We all know that dogs will cry for a lot of reasons and it usually ends up being nothing. However, there are times when a dog crying can signal that there’s something wrong with your pooch.
Because of this, a lot of dog owners will try and talk to their dogs and see how they react. By keeping an eye on the way they’re acting, you can usually tell what the problem is.
A lot of owners will know that it’s better to be safe than sorry and the majority of the time will look for some advice to try and diffuse the situation.
At the end of the day, dogs are our world and we would do anything for them. When dogs cry in their sleep, it can be for several reasons, which we’ll look at here.
How Long Do Dogs Sleep For In A Day?
Dogs have a natural circadian rhythm where they tend to wake up around dawn and go to bed around dusk. This means that most dogs will sleep during the night and awake during the day.
If you want your pet to stay healthy and happy, you should ensure that they get enough exercise every day. You should also make sure that they have a healthy eating pattern with a balanced diet.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Sleeping Too Much Or Not Enough?
The first thing to check is whether your dog has a normal amount of sleep each day. Most experts recommend that dogs get between 8-12 hours of sleep per day. It’s important to note that if your dog gets too little or too much sleep, it won’t be able to function properly.
They may start to become lethargic or lose interest in things such as food. Many people think that a dog sleeping too much is a good thing because they feel like they’re getting more rest but this isn’t necessarily true.
When a dog is younger, they do tend to sleep a lot more because they use their energy a lot quicker. Notice how puppies will always have a nap during the day after eating or playing? These sleep cycles are normal and will change to a more stable routine as they get older.
Why Does My Dog Cry In Their Sleep?
There are many different reasons why a dog might cry in its sleep. The most common reason is due to stress. Stressful situations can cause your dog to act out in various ways including by crying in their sleep.
These stressful situations are usually down to what they’re dreaming about and that they could be having a scary dream. However, this isn’t always the case.
If your dog is constantly waking up from dreams, then chances are they’re not stressed. It’s worth noting that if your dog wakes up frequently during the night, it can affect its sleep patterns.
This can lead to them having trouble falling asleep again. If this happens regularly, then it’s best to take action and find out what’s causing the issue.
Another reason why a dog might cry in their sleep is that they’re sleeping awkwardly and are in a bit of discomfort. We’ve all seen our pups sleeping in some of the most random spots, so it’s no surprise that they sometimes wake up feeling uncomfortable.
A third reason why a dog cry in their sleep is because of pain. Some breeds of dogs suffer from hip dysplasia and other health issues that can cause them to cry in their sleep.
Other ailments include arthritis, ear infections, and even dental problems. On top of this, your furry friend might be suffering from some sort of sleep disorder, which we’ll look at now.
What Are The Different Types Of Sleep Disorders?
Dogs can experience many different types of sleep disorders. Some of these sleep disorders are caused by physical illnesses while others are related to mental conditions.
There are two main categories when it comes to sleep disorders: those that involve excessive daytime napping and those that occur at night.
Some sleep disorders only happen when you’re awake. These disorders include narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Narcolepsy affects around 1% of the general population and causes your dog to fall into a deep sleep for long periods.
Idiopathic hypersomnia is rarer than narcolepsy but it also occurs when someone is awake. It causes a person to nap throughout the day and often leads to weight gain.
Other sleep disorders only happen when your dog is sleeping deeply. These disorders include canine parasomnias and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Canine parasomnias are caused by an abnormal brainwave pattern that makes your dog behave strangely.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are linked to genetics and can make your dog act very tired during the day.
How To Stop Your Puppy From Crying In Their Sleep
It always helps to understand why your pup is crying in their sleep because if it’s for a fairly common reason, then you’ll be able to sort things out fairly easily. However, if it’s something that you’re unfamiliar with, then it could be a bit harder to find a quick solution.
For example, if your dog is uncomfortable when they sleep, then you can make their bed comfier or move them into a better position.
If your dog is experiencing rapid eye movement in their slumber, or REM sleep for short, then this means that they’re having a deep sleep and could be having a nightmare. By stroking them or talking to them softly, you might be able to calm them down and let them know that they’re safe.
If your dog has been diagnosed with any type of sleep disorder, then there are certain medications that you can give them to help improve their quality of life.
For example, melatonin is used to treat insomnia and it can also help reduce anxiety. It’s important to note that not every medication will work on every breed of dog.
There are also various exercises that you can do to help prevent your puppy from becoming overweight. Exercising your dog regularly is one way to keep them fit and healthy. This includes walking your dog daily as well as playing fetch with them.
You should also ensure that they get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. This also makes sure that they’re tired enough to go to sleep by the time dream time comes around.
Why Else Might My Puppy Cry?
While some of the reasons behind your puppy crying in their sleep are quite obvious, other factors may play a role. One of the most common triggers is separation anxiety. If your dog becomes distressed when left alone, then it may start to cry in its sleep.
This doesn’t mean that they don’t love being left alone, it just indicates that they have a fear of being away from their loved ones for too long. This may cause stress in sleep or end up causing bad dreams.
Low-quality food might be another reason why your dog could be crying. Ensuring a dog has a balanced diet, especially in their early years, is very important to their physical and mental health.
When feeding your dog a high-calorie diet, they may become more active and energetic than normal. This means that they may feel like they need to exercise and burn off all those extra calories.
Some dogs even develop allergies after eating certain foods. If your dog starts to experience symptoms such as swollen eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, then this could indicate an allergy.
Another reason your dog might be crying is that they want your attention. This can either be because they want to have some food, want to have some exercise, or they want to play with you.
If we’re being honest, this can be more or less anything! It could also mean that they need to use the bathroom and that they need to go outside to do their business. Human brains won’t ever fully understand why dogs act the way they do, but we love them all the same.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons that your companion might cry in their sleep, and it can often be more serious than you originally thought. With sleep disorders not being uncommon in dogs, you can’t be too careful.
As mentioned earlier, you can try giving your pet some supplements to help calm them down during the night. However, if you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, then it’s best to consult your vet straight away.
At the end of the day, your dog’s health, both physical and mental, is the most important thing and as long as you can keep them happy and healthy, you’re bound to be happy and healthy yourself.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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