Welcoming a new puppy at home is a very exciting experience because puppies improve the owners’ lives and relations by offering emotional support, and encouraging good physical and mental well-being. However, it brings some challenges, particularly whining at night. Puppies rely largely on whining as one of their major forms of communication, particularly during the formative months.
According to research, this whining not only stresses puppies but also their owners, disturbing sound sleep and resulting in chronic sleep deprivation. To overcome it, knowledge of the causes of whining will help in identifying the right solutions, and hence, ensure a peaceful night and successful transition for your new furry companion.
Why Do Puppies Whine at Night?
There are many reasons why puppies whine at night. Among those reasons include physical needs to emotional distress. One needs to understand the real cause of their puppy’s night-time whining to better address the problem.
Adjustment to a New Environment
When you move to a new home, puppies might be overwhelmed, leading to disorientation, anxiety, and, therefore, whining for comfort and reassurance. Without the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of their previous environment, puppies can feel completely lost in a new space which may trigger them to cry simply from fear or discomfort about a different waking up spot.
Sick or Unwell Puppy
If your puppy is suffering from some pain or sickness, then it whines because it is trying to communicate its pain. There can be numerous reasons behind health problems which may include teething, injury, post-operative recovery, infectious disease, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal issues, allergy, or some dental issues. Observe your puppy’s behavior and sleep pattern.
Separation Anxiety
Since puppies are social animals, by nature, they thrive on companionship. Within 8 weeks of age, they are separated from their mothers and littermates and taken to new homes with their pet parents. This isolation can cause separation anxiety, and whining is an expression of discomfort due to being away from family. Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, certified veterinary behaviorist and owner of Insight Animal Behavior Services, says, “Separation anxiety is one of the most serious issues I treat on a weekly basis.”
Physical Needs
Puppies have tiny bladders and little control, so they need frequent bathroom breaks. To figure out how long your puppy can hold it through the night, just use this formula: add one hour to their age in months. So a 2-month-old puppy can wait about three hours and a 4-month-old puppy can last five hours. Also, if they are hungry or thirsty, they would whine.
Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
Boredom or lack of stimulation is perhaps the most common cause of puppy whining. Smart, energetic dogs like German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and Labradors are often plagued by boredom and frustration if left without both mental and physical stimulation.
Read also: How to Train a German Shepherd
Tips to Reduce Puppy Whining at Night
To help your puppy adjust and reduce nighttime whining, try the following tips:
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Having a regular sleep routine works as a cue to your puppy that it is sleeping time. Some bedtime rituals by which your puppy can understand its sleeping time can be a last bathroom break or just gentle petting, quiet time together, or reading. Dimming lights and lowering the noise in the home also promote this kind of atmosphere that relaxes your puppy and prepares him or her for a good night’s sleep.
Create a Comfortable Sleeping Space
Create a cozy space for your puppy to sleep in the crate, puppy bed, or even under your bed with the comfort of knowing that it is a secure haven. Consider soothing aids to comfort your dog like heat pads or heartbeat-mimicking toys to replicate that warmth and security associated with their mother’s presence, helping your puppy relax and sleep peacefully.
Ensure Basic Needs Are Met
Meet the puppy’s physical needs by feeding them a well-balanced meal and taking them for their last bathroom break of the day. Give them daytime mental stimulation and exercise that will prevent boredom. This also prevents nighttime accidents, discomforts, boredom, and anxiety and ensures that your puppy is recharged for the next day’s energetic play, thereby ensuring successful training.
Keep Them Close
To reduce the night anxiety, you can start letting your puppy sleep in the same room as you for the initial weeks. This proximity provides some comfort and eases them into your house. Once your puppy feels safe, you can gradually move them to their own space, thus minimizing the risk of developing separation anxiety.
Limit Interaction During Nighttime Disturbances
When your puppy cries, do not pay much attention to them, and just ignore touching them. Respond briefly to them, but be minimal with cuddling or over-attention, because it may encourage whining. However, Dr. Wailani Sung, Behavioral consultant at Joybound People and Pets in California, suggests understanding the underlying cause of their distress.
Utilize Crate Training
Crate training is highly effective for helping puppies sleep through the night, minimizing whining, and ensuring comfort. It offers a cozy, anxiety-reducing space and teaches independence. Introduce the crate positively with treats and toys, then increase time alone gradually. Place the crate near your bedroom first to minimize feelings of isolation. Gradually relocate the crate as your puppy becomes more confident, which will ensure calm nights and happy mornings.
Use of Calming Aids
When choosing canine calming aids, keep in mind that although some owners have found them helpful, there is little or no scientific evidence. Be certain to consult with your veterinarian first before using supplements, as quality and safety can differ by brand and batch. Pheromone products like Adaptil mimic natural dog-appeasing pheromones to relax puppies, particularly in the relief of noise or visitor stress.
Along with calming aids, environmental aids are a non-harmful way to calm frazzled puppies. Try:
1. Heartbeat toys: These mimic the mother’s heartbeat, which is soothing.
2. White noise machines: These produce continuous soothing sounds to drown out other noise.
3. Calming clocks: Some clocks produce soothing sounds or vibrations that lead to relaxation.
These gadgets make the world a more peaceful place, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep for your puppy.
Expected Duration of Whining:
Whining time generally lasts for some weeks to some months, considering the age of the puppy, breed, and personality. Excessive whining over 4-6 months or moderately warrants a visit to a vet or animal behaviorist.
“Cry It Out” vs “Comforting” Debate:
In the “Cry It Out” vs “Comforting” dilemma through the night in puppies, an intermediate solution is advocated by the majority of specialists. Keeping a whine away from the puppy entirely may give anxiety and fear, but rewarding them each time they whine spoils them. Instead, have a soothing bedtime ritual, satisfy the puppy’s fundamental needs, and allow them to soothe themselves through slow, gradual processes. This type of treatment provides reassurance to the puppies and quiets them down. Consult from a veterinarian’s or animal behaviorist’s perspective for your puppy’s specific needs.
Red Flags for Medical Problems
| Sign/Symptom | What It May Mean | What to Do |
| Vomiting, diarrhea | Gastrointestinal issue, infection | Call the vet immediately |
| Loss of appetite | Illness, dental issue, or pain | Make an appointment with the vet |
| Fever, lethargy | Infection, illness | Infection, illness | See a veterinarian |
| Changes in urination | Urinary tract infection or kidney issue | Consult vet |
| Whining with limping or pain | Injury or orthopedic issue | Get veterinary attention promptly |
| Discharge or redness in the eyes/ nose | Infection or allergy | Consult vet |
Conclusion
Dealing with a whining puppy at night requires a lot of patience and consistency. If the cause can be identified and proper strategies are put into practice, whining can be minimized or cease altogether.
