Generally, puppies are capable of sleeping through the night. Newborn puppies spend a significant amount of time sleeping, often up to 22 hours a day. Even puppies that are one to two months old can sleep for about 15 hours daily. As long as they receive sufficient food during the day, it’s quite possible for them to sleep soundly through the night.
Puppy Sleep Duration
A dog's sleep patterns vary based on its age and activity level. Newborn puppies spend around 90% of their day sleeping, approximately 22 hours. Puppies between 8 and 16 weeks old typically sleep for 15 to 20 hours a day, waking up for about an hour at a time. Frequent naps of 30 minutes to two hours are perfectly normal for young pups. Therefore, to avoid nighttime awakenings, it's essential for owners to establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and bedtime. This will create a stable and healthy daily routine for both you and your puppy.
How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night
Create a comfortable sleep environment for your puppy. Provide a warm blanket, and place a ticking clock nearby to simulate a comforting heartbeat rhythm. You can also use a radio at low volume or a white noise machine to help your puppy fall asleep. Consider putting a heated pad under one half of the crate to provide a cozy and warm spot for your puppy to curl up. Since the heating pad is outside or underneath the crate, the puppy shouldn't be able to chew on the cord or pad itself.
Important Considerations When Raising a Puppy
Avoid bathing puppies younger than three months. If your puppy gets dirty, gently clean the affected areas using a towel and warm water. If the whole puppy is quite dirty, wait a few days for it to regain strength before giving it a full bath. After bathing, towel-dry your puppy and then wrap it in a dry towel or blanket and let it air dry in a warm place. Slightly older puppies can be dried with a hair dryer on a warm, but not hot, setting. Avoid using hot air, as it can make the puppy sick.