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Puppy crying is a common occurrence as they often cry for varied reasons. It could be that they need something from you or perhaps, they are scared or stressed. At times, they simply cry because they are in dire need of your attention. It is imperative that you recognise what your puppy needs when they are crying. So, if you have ever asked yourself the question, ‘why is my puppy crying’, then read on and find the answers below.
There are a lot of reasons why puppies cry. As a pet parent, you need to be aware of why your little pup is crying so that you can quickly intervene and help it.
Your puppy could be crying because they are simply hungry or thirsty. This basic need does compel them to cry. Quickly recognising what is it that they need and satiating their hunger or thirst could pacify your little pup.
Another reason why your puppy might be whining is a fully bladder. This may cause them discomfort; hence, they whine with a hope that you will notice and come to their aid. It could also be that your puppy has already relieved itself and is wet.
Puppies, if ignored for prolonged periods of time, can feel incredibly lonely. This, in turn, causes them to whine or cry and seek their mother or pet parent. Given their age, puppies are extremely reliant on whoever is looking after them. So, if there is anything they might need, they have no option but to cry out.
A common reason for puppies to cry is that they may be experiencing discomfort or pain of some kind. It could also be an invisible injury that is causing them distress. Or the most common reason as to why a pup may cry: illness. A horrid bout of illness could make a full-grown adult weep, so why not cut puppies a little slack? Maybe, your adorable pet has a cold or a fever. How else do they convey their discomfort but by whining or crying? A closer inspection at the veterinary clinic may solve your pup’s problems.
Now that you know why your puppy is whining or crying, let’s explore how to handle the situation:
Puppies benefit greatly from routine. This way they know what to expect and causes them to be less stressed out. Having a set routine for pup-related activities like bathing, feeding, or playing is in your pup’s best interest.
Puppies need a regular dose of exercise and mental stimulation for their general well-being. They tend to have a lot of pent-up energy that they need to expend regularly. Once this is taken care of, puppies are less likely to whine.
If you provide positive reinforcement to your puppy when it is calm and collected, chances are that they would stop whining unnecessarily. A puppy’s attention-seeking tendencies are better off nipped in the bud so that it does not create problems later.
You could also consider crate training to keep your puppy from whining. Dogs have been known to benefit from crate training as it provides them with a safe and secure place to relax in. This, in turn, causes them to cry and whine a lot lesser as they get acclimatised to the crate.
Every new dog parent can feel clueless about why puppies cry. However, since you have reached the end of this article, it is safe to assume that you can now identify the reasons behind your pup’s whining and how to address it.
Yes, it is normal for puppies to cry. A crying puppy is trying to communicate hunger, discomfort, or emotions such as loneliness or fear. Understanding these signals is essential in responding effectively to their needs.
Short bouts of crying are normal, especially during initial home transitions. However, consistent crying over 20-30 minutes could indicate distress or an unmet need that should be addressed promptly to ensure their comfort and well-being.
While it may be tempting, do not ignore a whining puppy. As crying can be a sign of medical issues as well, it's crucial to investigate the cause and understand why your puppy is whining. Meeting its needs early on can foster a sense of security and reinforce positive behaviors.
To stop a puppy from whining, identify and address the root cause. Whether it's hunger, a need for companionship or a bathroom break, meeting its needs will build trust and reduce unnecessary whining. If your pup doesn’t stop whining even after eating, releasing itself, and getting cuddles, it could be crying out of pain or discomfort. In this case, consult a vet immediately to seek medical assistance.
Continued puppy crying may indicate unfulfilled needs, discomfort, or stress. It’s a signal that attention is needed to assess their environment, health, or daily routine to identify and resolve the issue, and keep your little pup happy.
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