It can be very confusing to see a Rat Terrier crying. Crying or whining is one of the many forms of vocalization that dogs use to communicate.
Therefore it is normal for a Rat Terrier to cry. But what are the reasons behind it and what does it mean when they do it?
Let’s dive into the reasons behind Rat Terrier’s crying and what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
Here’s Why Rat Terrier Crying Happens
Rat Terrier crying occurs because of fear, anxiety, illness, need for attention, excitement, a need for something, or boredom. Whining occurs in these different situations and a Rat Terrier will cry as one of its forms of vocalization accompanied by body language to communicate and express their wants or needs.
Reasons for Rat Terrier Crying
Fear
A frightened Rat Terrier will cry in response to something that scares them. This can be noise, loud honking from cars, thunderstorms, or anything that is perceived as a danger or threat to their safety.
Fear may also come when they feel they are at the veterinarian which makes them cry due to the negative experience associated with medical visits.
Anxiety
Rat Terriers are very prone to separation anxiety. They become very anxious when separated from their owners or left alone.
During an episode of anxiety, crying, trembling, pacing, barking, howling and destructive behavior are expressed.
Illness
Sickness can also cause a Rat Terrier to whine or cry especially if they are in pain or feeling discomfort.
Crying is a way they vocalize how they are feeling and this can show you that they are unwell and need help.
See Also: Rat Terrier throwing up: When it’s serious and what to do
Need for attention
A Rat Terrier can whine or cry to also seek your attention. Rat Terriers are naturally people-oriented breeds meaning they love to be close to owners and family.
Therefore if they feel neglected or sense that you are not paying much attention to them, have a need to play with you, or even sit near you, they may start to cry to get your attention, to bring your focus to them.
Excitement
Crying is also a way of showing excitement especially when a Rat Terrier sees you after being separated from you. This can include jumping on you and also vocalizing it with a cry due to excitement.
Related: Clingy Rat Terrier: A guide to overly needy Rat Terrier
Boredom
A bored Rat Terrier with nothing to do can experience boredom and will whine. Rat Terriers need mental and physical stimulation and if this is not provided, they might engage in destructive behavior and also cry a lot.
A need for something
Dogs can talk to us to tell us what they want or need. The only way to express their feelings is to vocalize them through different sounds.
Crying is one of the ways they communicate with us. Therefore they cry to ask for something from us such as holding a leash while crying which indicates a need to go for a walk, or a need to be fed.
What to do about Rat Terrier crying
Provide them with what they need
A Rat Terrier crying can be an indication that they need something from you such as food or to go out for a walk. The best way to communicate or express this need is to cry.
Therefore if this is the case provide them with what they need at the moment.
Play with them
Crying can also be an indicator that your Rat Terrier just wants to play with you and is seeking your attention.
If they seem very eager to interact with you, provide them with attention by either playing with them, cuddling them, or engaging in activities that they like.
Provide toys
A bored Rat Terrier can cry or whine all the time because they have nothing else to do to engage them or to keep them occupied.
Rat Terriers need mental and physical stimulation therefore provide toys for them to play with, activities, or exercise appropriate for their age. This will help to minimize boredom.
Receive their excitement
Your Rat Terrier can be very happy when they see you come back home or if you have been separated from them for a long period.
Crying is just a way that they vocalize their excitement and it is a sign of affection. Therefore return the affection by hugging them, petting them, or just a show of affection.
Comfort them
If the whining or crying is due to fear that might have been caused by a particular trigger, remove your Rat Terrier from the situation and comfort them.
This includes moving them away from the noise and also minimizing exposure to situations that may frighten them.
Seek medical care
Illness can also be the reason why a Rat Terrier whines and cries because of pain. If your Rat Terrier continuously whines and is also seemingly in pain or other symptoms of illness also appear, seek medical care.
Summary
Rat Terrier crying is a normal way of communication to express their needs, wants, or fear and occurs in different situations. It can also indicate that something else is wrong such as a Rat Terrier being sick and crying out due to pain.
When your Rat Terrier whines or cries, try to assess the situation to identify the possible cause to respond appropriately to the situation and help them.
Seek medical care if they present signs of sickness, discomfort, or when you might not be sure what would be causing the crying.