Welcoming a new puppy into your home is often portrayed as a joyful and exciting experience — a time full of playfulness, companionship, and unconditional love. However, for some dog owners, the reality can be surprisingly different. This phenomenon is commonly known as the ‘puppy blues.’

In this article, we’ll discuss what the puppy blues are, how they impact a dog parent’s emotional and psychological health, how long they can last, and how to cope with them.

‘Puppy blues’ is a term that describes a complex emotional state of sadness, anxiety, and even feelings of regret or second-guessing after bringing a new puppy home. It’s a period when the initial excitement of getting a puppy is overshadowed by the challenges and responsibilities of caring for a young dog.

Bringing home a new pup can have a deep emotional and psychological impact on new dog parents. Puppies need training and nearly constant supervision, which can be incredibly overwhelming, especially for pet parents who may not have anticipated how intense the first few months can be.

Interestingly, the puppy blues share some similarities with postpartum depression experienced by new parents. Both conditions involve an adjustment period that usually involves heightened emotions, self-doubt, and exhaustion.

But it’s important to note that there is a difference between puppy blues and the normal frustrations that come with raising a puppy. While new puppy owners face challenges like housebreaking and behavior training, the puppy blues include a high level of emotional distress.

Common symptoms of the puppy blues include various emotional and psychological symptoms, including:

1. Feelings of sadness or tearfulness: Persistent feelings of sadness or frequent bouts of crying, especially when overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a puppy. These feelings may feel similar to depression symptoms.

2. Anxiety or worry: Excessive worry about your puppy’s health, behavior, or your ability to meet their needs can lead to increased anxiety levels.

3. Regret or second-guessing: This may include thoughts or statements expressing regret about the decision to adopt a puppy or questioning if you’re capable of taking care of them.

4. Irritability or frustration: Easily becoming frustrated, particularly when dealing with your puppy’s misbehavior or having trouble with potty training and crate training.

5. Feeling overwhelmed: Emotional overwhelm when even the daily responsibilities of puppy care feel unbearable. In these moments, you may consider throwing in the towel.

6. Loss of interest: Decreased interest in activities that were previously enjoyable or fulfilling, due to the time and energy required by your pup.

7. Sleep disturbances: A puppy’s sleep schedule can be inconsistent, meaning some sleepless nights for pet parents. Racing thoughts and worrying about your pup can also cause disrupted sleep patterns.

8. Guilt or self-blame: Feeling guilty about being the “perfect” puppy parent or blaming yourself for any difficulties that arise during puppy training or bonding.

9. Social withdrawal: Withdrawing from social activities or isolating from friends and family due to feeling constantly consumed by the demands of puppy care.

10. Physical symptoms: In some cases, physical symptoms of puppy blues may accompany emotional symptoms. These could include headaches, digestive issues, or muscle tension.

All of the symptoms above may seem extreme — especially if you’re experiencing a number of them simultaneously. But, know you’re not alone; up to 70% of new puppy owners experience some form of the puppy blues. This reinforces how common it is to feel a range of mixed emotions during the initial stages of puppy parenthood.

It’s important to remember that these feelings don’t indicate a lack of love or concern for your new pet — they’re a natural response to a significant life change. Going from a dog-free household where you may have only been responsible for yourself to being a caregiver to a puppy that is completely dependent on you is a huge change!

With that being said, puppy blues are not the same as more long-term mental health concerns like anxiety disorders or depression. If your symptoms of anxiety, depression, and overwhelm persist for several months and are impacting your day-to-day functioning, it could be worth exploring counseling.

If you’re navigating the rollercoaster of emotions known as puppy blues, you may wonder when the ride will be over. The duration can vary widely from person to person, largely based on individual circumstances, the breed of puppy, and the progress made in training and bonding. But symptoms typically decrease within a year.

There are some common phases that dog owners may go through during the puppy blues. These include:

• Initial overwhelm: In the early days or weeks, new puppy owners can often feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of caring for a puppy. Sleep deprivation, house training challenges, and adjusting to a new routine all contribute to this phase.

