Decoding Your Puppy's Nighttime Crying

One of the most stressful things about a new puppy is hearing them cry at night. Your puppy's cries can fill you with guilt and confusion, leaving you unsure whether you should run to your puppy or try to wait the crying out. It is important to remember that a puppy crying during the night is normal and not your fault.

Before you brought your puppy home, they may have spent every hour of every day packed in close with their littermates and mom. They are in a new situation now and require time to adapt. Your puppy no longer hears mom's heartbeat or feels her warm breath. All the smells are different, and the environment is still and quiet. It's no surprise that your puppy cries. After all, crying is the only tool they have to communicate their discomfort, physical needs, or emotional insecurity.

Your puppy is trying to tell you something, and understanding them is the first step to resolving the issue and getting both you and your puppy back to sleep.

Adoptable Frankie with New Hope Dog Rescue (August 2026)

Common Causes of Nighttime Crying

Physical Discomfort

Your puppy might cry at night because their muscles are sore from overexerting themself during the day or from adjusting to new activities. Your puppy might also be going through growth spurts that can cause physical discomfort. Some of these causes may be unavoidable, but it is important to make sure your puppy is getting the appropriate amount of exercise.

Temperature Discomfort

Puppies can have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Smaller or short-haired breeds can struggle to keep warm, whereas larger dogs with thick coats can overheat in hot weather. Feeling too cold or too hot can wake them up. Ensuring that the temperature of where your puppy sleeps is appropriate will help reduce nighttime complaints.

Teething Pain

If your puppy is currently teething, they may cry out at night because of teething pain. Providing your puppy with a safe, chewable toy can help distract them from their pain.

Nighttime Toilet

Puppies have tiny bladders and limited control and often need to go to the toilet during the night. When taking your puppy for a nighttime toilet break, it is important not to make a fuss. You might consider not talking to your puppy or not turning on the lights. This will help your puppy understand that it is still bedtime and not time to play.

Adoptable Frannie with New Hope Dog Rescue (August 2026)

Hunger and Dehydration

Your puppy is growing, and the meal that once satisfied them may no longer be enough. Puppies burn energy fast and require frequent meals, but it is important not to let your puppy eat or drink too much before bed, as this can lead to frequent nighttime toilet trips.

Separation Anxiety

Sleeping alone can be difficult and distressing for a puppy. They are den animals who are used to the constant companionship of their littermates. To help your puppy feel less alone at night, you can leave a comfort object, such as a t-shirt with your scent, with them. It is also important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine that includes giving your puppy plenty of attention before bedtime.

Outside Disturbances

Depending on where you live in Saskatchewan, there are a variety of noises, such as traffic, noisy neighbours, or even wild animals, that could wake your sleeping puppy. If your puppy has already been asleep for a long time, it might be hard for them to go back to sleep, and they may begin to cry. To help your puppy ignore disturbances, you can try using a white noise machine to drown out unwanted noises. Or, if possible, you can move your puppy's bed to a quieter location.

In addition to addressing these causes, establishing and committing to a bedtime routine is essential to making your puppy feel secure and helping them understand when it's time to sleep. Your routine should include regular mealtimes, bathroom breaks, exercise and playtime, and consistent bedtimes.

Crate training can also be a way to create a cozy space where your puppy feels safe. If you are using a crate, it should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. You can also cover the crate with a blanket to create a safe "den" environment.

If your puppy is having difficulties with crate training, a potential solution might be to place your puppy's crate in your bedroom. Having your puppy nearby can make checking on them easier. Additionally, your presence can provide comfort and a sense of safety, which can reduce their anxiety and crying. As your puppy adjusts to sleeping in your room, you can gradually move their crate to where you would like them to sleep.

Adoptable Camper with New Hope Dog Rescue (August 2026)

Should I Ignore My Puppy Crying at Night?

No, in most cases you should not ignore your puppy crying at night. Puppies are not capable of self-soothing and rely on us to comfort and reassure them. Instead of ignoring your puppy and hoping that they quiet on their own, it is best to soothe and comfort them.

This, however, doesn't mean rushing to your puppy whenever they make a peep. Responding too quickly can cause your puppy to associate crying with getting attention. When your puppy cries, try waiting for a few minutes to see if they are capable of self-soothing. It is recommended that after 30 minutes, if your puppy continues crying, you should go check on them.

Furthermore, reassuring your puppy does not need to be elaborate. You don't need to play with them or let them out every time they cry. Simply offering a gentle touch or a reassuring word to let them know you are present is often enough.

Adoptable Mocha with New Hope Dog Rescue (August 2026)

With Patience and Love

When you are repeatedly being woken up in the middle of the night, it can be impossible to imagine anything different, but it is important to remember this is only temporary. Every puppy will develop and adjust to new sleep habits at their own pace. This is normal. The best way to care for your puppy and help them stop crying at night is to pay attention to them and respond to their needs with patience and love.

If you are reading this blog because you are preparing to welcome a new pet into your home, we invite you to take a look at our currently available dogs for adoption in Saskatoon and visit our Pawsitive Learning Hub for more training tips. Or perhaps you may be interested in becoming a foster with New Hope Dog Rescue.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary, behavioural, or training advice. New Hope Dog Rescue is not responsible for any actions taken based on this content. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or qualified professional regarding your pet's specific health, behaviour, or care needs.