Why do newborn puppies whine so much? Here’s What to Expect

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Vocalizations and crying in newborn puppies

Newborn puppies make an assortment of gentle (and adorable!) vocalizations, such as quiet squeaks, chirps, or grunts. Those early squeaks arent technically crying. Theyre simply small sounds puppies make as they creep around in search of their mother for (yet another) meal. Sometimes they even make sounds while sleeping. Like many other newborns, puppies spend the vast majority of their time sleeping, up to 22 hours a day. And when they arent sleeping, theyre usually eating.

But a newborn puppy that is truly crying—and perhaps doing it extensively—may be exhibiting signs of a problem1 and a veterinarian should be consulted. Older puppies may cry because theyre bored or lonely. But crying in newborn puppies is generally due to one of a few issues:

  • Hunger. Make sure each puppy is nursing properly and is getting enough nursing time. Watch out for competition from the other littermates and keep an eye out for any issues with the mother dog and her milk.
  • Cold. Puppies have difficulty regulating their temperatures during the first four months of life and will likely cry if theyre too cold. Is the puppies home (usually a whelping box) warm enough? Are the puppies staying close enough to their mother and each other to keep warm from the combined body heat? Would they benefit from a heated pad or additional heat source?
  • Sickness. Newborn puppies can become susceptible to illnesses. Crying in newborn puppies could indicate that something isnt quite right, so be sure to check with your veterinarian.

    • The story is a little different when it comes to an older puppy thats over eight weeks old. Older puppies may cry for a wide range of reasons. Its one of their primary ways to express their opinions and wishes. Older puppies may cry when:

  • Theyre left alone. An older puppy recently weaned and perhaps removed from its littermates is probably still adjusting to these changes. He may cry if his new human family is out of sight. Keeping the pup in view of household activities can help alleviate crying.2
  • Theyre awake at night. Its not much fun if youre trying to sleep and your puppy is wide awake, especially when she starts crying or barking. But dont worry! There are a few things you can do to help her sleep at night.
  • Theyre sleepy. Puppies sleep a lot! It can be as much as 18 to 20 hours a day at this age. And if theyre sleepy, they sometimes cry.
  • They need to go outside. If your puppy is already smart enough to alert you when he needs to go outside, youre doing great—and so is he! To make sure things stay that way, take your eight-week-old puppy out every three hours or so to give him a potty break,3 whether hes crying or not.

    • Your puppys cries are a good form of communication. Its a valuable clue to help you figure out what hes trying to tell you. So listen and respond. Youll be communicating with your puppy in no time!

  • PetPlace. “How to care for newborn puppies,” August 25, 2015, https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/new-born-puppies.
  • Grieves, Deidre. PetMD. “Puppy Crying: Why it Happens and How to Help,” January 27, 2017, https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/puppy-crying-why-it-happens-and-how-help.
  • PetPlace. “What to Expect from Your 8-week-old Puppy,” March 29, 2016, https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/what-to-expect-from-your-8-week-old-puppy/.

    • Observing the Common Symptoms of Newborn Health Problems

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    1 Look for increased crying and whining. Healthy newborn puppies should cry very little. In fact

    What To Do If A Newborn Puppy Is Crying

    Recently my friend’s dog Sophie delivered 5 litters. She did not experience any problems with delivery but one of the puppies was crying constantly. I had to rush to the spot and figured out, the poor little one was away from his siblings. He was fine once I kept him with his siblings, he just needed the warmth.

    The newborn puppies communicate many of their needs by crying. So Carefully watching the newborn puppies is the key. Sometimes crying can be pretty normal, but if it prolongs for more than 5 to 10 minutes, then its a sign of uneasiness or health issue. Even after your help is provided, if the newborn puppy is crying then immediately consult a veterinarian.

    Most of the times newborn puppies crying or yelping is pretty normal, but you should consider it when the crying is for long intervals and in piercing voice. Sickness is not common among newborn puppies. Few of the medical issues that need your attention are hypoglycemia, hypothermia and tummy troubles. Hypoglycemia is a condition where low blood sugars are seen. Usually, if you find your puppy too weak or seizures, get him to Vet immediately. Hypothermia a condition where it involves low body temperatures. You can see your puppy shivering or far away from his siblings. If your puppy not feeding on mother’s milk, do not ever feed him cows milk. It will lead to tummy upset or diarrhea. If you find any of your puppies are lethargic or act abnormally than other puppies. then it’s a sure sign to visit Vet.