Noticing your Pug whining or crying can be distressing. You’ll want to know what’s causing this outburst of emotion?
But it’s important not to project our human emotions onto our Pugs. Canine communication is very different, and our Pugs have their own reasons for whimpering and crying.
Today, we will discuss why your Pug is crying and what you can do to help them soothe.
Why Do Pugs Cry? What Do Pugs Mean When They Whine?
Pugs cry (though they do not weep tears like humans), as a way to show how they are feeling. After all, unlike us, our Pugs can’t just tell us what’s up.
A Pug’s cry typically sounds a bit like howling, whining, or screaming.
This is their way of saying hey mom, hey dad, I’m feeling hungry, sad, anxious, frustrated, bored…etc. etc.
In the video below you’ll be able to hear what Pug ‘crying’ really sounds like.
Sometimes (as you’ll see and hear below), Pugs cry because they want something. So before you start crying yourself, rest assured whining is not always a sign that your Pug is feeling sad.
This gorgeous Pug pup just wants his dinner… real bad!
So, Pug crying is just another way that they choose to communicate with us, their human family.
There are tons of different reasons why your Pug might cry, whine, howl, or scream. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.
1. They don’t want to share their toys
Pugs may be cute, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to be little divas from time to time. Pugs aren’t all that fond of sharing their favorite toys.
If somebody takes their precious treasure away from them (or they’ve managed to misplace it in the kids’ toybox), then they might just cry until they get it back.
2. They need to use the potty
Another very common cause of crying is the toilet variety. If your Pug needs to poop or pee but they’re all alone with no access to the yard, they will want to let somebody know that they’ve just got to go!
Now, if your Pug isn’t potty trained yet, then this probably won’t happen. But, a fully toilet trained Pug is going to wait and wait and wait as long as they can hold it.
To prevent this unnecessary discomfort and distress, make sure that your Pug always has access to a doggie door so that they can relieve themselves when they need to.
Problem solved!
3. They’re hungry (or something just smells sooooo good)
Food, food, glorious food.
Who wouldn’t cry over it, right?
Well, let me tell you, Pugs certainly do.
As a Pug parent, you’ll already know how much these little dudes love to eat. So, don’t be surprised if they cry, whimper, or even full out scream at the excitement that is meal times.
4. They’re thirsty for some water
Pugs are great at finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. And water is just one of them.
Freshwater is super duper exciting for our Pugs. They’ll whine, cry, and whimper at that refreshing H20 (especially if they’re really thirsty).
Top tip – make sure that your Pug always has access to fresh water in a doggie bowl or fountain to prevent dehydration.
5. They’re feeling a little bit anxious
Pugs are companion dogs. They’re bred for companionship. That’s why we love them so much. They’re loyal and show their humans so much love.
And we need to show them that love back!
Pugs are, by nature, prone to separation anxiety and, if left alone for too long, a Pug will start to whimper and cry.
Sometimes, young pups will struggle to sleep alone at night (even if you’re in the same house!). This is very common.
The best course of action is to start a basic training program as soon as possible after bringing your puppy home.
6. They are scared!
Just like us, our Pugs are capable of feeling afraid. Puppies in particular (but even grown Pugs) may feel scared in new or unfamiliar environments.
Crying and whimpering are very common reactions to feelings of fear. For example, your Pug might curl up and whimper behind the couch when new people enter the house.
Whilst this is completely natural, it’s important that we teach our Pugs not to be afraid in situations like these. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to do this and will teach your Pug not to be afraid of these positive experiences.
7. Feeling a bit bored
Noticing a bit of a pattern emerging? Pugs are just like kids… right? Well, not entirely, but in many ways absolutely!
And this next reason is a case in point.
Pugs do not have a lot of…well…patience. They have notoriously short attention spans and bore easily.
Pug puppies in particular are known to whimper and cry when they are feeling bored or understimulated.
Once they are kept busy with something fun and exciting, they’ll be right as rain. Another great way to combat this is by having another pet at home (that could be another Pug or an appropriate playmate).
8. Not feeling well
Finally, sometimes Pugs will cry because something is not right and it’s important that we pay attention to this as responsible dog owners.
If your Pug isn’t feeling well, they might try to tell you vocally by making whimpering or whining sounds.
