Do Puppies Sleep More When Teething?

If your puppy is of teething age and you’re wondering why they are sleeping a lot more lately, you’ve come to the right place! Do puppies sleep more during teething, or does the pain and discomfort keep them awake? Well, search no more, as we’ve got all the answers!  

First of all, puppies are famous for their huge appetite for sleep; in fact, it’s completely normal for them to sleep 16-18hrs a day. The only time they are active is when you give them some treats or they have to go to the restroom. But how does a teething pup behave – Do they sleep all the time? Do they whine like a baby? Well, read on to find out!  

This article will discuss the cause and remedies for your pup’s discomfort during teething. We will further explore how teething can affect your little precious’s sleep schedule and how to make them more comfortable throughout the teething process. 

Why Do Puppies Sleep More when Teething?

Teething in puppies occurs from 6-12 weeks from birth; this phase is also a period for rapid growth in your pups. With the growth sprout hitting them, they may be exhausted and tend to sleep more during this period. Besides this, your pooch’s gums may be hurting while teething, and they might sleep as a method of pain relief. 

During teething, the gums of your precious pooch are inflamed, and as the pain intensifies, they will look for other methods to cope. In some cases, they might not sleep a wink during the night and will be exhausted and tired all day. Therefore, they might end up sleeping during the day due to exhaustion.

The teething period also overlaps with the excessive growth period of your pooch, so during this period, your pup feeling tired and sleepy all the time is completely normal. While sleeping, a great deal of growth happens, and it is considered normal for your little pup to be tired and sleepy. Be it pain, the uncomfortable feeling, or the growth spurt, it’s common for puppies to sleep more during teething.  

What Are the Symptoms of Puppy Teething?

Puppies are whiney by nature; however, if your pooch got out of its whiney phase and relapsed right back into the behavior shortly, it might be an indication that your pup is teething. Excessive drooling, chewing a lot, or slower eating habits are also tell-tale signs of teething. Although the symptoms are rarely severe, please note that light bleeding or inflamed gums can also indicate teething. 

Teething is painful for your pup; in order to cope with the pain, they might become more aggressive and whiny, especially while chewing on something or while eating. Your pup’s gums are sensitive while teething, and even small external factors could trigger pain and discomfort. The new growing teeth and the pain in their gum could also cause your pup to drool excessively.   

Moreover, if you happen to notice small spots of blood on your pooch’s favorite toys, you needn’t worry much, as light bleeding is common from teething pup’s gum. Besides bleeding, your pup’s gums could also be inflamed, making it difficult to chew and play. If you notice heavy bleeding or signs of infection and severe inflammation, please note that it is not normal and get in touch with a vet doctor soon.  

How Can I Help My Teething Puppy if They Are Sleeping More than Normal?

Though it’s completely normal for your pooch to sleep while teething, sometimes it can be hard to stay idle doing nothing for pet parents when it comes to their pooch’s best health. Firstly, allow your pup to take the rest they need and offer them chewing toys and playtime to make them more active and distract them from the discomfort. Having said that, ensure you’re giving your pup a break from time to time. 

As your pup might have stayed awake the entire night, you need to provide a sleep-friendly environment for your pup during the day. The sounds of children and animals distract your pooch from sleeping soundly and are the main cause that your pup doesn’t get the sleep it needs. Whether it’s a dog crate or their own room, please provide them with a safe haven to drift off, as sleep deprivation is not beneficial for your pup’s health. 

If you feel your pup is getting way too sleepy and is always exhausted, you can always grab their attention with their favorite toys. It’s better to offer them frozen/ chilly chewing toys several times a day as ice helps reduce inflammation and pain. Finally, if your pooch is in the training phase, give them plenty of rest, as they are probably too distracted by pain, making it difficult for them to focus on their training tasks.

Conclusion

We understand how difficult it is to see your poor puppy sleeping throughout the day due to the pain and discomfort they’re suffering from. However, please know that puppies sleeping more when teething is normal, and there’s little you can do to help your pooch from the natural teething phenomenon. Make sure you provide them with plenty of rest and a peaceful environment, do not force training and exercise on them, and most importantly, be patient with their whines and cries; your pup will be actively playing with you in no time. We wish your pup speedy teething!

Author

  • Brad

    Hi I'm Brad, the founder of bulldogpapa.com. Having been a vet of 6 years I work alongside our team to provide valuable insight into your dog's health. I have a frenchie myself named Senzu who is my pride and joy!