If you thought babies were the only ones to get cranky when they don't get enough sleep, think again. Puppies are next in line when it comes to winning the crabbiest family member award. Fortunately, the solution to a cranky puppy is quite easy. Simply create a comfy spot free of distractions and let your pup catch up on some well-deserved zzz's.
Newborn sleeping beauties
When it comes to newborn puppies, these helpless fellows need all the sleep they can get. This isn't the regular beauty sleep you need to feel refreshed after a late night out; rather, when it comes to these pups their activated sleep is all about growth and development. Expect them to sleep and nurse 90 percent of the time.
Video of the Day
A puppy that is constantly crying isn't cranky but most likely cold, hungry, or getting ill. In such a case, the momma dog and her entire litter should be examined immediately by a veterinarian.
Let sleeping pups lie
As the puppies grow, they start exploring their surroundings and start to play. Don't be surprised if your puppy is playing one minute and then sleeping soundly the next. While he's conked out on the carpet, his brain is still maturing and building new neural connections.
Keep an eye on him so you can take him out to go potty, but don't wake him up yet. At this age, he needs as much sleep as he can get, and failure to catch those 40 winks may transform him into a moody, restless zombie.
A busy pup's life
Being a puppy is not a walk in the park. Most puppies stay busy as they experience loads of novel experiences. New sights, new smells, play, and socialization can easily drain all the pup's energy. It's your job to ensure he gets enough sleep. Keep in mind that generally, puppies need 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day.
Puppy not sleeping enough
If you find yourself with a cranky puppy on your hands, you can't blame him. Spared from the gift of voice, he has no way of telling you he's tired of playing with your grandkids and needs to hit the sack. His hyper, restless, fearful, nervous, anxious, nippy and overly vocal behavior may be his way of manifesting his need to doze off. In this case, you need to step in and let the pup get his deserved dose of sleep.
Encourage a siesta
You can take several steps to prevent your pup from getting cranky. Don't let him crash in the middle of the living room where the lights are bright and people walk by and make all sorts of noises. A nap inside a crate or gated area where you can dim the lights and he can't be jostled or woken up is the best solution. This also helps your pup become more independent, rather than relying on your comfort and presence to sleep.
Put together a consistent schedule so that your puppy doesn't stay active for hours at a time and takes his well-deserved naps throughout the day. A good schedule should include mealtimes, potty breaks, walks, and playtime, with plenty of gaps for sleep.