Why is my Puppy Crying?
It is common for puppies to cry, especially when they are left alone or need something.
Most of the time puppies will cry simply because they are feeling lonely or bored. It is also common for puppies to cry in an effort to communicate with their owners that they want or need something. Puppies will also cry when they are sick or in pain, but this is luckily a rarer occurrence.
In this article we will explain why puppies cry, answer commonly asked questions, and provide you with tips to turn those puppy tears into happy panting!
5 Common Reasons Why Puppies Cry
Here are the five most common reasons why puppies cry.
1. Your Puppy is Feeling Lonely
Many puppies will suffer from a bit of separation anxiety. Most of the time this separation anxiety is exhibited in the form of crying and whining when they are away from people and other dogs. This is particularly common in very young puppies, especially when they are still new to the home.
Most of the time puppies will grow out of this behavior as they age, so you do not need to worry if your puppy is still young and crying when separated from people. However, some training to remedy separation anxiety may be necessary if your dog is still having this problem after a few months. Additionally, it is important to never leave a puppy home alone for more than a few hours at a time.
2. Your Puppy Needs or Wants Something
Puppies will also commonly cry, bark, or whine when they want or need something from their owner. This can be anything from food or water, to toys, to affection and attention. Puppies will also commonly cry when they need to use the bathroom, so this could be a good indicator that you need to take them outside.
Puppies will usually grow out of this behavior as they age and become less needy. So, it is generally not something that most puppy owners need to worry too much about. It is typically just your puppy’s way of communicating their needs with you.
3. Your Puppy is Feeling Bored
Boredom may also be behind your puppy’s crying. This is especially common at night and at times when they are not getting loads of attention and play time from others. Giving your puppy a toy or something to do during these moments should help.
4. Your Puppy is Experiencing Pain
It is also possible that a puppy is experiencing pain when they cry. Though this is not as common as the previous three causes, it is still a possibility. Therefore, it shouldn’t be ruled out. A puppy that is experiencing pain may exhibit some other signs and symptoms of it along with crying. Here are some other signs of pain in dogs to look out for.
- A reduced appetite
- Lethargy
- Refusing to move
- Limping
- Favoring one side when walking, sitting, or laying down
- Avoiding being pet, touched, or picked up
- Shaking or trembling
- Anxious behavior
- Restless behavior
- A sudden onset of aggressive behavior
If you suspect that your puppy may be in pain, then you should take them to the vet as soon as possible so that they can be properly diagnosed and treated.
5. Your Puppy is Feeling Sick
Puppies will also sometimes cry when they are feeling sick. This is mainly due to the anxiety that comes with feeling unwell. Most of the time sick puppies will exhibit symptoms alongside this crying behavior. Here are some signs of sickness in dogs to look out for.
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- A reduced appetite
- Discharge coming from the nose and eyes
- Increased breathing and heart rates
Illness is much more serious in young puppies than it is in adult dogs. This is especially true for puppies that are not yet fully vaccinated against disease. Because of this, you should take your puppy to your vet immediately if you suspect that they are sick. If your regular vet is closed, then going to the emergency vet is a good idea.
Is it Normal for Puppies to Cry?
It is fairly normal for young puppies to cry when they are left alone, bored, or when they need something. This is because puppies are still learning to feel ok with being alone, and many puppies use their crying to communicate.
Why is Your Puppy Crying for No Reason?
It is unlikely that your puppy is crying for absolutely no reason. Most puppies will cry because they are bored, lonely, or in need of something. Many puppies will also cry for things like affection, attention, and toys. Some puppies are more vocal than others, so there is a good chance that you just have a very vocal puppy on your hands that is trying to communicate.
What Should You do for a Crying Puppy?
Many puppies cry due to the stress caused by separation. As a result, it is best to let your puppy sleep in the same room with you on their first nights at home. Then, you can gradually have them sleep further away from you at night. It is best to do this process slowly over a matter of weeks to not stress or frighten your puppy.
You could also provide your puppy with some comforting items such as blankets and soft toys. It is especially beneficial if the items smell like their mother and littermates. Blankets that smell like their owners can be very comforting as well, especially after they have formed a bond.
Finally, if your puppy seems to be crying no matter how you try to help them, a visit to the vet is in order. Your puppy could be sick or in pain, even without showing many other symptoms.
If your puppy is crying near Fort Worth, TX, the expert veterinary team at VO Vets is here for you! Our team will look for the root cause of your puppy crying and help resolve the issue. Give us a call today at 682.350.8890, or Request an Appointment Online.