Look out for accompanying symptoms that might indicate that your Pug is poorly and book an appointment with your vet for a once over.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Fast breathing
- Dizziness
If your Pug cries when trying to urinate this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Accompanying symptoms include:
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Straining and/or whimpering whilst urinating
- Needing to pee more frequently
- Accidents in the house
- Fever
- Licking the urinary opening
If your Pug is crying whilst eating this could be a sign that they have a dental problem affecting their teeth or gums.
It could also indicate a throat swelling or tonsillitis. This should always be checked by a veterinary professional as soon as symptoms arise.
How Do You Get a Pug to Stop Whining or Crying?
Puppy whining usually goes away naturally, but what can we do as responsible Pug owners if your Pug’s whining and crying become persistent?
Here are some tips and techniques that you can use at home to stop your Pug from whining.
1. Never yell at your Pug
Never yell at your Pug, even if their crying and whimpering becomes persistent. Reprimanding your Pug will only make things worse and leave your Pug feeling more anxious than before.
Instead, practice positive reinforcement techniques with rewards for desirable behaviors and simply do not reward the behaviors that you want to discourage. When your Pug doesn’t cry, offer them a treat.
2. Try crate training
Crate training is one of the best preventions against night time crying out there. It’s best to start when your Pug pup is still very young. Crate training is not cruel, in fact, it makes puppies feel more secure in those early days.
When you first bring your pup home, keep their crate in your bedroom at night. This will help your puppy feel safe whilst still developing some independence in their safe crate.
Once your pup seems more confident and stops crying at night, you can stop using the crate. Each pup will have their own timeline so be patient and take the lead.
3. Establish a bedtime routine
Once you’ve completed your crate training try to establish a bedtime routine for your Pug. This will help develop consistent behaviors and reduce anxiety.
Each routine will be unique to your lifestyle and your Pug’s temperament, but here are some tips to get you started.
- Offer your Pug a bedtime treat to make the sleepy time a positive experience
- Create a comfortable and safe place for your Pug to sleep at night
- Leave some of their favorite toys in their sleeping area
- Try out some relaxation therapies (yes, doggie aromatherapyis a thing!)
4. Don’t make a big deal out of goodbyes
If your Pug tends to whimper and whine when they sense that you are leaving, then this is super important.
As much as you might think that showering your pooch with love every time you step out the door will make things better…. It’s not.
Whether you’re departing to work or just to your bedroom for the night, try to avoid overly long or emotional goodbyes. This will create more anxiety.
Make the goodbyes as normal and routine as possible so your Pug feels safe and secure.
5. Consult your vet
If your Pug won’t stop crying or they have excessive tearing no matter what you try, then it’s time to visit your vet.
There may be a medical reason or behavioral issue behind and it’s best to get a diagnosis early so that you can start treating the problem.
Pugs Whining and Crying Q&As
1. Why Does My Pug Cry at Night?
Oftentimes, Pug owners find that the nighttime is the worst time for crying and whimpering.
Whilst this is very common amongst Pug puppies who are still readjusting to life outside of the litter, it is not unheard of in older Pugs too.
- Pug puppies
When Pug puppies cry at night it is because they are still readjusting to life outside of the litter. At first, they may feel lonely and isolated without their mother and litter mates.
It can be heartbreaking to watch this but it is a natural developmental stage that usually passes without too much emotional distress for your pup.
Once your Pup feels more secure in their new environment they’ll be back to their happy chappy self once more.
- Older Pugs
When senior Pugs cry out at night it is not usually the result of separation anxiety but because of a cognitive issue.
Pugs can develop dementia-like symptoms as they get older. Symptoms like disorientation cause them to feel anxious and cry out.
2. Do Pugs Tear Cry? Why Do Pugs Tear?
Pugs can tear cry, but that’s not because they are feeling sad. According to Dr. Genna Mize from Virbac Animal Health. “However, humans are thought to be the only animals that cry tears of emotion.”
Dr. Oscar Chavez, founding executive, veterinarian, and Chief Medical Officer from JustFoodForDogs once had informed Parade, “Dog tears, however, may be a sign of something wrong in the eyes: discharge, conjunctivitis or infections, allergies, or corneal ulcers or scratches.”
Pugs tear cry for physical reasons, for example, they are tear crying to clean debris and other irritants in the eyes.
Pugs Whining and Crying: Last Words
There are many reasons for Pugs’ cry or whine. Sometimes it’s just a stage in puppyhood and oftentimes it’s just a cry for attention.
Crying and whining are natural Pug behavior but it’s important to know when they get too much.
If your Pug’s crying is persistent, despite your best efforts, then it’s time to visit your vet for a checkup.