• Gradual adjustment: As the pet owner and puppy begin to settle into new routines, learn each other’s needs, and make progress in training, there is usually a gradual improvement in feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

• Bonding and enjoyment: With time and persistence, many dog owners find themselves bonding more deeply with their puppy. The initial challenges start to feel more manageable, and moments of joy and companionship become more frequent.

Keep in mind that you’re not “doing it wrong” if these stages don’t go in this order or if certain stages happen multiple times. Sometimes it may feel like you go five steps forward then seven steps back. That’s okay. The process is different for everyone.

During these tough times, it’s vital to keep patience and persistence top of mind. This adjustment phase is temporary and won’t last forever.

The best thing a new puppy parent can try to do is be prepared for their new furry friend. In a perfect world, you’ll be prepared for anything, but unfortunately, issues may arise that you didn’t plan for. In those cases, knowing how to cope is key.

One of the best ways to cope with the puppy blues is to lean on your support system. Reach out to family members and friends, or join an online community of fellow pet owners who can relate to what you’re going through. Sharing your feelings and experiences may help you realize you’re not alone, and finding emotional support and practical advice can make a huge difference.

Communicate openly with those you feel closest to about how you’re feeling. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it, whether it’s hiring a sitter to watch your puppy for a few hours so you can recharge, or simply asking a family member for an understanding ear.

Taking care of your mental well-being is crucial during the adjustment period with a new puppy. Remember to take breaks when you can, engage in regular exercise to relieve stress, and participate in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

For example, consider returning to a hobby or interest you love. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a hike, or practicing yoga, carving out time for yourself can help maintain emotional balance.

Sometimes, seeking professional help can be useful for adjusting to the challenges of puppy ownership. A counselor or social worker can help you navigate the transition from a mental health perspective, veterinarians can offer guidance on your pup’s health issues, and professional dog trainers can help with behavior and obedience training, which can be immensely helpful.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about a training technique, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a reputable professional — even consider your shelter or breeder as a resource. They can provide personalized strategies that can benefit both you and your puppy, helping to create a harmonious relationship and lasting bond.

While things may feel challenging, rehoming a puppy is recommended as the first resort. Seeking support and resources to cope can often lead to new pet parents finding a way to keep their dog in the home with them.

A daily routine and structure are important for both your new dog’s development and your own sanity. Consistency helps puppies feel more secure, reducing stress for both of you. Here’s a simple schedule you can use to get started:

• Morning: Feed your puppy breakfast, take them for a potty break and walk, and engage in playtime.

• Midday: Take your pup on another potty break, followed by a short training session (very important!).

• Afternoon: Encourage nap time for your puppy while you attend to personal tasks or chores.

• Evening: Feed your puppy dinner, take them on an evening walk, and wind down with calm activities.

Among the challenges, remember to have fun with your puppy, whether it’s playing with toys, going for walks, or simply enjoying each other's company with cuddles. These types of interactions not only strengthen your bond but also remind you of the joy and companionship that prompted you to adopt your pup in the first place.

If you incorporate these coping strategies into your routine and seek support when needed, you can successfully overcome the puppy blues. Always remember, this is a temporary phase, and with time and effort, you’ll discover the rewards of having a well-adjusted and happy dog by your side.

Pet parenthood isn’t perfect; there will inevitably be many highs and lows. And even though most pet parents only talk about the highs, it’s vital to seek out community, support, and establish personal coping skills amidst the lows. Bouts of puppy blues may be unavoidable, but with a solid plan and reliable resources on hand, you’ll be able to navigate them with confidence.

A place to tap into for support along the journey is The Honest Kitchen, where you can find human grade pet food for your dog. Having a go-to food and treat option that you can trust can make nourishing your new pup a less stressful process. You can check out the full puppy collection of dog food here.

And, if you’re seeking out connection with other puppy parents, check out The Honest Kitchen’s true stories from pet parents like you.