Why Is My Puppy Crying & How To Stop Puppy From Whining

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 recognize 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. 

Reasons why puppies cry

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.

• Hunger and thirst

  Your puppy could be crying because they are simply hungry or thirsty. This basic need does compel them to cry. Quickly recognizing what is it that they need and satiating their hunger or thirst could pacify your little pup.

• A full bladder

  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.

• Loneliness or separation anxiety

  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.

• Discomfort, pain or illness

  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.

How to stop your puppy from whining

Now that you know why your puppy is whining or crying, let’s explore how to handle the situation:

• Consistency is key

  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.

• Exercise and mental stimulation

  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.

• Reinforce calm behavior

  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.

• Consider crate training

  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 acclimatized 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.