Why Is My Dachshund Crying? Causes and Solutions
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Hearing your dachshund cry, whine or squeal is always stressful for an owner. Is it pain, boredom, or just a way to get your attention? The dachshund is an expressive, sensitive breed and often uses its voice to communicate. Here is how to decode the crying and respond the right way.
Look at the context to identify the cause:
-
1. When you leave?
➜ Separation anxiety. The dachshund is very (too) attached to his owner. -
2. Suddenly, for no apparent reason?
➜ Possible pain. Watch the back and the teeth. See a vet if it persists. -
3. While staring at you?
➜ Attention-seeking. He is bored or wants a treat. It's manipulation!
The short version: A dachshund's crying is often linked to separation anxiety (fear of being abandoned) or to attention-seeking. However, a sudden change in behavior or yelping when touched should alert you to a medical cause (pain).
Understanding dachshund crying
The dachshund is not a quiet dog. As a hound bred for hunting underground, he was selected to use his voice. But not all sounds mean the same thing:
Whining
A high-pitched, often nasal sound. It usually means frustration, excitement or a request ("I want to go out," "Give me that").
Crying/Yelping
A louder, sudden or plaintive sound. It can point to emotional distress (fear, loneliness) or real physical pain.
The different causes of crying
Here are the most common reasons a dachshund may cry, ranked from the most harmless to the most serious.
This is the number one cause in dachshunds. Very clingy (a true "Velcro dog"), he handles being alone poorly. He cries, scratches at the door or howls as soon as you leave.
Smart as he is, he has figured out that whining = you look at him. He cries to play, to eat or to climb on the couch. If you give in, he will do it again.
The first nights are hard. The puppy has just left his littermates and cries from losing his bearings. This is normal and temporary.
If your dachshund cries when getting up, jumping or when you touch him, treat it as an emergency. The back is the breed's weak point.
How to help a dachshund that cries
The answer depends on the cause you identify. Here are the action plans recommended by behaviorists and veterinarians.
Managing separation anxiety
The goal is to make your departures a non-event.
- Fake departures: Pick up your keys, put on your shoes, then sit back down without leaving. Repeat until the dog no longer reacts.
- No goodbyes: Ignore your dog for 15 minutes before leaving and when you come home. No tearful "Good boy, my baby."
- Occupation: Give him a stuffed toy (like a Kong) or a snuffle mat right before you leave so he links your departure to something positive.
Calming a puppy at night
Don't leave him alone in total darkness far from you. For the first few days, you can put his bed in your bedroom (but not in your bed) to reassure him, then move it away gradually. A lukewarm hot water bottle or a T-shirt that smells like you helps a lot.
When to see a vet
See a vet right away if the crying comes with:
- Hunched back or stiffness in his gait.
- Refusing to eat or move.
- Unexplained trembling.
- Sudden aggression when touched.
FAQ on the crying dachshund
A dachshund that cries is trying to tell you something. Once medical causes are ruled out, the key is consistency and patience. Don't feed his anxieties with too much attention, but give him a reassuring routine and stimulating activities. With training, even the most anxious dachshund can learn to stay calm!
Information & advice – Teckel Paris