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Why is my independent female dog suddenly clingy and whining?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 5 months old

My pitbul x 2yrs. Has always been a lively playful and independent bitch. However she's litterally gone overnight to whine and be clingy, constantly wanting to be near or head on me, needing to be stroked and following me around. Nothings changes in her environment and i havent made any changes to her diet or added a new pet... She shows no symptoms or warning signs of being ill either... Could this just be a phase or is there something wrong?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 28th, 2018

It could be that Sparkles is in heat. When dogs are in heat, they can experience behavior changes and this includes being more clingy with their owners. A dog's heat typically lasts around three weeks, and if you don't want puppies, I would keep her away from all intact male dogs and do not allow her outside unsupervised. I would also recommend spaying her, this would prevent a pyometra from occurring. A pyometra is a life threatening infection of the uterus. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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