How to Get a Litter of Puppies to Sleep

Last Updated: June 29, 2021 References

Newborn puppies typically sleep 90% of the time. To ensure that they get the sleep they need, you'll want to make sure the temperature is controlled, the environment is quiet, and that they have a comfortable space to lie in. If the puppies aren't sleeping, you'll want to call the vet, as they may have fading puppy syndrome.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Controlling the temperature

1
Let the mother dog take care of controlling the puppies' temperatures. The mother's body heat is usually best in modulating the pups' temperatures. As long as the room is warm enough, the mother will have no trouble keeping the puppies warm. A warm puppy is a sleepy puppy.^{[1]
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2
Keep the room warm. For the first week the temperature should be kept from 85 to 90 degrees, 80 to 85 degrees for the second, 75 to 80 for the third, and 70 to 75 for the fourth. After that, the temperature can stay around 70 to 75 degrees.^{[2]
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- Don't get the room too warm, as the puppy can get hyperthermia.
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3
Use body heat to warm a cool puppy. If the puppy litter doesn't have a mother for some reason, then you'll need to warm the puppy. Use your body heat first, and once the puppy's stabilized, you can use other methods such as heating pads and heat lamps. The puppy should sleep once it's temperature has been stabilized.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Keeping the Environment Quiet

1
Don't disturb a sleeping puppy. Puppies need sleep for healthy development. If the puppies are sleeping, you should let them sleep. If you need to clean the box, you can wake them temporarily, but try not to disturb them too often. Also, if you disturb the puppies too much the mother can get touchy and may move her pups.^{[4]
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2
Make sure the litter is in a low-traffic area of the house. This will help ensure that the puppies are getting the quiet they need. It will also help the mother feel safer about her pups. A kitchen is not an ideal place, but an out-of-the way pantry or laundry room may be better.^{[5]
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3
Keep noise in the house to a minimum during the first few weeks. If you have children, this might mean reminding them that there are sleeping puppies in the house. You'll want to avoid having large social gatherings or lots of guests during the first few weeks of the puppies' lives. This will help them sleep soundly and stay healthy.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Providing a Comfortable Space for the Litter

1
Make sure the mother and litter are in an area that feels safe. Oftentimes, this will be a closed-in area such as a closet or a corner of a bedroom. If a mother has chosen an area that is out of the way and not dangerous (such as near dangerous chemicals, etc.), then it's best to work around the mother's choices. If the mother is calm and happy, then her pups are likely to sleep better. And if the mother's not happy with the place, she's more likely to move them and that will certainly disrupt their sleep.^{[7]
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2
Provide plenty of padding for the puppies and their mother. You'll want to make sure the materials you use are safe for puppies, as puppies are more susceptible to toxins at an early age. If you use blankets, you may want to use older ones, as the puppies may stain them. If you use padding, make sure to change it every couple of days or so.^{[8]
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3
Make sure the area or box is big enough. You'll want the mother and the puppies to be able to stretch out comfortably in their space. This will help the mother is at ease. You'll also want to make sure the mother can get out of the box when needed.^{[9]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Staying Alert for Fading Puppy Syndrome

1
Watch puppies' behavior. Normal puppies will curl up in their sleep and twitch. They will also sleep about 90% of the time. Really, if a puppy is perfectly healthy, they should have no trouble sleeping. They will also nurse eagerly and they shouldn't whine that much. ^{[10]
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2
Make sure all puppies are nursing regularly. Regular nursing is a sign of health. The puppies should nurse eagerly. They will do so regularly and without help. If they stop or seem unenthusiastic about nursing, it may be time to call the vet.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Damon
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 1 March 2021.}
- If a puppy doesn't have a mother, you'll have to feed it by hand. Make sure you warm up the puppy milk replacer (formula for puppies) to around 98-100 degrees before giving it to the puppies. This will mimic the temperature of their mother's milk and help them sleep. You can find puppy milk replacer at you local pet store.^{[12]
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3
Call the vet if one of the puppies won't sleep, or doesn't sleep very much. Newborn puppies should sleep. If they won't, it is possible they may have fading puppy syndrome and need to see a vet immediately. Talk to the vet about the appropriate means of transport to the vet, or see if the vet can come to you. The puppy's immune system is very weak as a newborn, so you won't want to take any risks in taking the puppy to the vet.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Damon
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 1 March 2021.}

Expert Q&A

Question

What do I need to monitor after the pups start nursing?

Jennifer Damon
Professional Dog Trainer
Jennifer Damon is a Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of Love for Paws Dog Training in Richmond, VA. With over 10 years of experience training dogs, Jennifer specializes in determining the psychology that motivates dog behavior. As a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Jennifer is passionate about improving the communication between owners and their pets through gentle, scientifically-backed methods. She holds a BFA in Communication Arts from the University of Montevallo and a Certificate in Canine Behavior Consulting from The International College of Canine Studies.

Jennifer Damon

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

You really need to make sure that your puppies are eating enough. They'll start crying and have trouble falling asleep if they aren't getting enough milk.
Question

What potential emergencies do I need to look out for?

Jennifer Damon
Professional Dog Trainer
Jennifer Damon is a Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of Love for Paws Dog Training in Richmond, VA. With over 10 years of experience training dogs, Jennifer specializes in determining the psychology that motivates dog behavior. As a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Jennifer is passionate about improving the communication between owners and their pets through gentle, scientifically-backed methods. She holds a BFA in Communication Arts from the University of Montevallo and a Certificate in Canine Behavior Consulting from The International College of Canine Studies.

Jennifer Damon

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

If your puppies are losing weight, struggling to feed, or they appear bloated, you need to contact a vet as soon as possible to get instructions and help.

Warnings

Be cautious around the mother and her pups. Mother dogs can be quite protective.

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When you leave the pen, make sure you do it quietly.

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This information is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.

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