5 Common Reasons for Dog Yelping
Yelping can be indicative of many different events and sensations in a dog’s life. Although it is less complicated than barking, it can still be tricky for new dog owners to learn what their dogs’ yelps really mean. Below, you’ll find some basic information to help you get started understanding this type of communication from your pet.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if you have questions or are concerned about your dog’s behavior. Even if it isn’t something serious, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and to know the underlying reason why your dog is behaving a certain way or doing a certain thing.
Below are 5 of the most common reasons of dog yelping:
Pain is the most likely cause of yelping in dogs, especially if the yelp is a sudden one. If your dog yelps suddenly and follows this with a whine, check them thoroughly for any sign that they may have been injured. If this is the case, Founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of Heart + Paw, George Melillo states that, “This likely will require an exam by a veterinarian.”
Dogs who yelp frequently may also be in pain from an illness. They may have arthritis or another medical condition that contributes to chronic pain. Talk to your vet if you suspect your dog could be yelping from chronic pain or from an acute injury.
Dogs may yelp when they are startled, too. For example, if your dog is playing quietly and a sudden loud noise occurs in the household, they may jump up and yelp because of this startling experience. They may be telling you that they are surprised or that they’re afraid of whatever caused the sound.
If your dog’s yelping is a sudden one in response to a startling factor in their environment, and if they go back to their normal behavior and communication shortly thereafter, then there is likely nothing to worry about. They were probably just surprised.
Another common cause of dog yelping could be the fact that your dog has to use the bathroom. Dogs may use all the communication tools they have when telling you they need to go outside to potty. A dog who is crate trained or who doesn’t have frequent access to the outdoors (or to a potty pad) may learn that whining or yelping gets attention, which in turn means they get to go outside and do their business.
If your dog is yelping by the door or yelping along with whining, howling, and barking all at once, they are probably telling you they need to go out. Take them outside to go potty, and then bring them back indoors. If the yelping has stopped, this was the likely cause.
Since dogs know they will get attention—even if it is negative attention—when they yelp, they learn to do this from an early age. If you look at your dog and fuss at them when they start yelping, or if you always take them out of their crate at the first sign of a yelp, they will learn that yelping equals attention, and they will use this to their advantage.
It is important to learn how to tell the difference between true distress yelping in dogs and yelping for attention. Although it can take some time to learn this difference in a new dog, with time, you’ll be able to understand your dog’s communication needs and ignore them when they are just attention seeking.
Being a puppy can sometimes be the underlying cause of a dog yelping behavior. If your dog is younger than six months old and yelps a lot, especially when they are left alone, this is part of their normal puppy behavior.
Puppies yelp and whine to get the attention of their mothers before they are separated. It takes a long time for puppies to unlearn this behavior and understand that yelping doesn’t mean what it used to for them.
Knowing What is and isn’t Dog Yelping
When trying to understand what your dog is communicating to you, it’s important to figure out whether or not dog yelping is actually occurring. Some dogs may sound like they’re yelping when they’re actually just barking, and a bark usually has a much different meaning than a yelp.
By spending plenty of time interacting with your dog, you’ll quickly learn how to tell the difference between their different sounds. If they are barking or whining but it sounds like a yelp, you can work on learning what this communication method means for them as well.
Home Remedies to Ease a Dog’s Pain
Sometimes the first thing you think whenyour dog is in pain is to give it a small dose of pain medication, but that canexacerbate what’s happening and fatally affect the dog. Never give your dog pain medication unless your vet has recommended it.
Until you’re able to get your dog aveterinarian diagnosis, keep the water close by for easy access and help itavoid physical activity. This will help ease a few symptoms while you wait fortreatment.
If your dog is yelping while walking, itmost likely means things:
Dogs love birds and squirrels, and somedogs yelp when they see one flying through the air or climbing a tree. If yourdog is tugging on the leash while yelping, it may see a small animal in thedistance that it wants to chase.
If there are no small animals or other dogsnearby, your dog may be in pain. Lookfor signs of limping, heavy panting, or fatigue, and make sure the dog’sharness or collar isn’t on too tight. Inspect for an insect sting or biteif your dog was walking in the grass. If you notice signs of pain, go to thevet right away.
If your dog is panting heavily or walkingslowly behind you, give it water immediately. If it’s a sunny day, find someshade or take your dog back home or to the car for air conditioning.
14 Critical Signs Your Dog Is Begging For Help
A dog yelp can catch us by surprise, especially if we are just trying to show our pup love or hold them close. You may be wondering why your dog yelps when picked up, especially if you have never heard this reaction before.
There are many reasons why a dog cries out when picked up, ranging from fear and surprise to pain and injury. It’s important to figure out exactly what is causing your dog to yelp when handled so you can provide them with proper treatment. If your dog has started yelping when picked up, here is what you can do as a dog owner to keep your dog comfortable and healthy when during handling.