Why Do Newborn Puppies Cry?
Newborn puppies are so adorable that it’s hard to imagine why they cry at all—but cry they do! As is the case with human babies, newborn puppies cry for a range of reasons, most of which are totally normal. Here are some of the most common causes of puppy crying:
Hunger
- Puppies need to eat frequently, usually every two to three hours.
- A newborn puppy’s stomach can hold only a tiny amount of liquid, so it won’t take long or involve much to trigger a hunger-based cry.
- If your puppy cries for food more than four hours apart, it may not be getting enough from its mother’s milk.
Uncomfortable Temperature
- Puppies must remain comfortable but not too warm or too cold.
- If the area is too cold, a puppy may shiver or cry to generate more warmth.
- If the area is too warm, a puppy may cry to cool down.
Fear and Stress
- Newborn puppies are prone to fear and stress, just like human babies.
- It’s very much a normal part of puppies’ early lives.
- If the newborn puppy is scared, stressed, or feeling overwhelmed, it may cry out for comfort and security.
Separation Anxiety
- Separation anxiety sets in if the puppy feels too alone.
- The puppy may cry to draw attention and seek comfort.
- Ensuring that the puppy has plenty of time and access to its mother and littermates can counteract this.
Crying is a normal part of puppyhood, yet it can be difficult for owners to know how to respond. It’s important first to identify why the puppy is crying, as different types of cries require different types of responses. If in doubt, take the puppy to a veterinarian for a checkup.