Introduction
The bond between a mother dog and her puppies is one of nature’s most precious relationships. However, this tight connection can lead to sadness and depression for mom when the puppies are given away to new homes. Watching her litter depart leaves a mother dog with an empty nest and a longing to nurture her babies. While it’s normal for her to grieve this loss for a period of time, in some cases it develops into a serious bout of depression that requires intervention. This article explores whether separating puppies truly impacts a mother dog’s mood, the signs of depression dog owners should watch for, and how to ease any negative effects. Understanding a mother dog’s emotions can help ensure her psychological needs are met.
Do Dogs Form Bonds with Their Puppies?
Dogs form extremely strong bonds with their puppies, similar to the mother-child bond in humans. According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, mother dogs communicate with their puppies through smells, sounds, and touch right from birth [1]. They instinctively nurse, groom, and protect their young. Puppies rely completely on their mother for food, warmth, and protection in the first weeks of life.
As the pups grow older, the mother dog continues her nurturing role by teaching appropriate dog behaviors and manners. She disciplines the rambunctious puppies as needed. This close bond lasts until the puppies leave for new homes at around 8-12 weeks old. At this stage, the mother-puppy bond remains strong and separation can cause great distress for both parties [2]. The mother may seem depressed, restless, or disinterested in food. Puppies may cry, lose appetite, and search for their mother.
Signs of Depression in Dogs
There are many possible symptoms of depression that dog owners should look out for. Some of the most common signs of depression in dogs include:
- Loss of appetite or eating less than normal
- Weight loss or gain
- Lethargy and lack of interest in exercise or play
- Excessive sleeping or restlessness
- Withdrawn behavior or lack of interest in social interaction
- Irritability or aggression when approached or touched
- Attention-seeking behaviors such as whining or pacing
- Anxiety behaviors like chewing or destruction
- Loss of housetraining
According to the WebMD, depressed dogs may seem so withdrawn that they avoid all socialization or so needy that they crave attention at all times. Changes in appetite, activity level, and elimination habits are all potential signs as well. Owners should look for any behavioral changes that seem out of character for their individual dog.
Causes of Depression in Dogs
Some common causes of depression in dogs include:
- Loss of a companion – Dogs form strong social bonds, so the loss of another dog or human companion can cause grief and depression. The death of a puppy or separation from a litter can trigger depressive symptoms in mother dogs as they mourn the loss (Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-know-if-your-dog-is-depressed/).
- Changes in environment – Major changes like moving homes, rehoming to a new family, or addition of new pets can cause stress and sadness in dogs. The sudden lack of familiar surroundings and routines is emotionally difficult for dogs (Source: https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/dog-depression-signs).
- Chronic pain or illness – Dogs dealing with chronic medical issues that cause discomfort or pain may become withdrawn and depressed. The inability to move around normally and engage in regular activities can affect their quality of life (Source: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/features/depression-in-dogs).
- Trauma from abuse or injury – Emotional trauma from abusive experiences or accidents resulting in injury can lead to PTSD-like symptoms including fear, anxiety, and depression in dogs (Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-know-if-your-dog-is-depressed/).
The loss of puppies is particularly impactful for mother dogs, as they form close bonds with their litters during the weeks spent nursing and caring for them. The sudden separation can cause sadness at the loss of companionship and disruption of mothering routines (Source: https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/dog-depression-signs). Providing extra affection and attention can help ease the grieving process.
Does Separating Puppies Impact the Mother?
Separating puppies from their mother can have an immediate emotional impact. When her puppies are taken away, a mother dog may exhibit signs of distress and depression. She may seem anxious, restless, or lethargic. Some mother dogs may whine, bark, or frantically search for their missing puppies. The maternal bond is strong, so abruptly losing her litter can be traumatic for a mother dog.
According to the AKC, in the first few days after separation, the mother dog may refuse to eat or seem depressed [1]. The initial sadness typically subsides within a week as the mother dog adjusts to life without her puppies. However, some mother dogs continue to exhibit long-term behavior changes after losing a litter. They may become timid, irritable, or despondent. In extreme cases, prolonged depression in mother dogs can cause health issues. Providing extra love, attention and stimulation can help an anxious mother dog overcome the stress of separation.
