Why Do Dachshunds Cry? Causes, Signs & When to Seek Help (2025)

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Your dachshund’s crying probably means something. Unlike bigger dogs that bark their way through life, dachshunds tend to be vocal communicators—they whimper, whine, and cry to tell you what’s going on.

Sometimes it’s pain. About 25% of dachshunds develop intervertebral disc disease, a spinal condition that causes chronic discomfort and makes them cry out unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s anxiety, boredom, or stress.

The breed’s wired differently than others, with heightened sensory awareness that makes them prone to both physical pain and emotional distress. Learning what your dachshund’s crying actually means—and when it demands immediate veterinary attention—can make the difference between a manageable situation and a serious health crisis.

Reasons for Dachshund Crying

When your dachshund starts crying, it’s not just noise—it’s communication. Three primary reasons drive this behavior: pain, anxiety, and boredom.

Let’s break down each cause so you can figure out what’s really going on.

Pain

Physical pain is one of the most urgent reasons your dachshund cries. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which affects about 25% of dachshunds, causes nerve compression and chronic pain that triggers behavioral changes like reluctance to jump or climb stairs. Watch for signs such as limping, defensive reactions to touch, or unusual licking at specific body areas.

Pain management starts with recognizing sensory thresholds—dachshunds show heightened responses to pressure and heat. Dachshunds are particularly prone to spinal disc problems due to their breed characteristics.

If crying persists or you notice mobility issues, contact your veterinarian promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest through persistent crying, especially when you leave the house or introduce unexpected changes. Separation distress affects nearly half of dogs, with dachshunds showing genetic predisposition toward attachment-related behaviors. Noise sensitivity—whether from thunderstorms or fireworks—triggers acute stress responses in over 30% of small breeds. Many owners are unaware of the impact of separation anxiety on their pets.

Behavioral therapy shows 70% success rates when addressing dog anxiety and fear. If anxiety-related crying persists alongside health correlates like house-soiling or aggression, consult your veterinarian about structured treatment options.

Boredom

Boredom triggers crying when your dachshund lacks stimulation, leading to destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. Dogs left alone for over four hours show marked increases in attention-seeking vocalizations. Without adequate exercise needs met—at least 40 minutes daily—these intelligent dogs develop cognitive effects ranging from restlessness to disengagement.

Combining physical activity with enrichment activities reduces boredom-related crying by up to 60%.

Addressing Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety affects 20–40% of dogs, and dachshunds are particularly vulnerable due to their strong attachment to owners. You can address this emotional distress through systematic desensitization—practicing departure cues like grabbing keys or putting on shoes without actually leaving.

Pair these rehearsals with independence training by gradually increasing alone time, starting with just seconds. Environmental enrichment matters: puzzle toys, treat-dispensers, or a worn shirt with your scent can ease anxiety symptoms.

Pheromone therapy and calming music lower stress hormones by up to 30%. For severe cases of dachshund separation anxiety, medication options under veterinary guidance accelerate progress when combined with behavior modification. Routine changes should happen gradually to prevent setbacks.

Recognizing Pain Signals

Recognizing when your dachshund is crying from pain requires careful observation of multiple behavioral and physical indicators. Approximately 25% of dachshunds experience intervertebral disc disease during their lifetime, making pain recognition critically important for this breed. Physical pain manifests through specific changes you can monitor daily.

Posture changes signal discomfort too—your dachshund may hold their head lower, tense their muscles, or exhibit palpation sensitivity when you touch certain body regions. If your normally quiet dog suddenly gets in your face crying, they’re communicating something hurts. Contact your veterinarian immediately when you suspect physical pain, as early intervention prevents disability and improves quality of life.

Managing Stress in Dachshunds

When stress builds up in your dachshund, crying often follows. These dogs were bred as hunters with high energy drives, so they struggle when their needs go unmet, triggering anxiety symptoms that can escalate into excessive vocalization.

Start by managing their environment and routine. Dachshunds thrive on predictability—consistent schedules lower stress hormones by up to 20%. Here’s what works:

• Daily exercise and interactive play reduce anxiety-related behaviors by roughly 55%
• Create safe spaces where your dachshund can retreat, which decreases visible stress by 60%
• Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers or soft classical music—both proven to ease tension
• Practice gradual socialization events to build confidence around new people or dogs

Environmental enrichment matters too. Puzzle toys, scent games, and structured activities address boredom while meeting their natural instincts. Short departures help acclimate them to alone time, gradually building tolerance. When you combine these comforting environments with consistent boundaries—waiting for calm behavior before rewarding attention—you’ll notice real improvement in managing stress and reducing those stress-driven cries.

Using Crying to Your Advantage

Your dachshund’s natural tendency to vocalize can become a communication tool when trained strategically. During house-training, position yourself by the door you want them to use and wait for crying. The moment they vocalize, let them out while praising enthusiastically—this creates structured responses where crying signals a specific need. Over time, they learn to cry at that door when nature calls.

You can also channel their watchdog instincts through emotional conditioning. When visitors arrive, reward quiet or moderate alerting so they distinguish between appropriate alerts and anxious barking. Use positive reinforcement to teach a stop-barking command, reinforcing calm engagement instead. This bond reinforcement through controlled attention strengthens your connection while teaching them when vocalization benefits you both. A well-trained dachshund becomes an effective communicator rather than a chronic crier.

Compare to Other Breeds

Your dachshund’s vocal tendencies are hardwired, not a personality flaw. Bred centuries ago to hunt badgers and rabbits, dachshunds developed an innate drive to bark and alert—traits that still define their breed communication today. This hunting heritage sets them apart from less vocal breeds like retrievers or hounds that evolved different survival strategies.

The numbers tell the story: dachshunds vocalize in roughly 78% of stimulus events, compared to just 43% in herding breeds. Their whining frequency runs 2.3 times higher than mixed breeds of similar size. This isn’t stubbornness; it’s breed-specific emotional expression wired into their neurology.

That said, elevated vocalization doesn’t mean you’re stuck with constant noise. Understanding these behavioral correlates helps you work with their nature rather than against it. Adequate mental stimulation, consistent exercise, and strategic training can channel their naturally expressive temperament constructively. Your dachshund’s opinionated voice becomes an asset—not a liability—when you recognize it as part of who they are.

Your dachshund’s opinionated voice becomes an asset when you channel their natural expressiveness through mental stimulation, exercise, and training

When to See The Vet

Your dachshund’s cries often signal something worth investigating. While most vocalizations stem from attention-seeking or boredom, certain patterns demand immediate veterinary attention. Here’s when you shouldn’t wait:

1. Yelping paired with reluctance to move or difficulty walking—these suggest spinal issues like intervertebral disc disease, especially common in dachshunds’ long backs.
2. Crying during urination, defecation, or sudden house-training accidents—potential bladder infections, stones, or gastrointestinal problems need diagnostic testing.
3. Trembling, twitching, or abnormal posture during episodes—neurological distress requires immediate evaluation to prevent permanent damage.
4. Lethargy combined with vomiting, appetite loss, or pale gums—these signal systemic illness, infection, or respiratory emergency demanding emergency care.

Beyond acute crises, schedule preventative care every 6–12 months. Early radiographic screening catches IVDD progression before paralysis develops. Your vet can distinguish pain-related crying from behavioral vocalization through postural assessment and gait evaluation, guiding appropriate treatment versus training adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)