The reasons why puppies whine while eating depends if it’s weaned or not. Puppies that whine when drinking their mother’s milk indicate malnutrition or infected milk. If a weaned whines while eating, it indicates excitement, anxiety, pain, or illness.
Whining is a form of communication. Pups and dogs alike use it to express their emotions, both positive and negative. So what causes a puppy to whine while eating? And what does it mean?
In this article, we’ll discuss what makes puppies whine and cry when they eat, and figure out if you should worry about it.
Why Is Your Puppy Whining While Eating?
A newborn puppy that whines while or after suckling can indicate that the mother’s milk is inadequate or infected. A weaned puppy that whines while eating can mean the pup is excited, anxious, in pain, or ill.
It’s understandable for puppies to whine before eating. They are hungry and asking for food. However, excessive whining can indicate problems that need attention.
If you don’t know where to start, make note of its body language and behavior. These often tell you more about what goes on in your pup’s mind.
It’s best to contact a vet if you can’t uncover the reason behind whining.
7 Causes of a Puppy Whining While Eating
Depending on the puppy’s age and life stage, whining while eating can indicate the following:
- The mother’s milk supply is inadequate.
- The mother’s milk is infected.
- Teething discomfort.
- Dental problems.
- Illness.
- Excitement.
- Anxiety.
Why Newborn Puppies Whine While Eating
If you notice a newborn puppy whining while eating or after eating, the puppy can be ill, not getting enough milk, or the mother’s milk has become infected.
A little whining while latching is not surprising. The pup is hungry and excited. It can even be feeling a little anxious about getting enough milk.
A puppy that continues to whine while eating can mean the following
- It is unwell.
- It is not getting enough milk.
- The milk supply is infected.
Signs of Malnutrition or Infected Milk
If a puppy is not getting enough milk, it can starve, become dehydrated and stop thriving. Without intervention, the puppy can also die.
Here are some signs to look for:
- Inadequate weight gain and lethargy are common signs that a puppy is not getting enough milk.
- If the mother dog’s milk is infected, the entire litter of puppies will whine or become ill.
It’s vital to have a vet look at the litter and mother if you suspect the mother’s milk has become infected. Newborn puppies can die within 24 to 48 hours of becoming ill.
How To Help A Newborn Puppy That Whines While Eating
If the mother’s milk supply is inadequate or infected, a vet can also recommend a good supplementation formula for the puppies.[1]
In the case of inadequate milk supply, you don’t necessarily have to take on all the feeding responsibility. A vet can help you work out a supplementation schedule to complement feeds from the mother.
If the milk is infected, a vet can advise on treatment for mastitis (an infection in the milk ducts). Treatment can include antibiotics. Supplementation is critical while the mother’s milk is infected.
How Often Should Puppies Be Fed?
Puppies less than 2 weeks of age need to eat every 3–4 hours. This includes feeds throughout the night. Between 2–4 weeks, puppies can be fed every 6–8 hours.
You can start feeding puppies solid food from 3–4 weeks of age.
| Age of Puppy | Feed Schedule |
| Under 2 weeks old | Every 3–4 hours |
| 2–4 weeks old | Every 6–8 hours. |
| 3–4 weeks of age | Weaning begins (puppies start eating solids) |
How to Stop A Teething Puppy From Whining While Eating
Puppies cry during teething because it hurts. Chew toys and soft food can help alleviate puppies’ teething pain and reduce their whining while they eat.
From 3–6 weeks old, puppies get their first set of teeth. From they are 12 weeks old, they start losing their first set of teeth and their permanent teeth erupt. [2]
Teething can cause puppies to whine while eating if their gums are sore and the food is particularly hard.
If teething is causing your puppy to whine while eating, try switching to the softer food to see if it makes a difference.
If your puppy is still whining while eating, consider taking them to the vet to rule out illnesses.
Related: When Can Puppies Eat Hard Food?
Dental Issues That Cause Puppies To Whine While Eating
Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth abscesses are all dental health problems that can make a puppy whine while eating. Dental health problems can make eating difficult and painful.
Puppies develop dental issues when plaque builds on their teeth.
Plaque buildup can cause gingivitis (gum inflammation) and cavities. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis (gum disease) and cavities can lead to tooth abscesses.
If you suspect your pup has a dental health problem, ask a vet to give your puppy an oral exam and advise you accordingly.
The vet can check for infection and x-ray your puppy’s jaw if necessary.
How To Prevent Dental Issues
Give your pup chew toys and brush its teeth on a regular basis. Chew toys help scrape off plaque build-up, but tooth brushing from a young age is important.
When brushing your pup’s teeth, use a small toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste or children’s toothpaste. These can contain xylitol, a substance that is poisonous to dogs. [4]
Identify Illnesses That Cause Puppies to Whine While Eating
When a puppy’s whining while eating is accompanied by a runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, a swollen belly, lethargy, and signs of dehydration, you need to see the vet to diagnose and treat an illness.
Due to their small size and underdeveloped immune systems, young puppies get ill fast.
Many illnesses can cause puppies to whine while or after eating:
- Food Allergies
- Gastroenteritis
- Tonsilitis
Symptoms of Food Allergies
- Itching.
- Face swelling.
- Chronic ear infection
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.[3]
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Dry, sticky gums and a dry nose (dehydration).[5]
- Abdominal pain
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
- Gagging followed by retching.
- Reduced appetite.
- Increased salivation.
- Short cough and expulsion of small amounts of mucus.
- Difficulty swallowing (in severe cases). [6]
If your puppy is whining and has symptoms of being unwell, take it to a vet as soon as possible.
How to Stop An Excited or Anxious Puppy From Whining While Eating
You can help an easily excited or anxious puppy stop whining while eating by creating a predictable routine, ensuring they get enough exercise, and feeding them in a calm way and a quiet space.
If you have an easily overexcited or anxious puppy, create a calm atmosphere for them throughout the day – including feeding times.
Here are three strategies that help:
- Routine
- Exercise
- Serene Space To Eat
1. Routine
Excited and anxious puppies thrive with a set routine. A routine helps your dog know what to expect throughout the day. This helps a dog feel calmer.
2. Daily Exercise
Exercise helps relieve pent-up energy and releases endorphins, which help calm a pup.
If your puppy becomes overly excited or anxious before a meal, try taking it for a short walk first.
3. Serene Space To Eat
Feed your puppy in a quiet spot, rather than a busy area of your home.
It’s also good to exude calm when feeding your dog. Avoid using a loud or high-pitched tone to call your pup for dinner as this can ramp up their excitiability or anxiety.
Some dogs feel anxious about their food being stolen when eating alongside other dogs. They can whine and gobble down their food too fast (which can cause indigestion).
If you have more than one dog and a puppy that whines while eating, try feeding your puppy in a separate space on its own.
Related: How to Get a Puppy to Stop Whining: The 3 Best Tips
Conclusion
If your puppy suddenly starts whining while eating, the first thing to do is rule out a medical condition. Puppies can succumb to illnesses quickly, so a prompt response is critical.
Behavioral issues linked to overexcitement and anxiety can also cause a puppy to whine before and while eating. These are innate responses, but making a few simple changes to your pup’s routine can reduce your pup’s natural urge to whine.
