hard to tell what causes it when there is no apparent reason, perhaps a broken leg or an injury. However, it won't be wise to just make speculations every time your dog yelps. If it happens too often, this could be a sign of pain.
But how can you be sure? What are the possible reasons why your dog yelps?
Why Do Dogs Yelp?
Dogs have their ways of telling you what they feel, what they want, and what they want to do. If only they could talk, everything would be much easier to decipher. And when it comes to their whimpers, there is certainly a lot of reasons behind it. Why do dogs yelp?
1. Asking For Something
One of the common reasons why a dog yelps is when they ask for something. Perhaps something that they want to do or something they want to get. The first factor you probably could think of is their desire for food or water.
As most dog owners are aware of, dogs are eager to demand food when they get hungry. And if it takes too long before you give them what they need or want, your dog might start yelping. Better make sure you nourish them with the best home cooked meals or healthy dog food!
Your dog may constantly whimper when it needs to go for a potty break, especially when it is trained to do it on a designated spot. Getting your attention or asking for a toy might also be some of the common reasons.
2. Indication Of Strong Excitement
Dogs cannot contain their excitement when they see their owners get home from work or vacation. Much more when they get to see them for the first time in so many years or months. And as a part of their strong excitement besides those wagging tail and restless movements, you might hear a resounding cry at times.
3. Old Age
Old age is often accompanied by canine cognitive dysfunction or dog dementia, disorientation, and other health problems. Gradual changes in behavior may also occur. If your dog reaches this phase, it might sleep more too often or feel a little lethargic. All of these issues, both behavioral and medical, can also lead to yelping, especially in the middle of the night.
4. Separation Anxiety
A lot of dogs suffer from separation anxiety that could result to a lifelong problem in their behavior. When the owners leave their dog at home or someplace alone or every time the furry parents are not present, some dogs may find these situations difficult to deal with. Such instances may cause the dog to show signs of anxiety or depression such as howling, barking, or yelping.
Other dogs divert their depression to chewing things off, breaking things, digging, and making attempts of escaping. Some may have issues with defecating or urinating. So, if you often leave your dog alone or to anybody else as long as you're not present, their whimper or yelp might be a sign of separation anxiety and you should do something about it right away.
5. Sign Of Pain Or Discomfort
Doesn't your heart break when you see your dog yelp in pain? It is truly understandable that he is if it's recovering from a surgery, has a broken leg, a wound from a bite or scratch, has an inflammation or redness on the skin due to allergy or ear infection, and other evident health issues.
But when their whimpers are far from what you usually hear, it could be awfully alarming. Your dog must've eaten something he shouldn't that may cause an upset stomach. Perhaps a plastic bag, aluminum foil, a toy, or other inedible stuff, or foods that are toxic. If there really is a problem and it causes your dog so much pain, a yelp is one of the first signs you will hear.
Signs That Tell Your Dog Is In Pain
If you feel that your dog seems to be in pain, how would you know for sure? Well, you cannot just tell at a glance. You've got to observe your dog closely. There are signs you should take note of.
- on a particular area
Dogs excessively lick the area in their body that seems to be painful. They usually do when there are redness and inflammation due to allergies or wounds caused by infections.
Take Your Dog To The Vet
You can't always be sure what really is happening with your dog, especially when there is no apparent reason. You can't just go with your hunch and do what you think is right! If you feel he is in pain, never ever give an over-the-counter medication without the prescription of your vet. It may just worsen the condition of your dog and you'll regret it later on!
The best thing you can always do is to take your dog to the vet for a professional consultation. Your vet is in the most capable position to rule out the causes of the pain or the underlying problem accompanied with it. You'll also be able to know what medication you should give and the things you must and mustn't do.