Bonding Between Littermates
Puppies form very strong bonds with their littermates from the time they are born. According to the AKC, puppies learn important social skills through interacting and playing with their siblings during the first weeks of life [1]. This allows them to develop behaviors like biting inhibition, which helps prevent aggression later in life.
Because of the strong attachments formed between littermates, separating puppies from their siblings can be very distressing. Puppies who are removed from their litters too early, such as at 5-6 weeks of age, are more likely to experience separation anxiety and fearfulness according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall [2]. Ideally, puppies should remain with littermates until at least 8-12 weeks old.
When puppies must be separated from their siblings, such as during adoption, they may become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed. Providing extra comfort, attention, and environmental enrichment can help ease the transition. With time, patience, and a loving home, most puppies are able to form equally strong bonds with their new families.
Mitigating Depression in Dogs
There are ways to ease the transition of dogs losing their puppies and help mitigate depression. According to PetMD.com[1], allowing the mother dog to visit with the new owners and puppies periodically can provide comfort and closure. Introducing new toys, changing routines, or providing interactive games and activities can also help distract and engage the mother dog.
It’s important to meet the emotional needs of a mother dog who may be depressed after losing her puppies. Spending more dedicated time together through walks, cuddling, grooming, or training can help strengthen your bond[2]. Providing affection and reassurance will remind her that she is still loved and cared for. Consider adopting another dog as a companion so she is not left alone. Ensuring her physical needs are met with proper nutrition, shelter, exercise and veterinary care also supports overall wellbeing.
With patience, care and attention, dog owners can help dogs through difficult transitions like giving away puppies. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to seek guidance from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/can-dogs-get-depressed
[2] https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/features/depression-in-dogs
When to Seek Professional Help
If a dog is exhibiting prolonged signs of depression after being separated from her puppies such as ceaseless crying, lack of appetite, lethargy, and no interest in normal activities, it’s important to seek professional help from a veterinarian (WebMD).
A vet can do a full evaluation to diagnose if the dog is clinically depressed. They may recommend treatment options like medication or behavioral therapy. According to PetMD, common medications vets prescribe for dog depression include amitriptyline, fluoxetine, clomipramine, and selegiline (PetMD).
If the depression persists even after separation, treatment is recommended. Prolonged and severe depression can be detrimental to a dog’s health. Consulting a vet promptly when symptoms arise can help get depression under control.
Providing a Loving Home
When a dog is separated from her puppies, it’s important for the owner to provide plenty of patience, affection and socialization to help mitigate feelings of depression. Dogs who have recently weaned their puppies benefit greatly from one-on-one time and attention from their human companion.
Set aside at least 30-60 minutes per day for walks, play time, cuddling and general bonding. Lavish your dog with praise, petting and her favorite treats to reinforce positive associations. You can even use this time to practice basic training commands to mentally stimulate your dog.
Proper socialization is also key after puppies leave home. Schedule regular play dates with neighbor dogs or visits to the dog park. Introduce new sights, sounds and environments gradually to build confidence. But be sure your dog still gets quiet time at home to destress. With patience and love, you can help your dog adjust to her empty nest.
Conclusion
In summary, there is evidence to suggest that mother dogs do experience symptoms of depression when separated from their puppies. The maternal bond formed during nursing, grooming, and caring for their litter leads to distress when the puppies are taken away. However, the depression is usually temporary if the mother dog receives adequate affection. Providing a stimulating and loving home environment, with regular attention, exercise and playtime can help mitigate feelings of loss.
For caring dog owners, it’s important to be sensitive to a mother dog’s emotions during this transition. Make sure she has comforts like familiar toys or bedding, and give extra love and affection. Try to keep some puppies with her for longer if possible. Monitor her behavior and appetite closely, providing veterinary care if you suspect depression. With time and support, she can recover and thrive in her new role.