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Why is my senior dog suddenly whining and crying when I walk away?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | 8 years and 2 months old

My dog 9year old dog just started whinng/crying for 3 days she still is playful runs everything you can thing of but now if I walk a way she is crying &getting out her bed she has never did this I just want to know if she is ok

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 20th, 2018

Poor girl. I am not sure if this strictly behavioral due to old age and a bit of senility or if she has an underlying issue. It would be worth while getting her examined by your vet to have a health profile done via bloodwork to ensure everything is normal, especially since this behavior is happening in consecutive days. If she is having senility issues, then that can be addressed with medication (i.e. Reconcile) or with a prescription diet (ie Hill’s B/D). Another possible cause for sudden whimpering in older pets is arthritis. This can be helped with joint supplements (ie Dasuquin, Cosequin, Rejuvenate) in mild cases or prescription pain control medication (ie Rimadyl, Galliprant) through your vet in more moderate to severe cases. I hope that things are well for your pet Mimi moving forward! Take care.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 16th, 2017

    I am sorry to hear about Dakota. It is possible if she is an older dog not used to running should could have pain and discomfort from the overexertion either in her muscles or if she has some mild arthritis she could have aggravated that. If she is limping on a certain limb, we would also worry about soft tissue trauma (ligament, tendon, muscle) strain in that leg. Unfortunately there isn't a safe over the counter pain medication in pets. I would call your vet and let them know what is going on. They may want to examine her or may be able to prescribe a day or two of pain medication if she has been recently seen by them.

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