While puppies are exciting and fun, they can also be a big adjustment. A study from the University of Helsinki shows that the changes associated with a new puppy coming home can spark negative emotions in new dog owners. The study showed that after bringing a puppy home, dog owners may experience a short-term drop in mood or even acute depression, similar to parents to of new babies sometimes feel. The “puppy blues,” as they’re called, can result in new puppy owners feeling frustrated, anxious, or worried. This increase in stress can make it difficult for dog owners to bond with their new puppies and can increase the overall stress they face getting through daily life.

New Study Explores Puppy Blues

In humans, baby blues refers to the hormonal changes that new mothers experience, usually the first two weeks after giving birth. About 85% of new mothers experience this. If these feelings last longer than two weeks, it’s known as postpartum depression.

Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that just like new parents of human children can struggle with the “baby blues,” new puppy owners can have the same experience. Aada Ståhl, a psychologist and doctoral student at the University of Helsinki, explained that she became interested in studying the idea of puppy blues after starting to see dog owners discussing this phenomenon on social media.

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Online posts showed that dog owners disclosed these emotions. “The life changes brought on by a new puppy triggered anxiety and frustration, and attachment to the puppy seemed to be lost,” Ståhl says. Ståhl notes that these feelings are similar to the baby blues’ that some parents face after the birth of a child. As a psychologist, Ståhl became curious about the short-term mood drops and began quantitative research on puppy blues to examine the specific symptoms of puppy blues.

While there aren’t hormonal changes that come from getting a new puppy, but these feelings of anxiety and restlessness seem to be prevalent in some dog owners too.

Why Do People Get Puppy Blues?

Experiencing stress or distress after bringing a new puppy home can be frustrating and isolating for puppy owners because this isn’t the response to having a new puppy that people expect. “The arrival of a puppy is generally seen as a positive life change, yet for some people, it triggers significant negative emotions,” Ståhl explains. Through the study, she also found that puppy blues can be influenced by a variety of clinical and psychological factors that may predispose puppy owners to these feelings. If dog owners already have anxiety or depression, these feelings can be stronger.

A new puppy owner can experience the puppy blues even if they fully prepared for the realities of living with a puppy. Ståhl explains this can surprise experienced puppy owners. Despite having puppies before, there’s no telling why someone might experience puppy blues for one puppy when they didn’t in the past, even if they feel ready for the new puppy.

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Ståhl notes that stress factors in a person’s life may influence their susceptibility to developing puppy blues. These factors could include family stressors, division of labor within a household, and their experience with past dogs. Puppies who display challenging behaviors may also increase the likelihood of dog owners experiencing puppy blues. “Although the issue has not yet been studied, it is reasonable to expect that the characteristics of the puppy might influence the onset of puppy blues. Similar to how a child’s health and behavioral challenges can predispose parents to affective disturbances, certain traits of puppies, such as breed, health, and behavior, might impact a new owner’s emotional experience,” Ståhl advises.

Symptoms of Puppy Blues

Ståhl explained that the researchers have categorized puppy blues symptoms as anxiety, frustration, and weariness. They all may occur together, but she says that symptoms may also “manifest more prominently in one area.” Knowing the signs of puppy blues can help you to be better prepared for caring for your new puppy and realize that you or someone you know is struggling with puppy blues after bringing a new puppy home. Ståhl breaks down the symptoms to watch for in the following ways:

Anxiety-related symptoms:

• Heightened concerns for self and the puppy
• Doubts and feelings of inadequacy as a dog owner
• Heightened concern about the puppy’s well-being

Frustration-related symptoms:

• General feelings of dissatisfaction
• Emotional stress about the unexpected challenges of caring for a puppy
• Irritation
• Struggles with developing an emotional bond with the puppy
• Feeling burdened by puppy-related work and chores
• Regret getting a puppy

Weariness-related symptoms:

• Exhaustion caring for the puppy
• Difficulty sleeping even if the puppy is sleeping well
• Anxiety about the needs of the puppy

Mental Health of Dog Owners

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The puppy blues can be unexpected and overwhelming, but new puppy owners can overcome these feelings. “Puppy blues can be alleviated by, for example, accepting and expressing feelings rather than trying to deny them,” Ståhl explains. Like other mental health challenges, talking about your feelings and not suppressing them can help. Ståhl advises taking time for yourself and asking for support while caring for your puppy to help reduce symptoms of puppy blues.

Many activities that are generally good for your mental health play a key role in helping owners overcome the puppy blues. It’s also important to maintain a good quality of life by doing things like making sure you’re eating regularly and getting sufficient sleep. Ståhl explains that when you have a new puppy in the house, it’s also helpful to try to reduce other stressors, when possible, so you can focus on learning to live with your pet. “Try to keep life as simple as possible during puppyhood and avoid major life changes at the same time,” she says.

Supporting People With New Puppies

Recognizing that puppy blues are a real issue that new dog owners may be struggling with is something that all dog professionals, including trainers and veterinarians, should consider. Ståhl explains that people who work with dogs for a living can be a great resource for new puppy owners experiencing the puppy blues. “During initial consultations, professionals can educate new puppy owners about puppy blues, explaining that it’s a common and temporary experience,” she explains. Ståhl believes that one of the best things that dog professionals can do is to normalize the experience. Spreading awareness about the puppy blues can help new puppy owners feel less alone or guilty about their feelings.

Supporting new puppy owners is something that friends can also do for each other. If you know a friend is bringing home a new puppy, reach out and not just celebrate the new puppy but genuinely check in and offer to support however you can. Some ideas include offering to bring food to the new puppy owner or asking if you can take the new puppy for a few hours to give them a break.

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Give Yourself Time

If you have a new puppy at home and are struggling, don’t be afraid to speak to your friends, family, and other dog community members about how you’re coping with this life change. The good news is that even if you’re struggling with the puppy blues, these challenging feelings don’t last forever. “One interesting finding was that the longer the time had passed since puppyhood, the more positively people remembered it. In the field of psychology, this is known as ‘fading affect bias,’ according to which the negative emotional content of memories ‘fades’ over time, and memories do not produce a negative emotional state as strongly as time has passed.” Ståhl explained. As your puppy grows up, the less you’ll remember how hard it was when they were a puppy and how upset you felt. Instead, you’ll likely look at your adult dog and fondly remember how cute and fun they were as a puppy.

Raising a puppy is hard work and can be emotionally draining, so be gentle with yourself if you start feeling overwhelmed. The puppy blues can happen to anyone, but the good thing is they don’t last forever. If your symptoms are persisting, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

The post Can Dog Owners Experience the ‘Puppy Blues?’ appeared first on American Kennel Club.

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