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My puppy cries in its sleep. Is this normal or a sign of trouble?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Irish Setter | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 27 days old | 16 lbs

Is it normal for puppies to cry in there sleep?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2017

Hi there and thanks for your post.

It is not uncommon for puppies as well as dogs to dream. Sometimes they can howl or cry/whimper in their sleep when they are experiencing a dream.

As far as tear production goes, dogs do not cry (produce tears when upset or for emotional reasons) like we do.

I hope this helps and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on February 27th, 2017
Poor pup! Yes, puppies do dream and will sometimes bark, growl, or even howl in their sleep - so if he was acting normal as soon as he woke up and hasn't had any other problems, it's likely that he simply had a nightmare. If this becomes a recurring problem, I would recommend having him checked by a vet to make sure that he doesn't have a medical problem of some kind causing this behavior.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on August 4th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This sounds like typical puppy behavior to me. As long as nothing is wrong such as vomiting/diarrhea, not eating/drinking, then these sounds are made by most puppies at different times. Part of this could be due to stress and the separation of them from their mother and littermates. I think we under estimate the trauma (short term) that these little guys can go through. I hope all continues to be good and that you enjoy your puppy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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