{"id":11263,"date":"2022-08-11T09:13:04","date_gmt":"2022-08-11T08:13:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=11263"},"modified":"2023-02-10T16:14:10","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T16:14:10","slug":"what-are-puppy-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/what-are-puppy-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Puppy Blues and How to Overcome Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welcoming a furry friend to your home is an exciting moment. But for some pet owners, especially first-time dog parents, the initial stages are anything but joyful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not uncommon to feel <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overwhelmed<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and even a little down as commitments around your four-legged companion increase\u2014a phenomenon known as puppy blues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are puppy blues<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> exactly, when do they go away and what can you do to overcome them?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep on reading for the answers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-are-puppy-blues'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are Puppy Blues<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term puppy blues refers to a <\/span><b>range of negative emotions<\/b> <b>that can come with being a new pet parent.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These feelings may range from mild disappointment to serious distress, or anything in between.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the euphoria around your new four-legged friend subsides and your new puppy continues to take up much of your time and energy you might even start <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feeling guilty about getting a new dog <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and think about rehoming your pup or returning him to the breeder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not to worry! Puppy blues, or post-puppy depression is <\/span><b>completely<\/b> <b>normal and only temporary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='how-long-do-puppy-blues-last'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Long Do Puppy Blues Last<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when do puppies get easier<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truth is, it\u2019s difficult to pinpoint an exact time. It mainly depends on how well your dog is getting on with basic training and how much support you have from family and friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For most people, it <\/span><b>only takes a few weeks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014enough time for you and your pup to get comfortable with each other and settle into the new routine. In other words, if you are hit with the blues and thinking of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">returning your puppy after a week<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you would be making a rushed decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rare cases, though, puppy blues can turn into an overwhelmingly <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negative experience<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and linger for months. If you start thinking along the lines of \u2018my dog is ruining my mental health\u2019, it might be best to consult a therapist or a mental health professional who can help you deal with the negative emotions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='why-do-puppy-blues-happen'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Do Puppy Blues Happen?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, there isn\u2019t one specific thing that leads to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new puppy stress syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is more likely a combination of several factors, which can add up and become <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">frustrating<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">upsetting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on all fronts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the most common causes of post-puppy depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Routine Disruption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A new puppy can cause big changes to your daily routine. You will have to make time for walks, training, play, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-many-times-a-day-should-a-dog-eat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feeding time<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which means putting some of your personal stuff, like binging a TV show or going to the gym, on hold.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Being responsible for another living being: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking care of a puppy is a full-time occupation\u2014they rely on you for everything which can be incredibly exhausting, both physically and mentally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Your house is a mess: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constantly cleaning up after your puppy can be irritating and the cause of more negative feelings towards your dog.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Overexposure to information: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of information online on puppy grooming and caring may be helpful, but overwhelming at the same time. Too much information can leave new dog owners questioning if they are doing everything right and result in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feelings of inadequacy or anxiety.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Losing sleep:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Getting less sleep than usual because your new pup needs attention in the middle of the night, only leads to more fatigue and frustration.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pressure on finances:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Small dogs are costly as they need <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">special food<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stimulating toys, and grooming. If you\u2019re feeling the financial strain that comes with pet ownership, it can lead to additional stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id='how-to-overcome-puppy-blues'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Overcome Puppy Blues<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, there are some things you can do to <\/span><b>ease your transition into pet parenthood<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and help deal with the symptoms of puppy blues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some might prove more effective than others, as everyone manages to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cope<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with change differently. You need to figure out what works best for you and your lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='1-make-sure-you-have-a-network-of-support%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Make sure you have a network of support\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having help and support is crucial for new pet owners. Whether it\u2019s your partner, close friends, kids, neighbors, or even fellow dog parents in your neighborhood, these people can offer much-needed assistance and words of wisdom when things get tough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or they can simply puppysit for you while you get some quality \u201cme\u201d time. Having others take care of your new pup for a couple of hours also helps build their social skills and teaches your doggie to be comfortable around new people, so a win-win.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t have any relatives or friends to rely on, consider joining an online pet parenting forum. It can be helpful to talk to someone who\u2019s been through the same thing and can offer non-judgmental support.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='2-keep-your-puppy-active-and-engaged'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Keep your puppy active and engaged<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take your puppy out for as many walks as your schedule permits. If this is not doable, you can always play a few rounds of fetch or get him to chase his favorite toy around the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog toys that provide physical and mental stimulation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as chew toys or interactive puzzles. These will keep your pooch entertained when you\u2019re out of the house as well as when you need some downtime.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activities not only promote his well-being but make him easier to manage, too. Plus, what better way to bond with your pet than playtime?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that dogs love routine, so try and exercise your puppy at the same time each day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='3-manage-your-expectations'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Manage your expectations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might think that getting a new puppy is all fun and games, only to find that taking care of a small dog is a 24\/7 job. The difference between what you expected and the reality can build up some negative emotions and make you say things like \u2018<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I regret getting a puppy\u2019 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or \u2018<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I don&#8217;t want my puppy anymore<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before that happens, it\u2019s important to know what to expect and what constitutes as normal behavior for a puppy. For instance, an informed pet owner will know that a pup is chewing on the table legs because he is teething. It may still drive you nuts, but at least you will know what is causing his behavior and when it will stop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a look at our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/new-puppy-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top puppy tips for new owners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more information.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 id='4-celebrate-small-victories'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Celebrate small victories<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet parenting may seem frustrating at times, but try to focus on the positive moments and take pride in your dog\u2019s accomplishments\u2014no matter how small.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your dog can also join in the celebrations. Give him a treat when he obeys you or learns a new trick. This way you are positively reinforcing good behavior and forming a habit in your dog that will last well into adulthood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='5-try-to-stay-calm'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Try to stay calm<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you feel that it is all becoming too much or you are just plain tired of picking up after your puppy, tell yourself \u2018this is just a phase\u2019 and \u2018it\u2019s not like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">my puppy doesn&#8217;t like me and is doing it on purpose\u2019.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try to be patient with your pup and remember that everything is new to him, so don\u2019t treat him too harshly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, some issues like biting and chewing might continue as dogs get older, so it\u2019s important to address them early on by talking to a professional trainer or your vet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='6-invest-time-in-toilet-training%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Invest time in toilet training\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/potty-training-a-puppy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toilet training a puppy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the most challenging tasks for new pet owners, but not impossible to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buy a good quality carpet or floor cleaner to remove the smell of urine\u2014dogs tend to pee in the same spot as a way to mark their territory and will continue to do so until you remove the smell. Give your dog a treat every time they successfully do their business outside, and above all be persistent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='7-don%e2%80%99t-beat-yourself-up'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Don\u2019t beat yourself up<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might feel guilty for having thoughts like \u2018<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I hate my puppy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019 or \u2018I made a huge mistake\u2019. Don\u2019t!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Puppies are a lot of work, and it\u2019s only natural that you feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Once you tell yourself that feeling resentful and even angry at your dog at times is okay, you will start to overcome the puppy blues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='final-thoughts'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the post-puppy blues are a common and perfectly normal phenomenon, it doesn&#8217;t make them any easier to deal with. Oftentimes, adverse emotions can feel overwhelming, making it much easier to give the whole thing up and return or rehome the puppy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In these times remember that it\u2019s all just temporary and that every dog owner has dealt with their fair share of challenges, eventually overcoming them with time, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">patience<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">perseverance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Who&#8217;s to say you can&#8217;t do the same?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faqs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id='when-does-having-a-puppy-get-easier'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When does having a puppy get easier?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This depends on you and your pet, but usually, things get much easier in a month or less. All it takes is for you and your puppy to get used to each other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='is-raising-a-puppy-harder-than-a-baby'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is raising a puppy harder than a baby<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Puppies rely on you for all their needs, much like babies. However, puppies grow up much faster than kids, so while you may experience similar worries and frustrations at the start, these issues will resolve much faster with your pup.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='what-are-the-symptoms-of-puppy-blues'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the symptoms of<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> puppy blues<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it varies from one person to the next, people who experience<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> post-puppy blues<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> usually feel overwhelmed, anxious, or think they are not cut out for the whole pet parenting gig. Luckily, the puppy blues will pass in time, and then you can start enjoying the company of your pet and all the benefits that come with it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcoming a furry friend to your home is an exciting moment. But for some pet owners, especially first-time dog parents, the initial stages are anything but joyful.\u00a0 It\u2019s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and even a little down as commitments around your four-legged companion increase\u2014a phenomenon known as puppy blues. What are puppy blues exactly, [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/what-are-puppy-blues\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from What Are Puppy Blues and How to Overcome Them<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":11269,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11263","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11263"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11263\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}