Introduction
It’s a heartbreaking scene – a puppy cries and whimpers as its new owner takes it away from its mother for the first time. The puppy doesn’t understand why it is being separated from its parent and sole caregiver up until this point. It’s distressing not only for the puppy, but also difficult for the owner to witness.
This experience raises the question – do puppies actually feel sadness when they leave their mothers? The short answer is yes, puppies can feel sad when separated from their parent. However, the effects are usually temporary if the puppy is moved to a caring home. Puppies form strong bonds with their mothers, which is disrupted at separation. But puppies are also highly adaptable and resilient. With time, patience and care, sadness can be mitigated in newly adopted puppies.
Bond Between Puppies and Mothers
Puppies form very strong attachments to their mothers. According to the AKC, the bond between a mother dog and her puppies is quite special [1]. Mother dogs nurse, groom, and care for their young in the critical early weeks after birth. They provide food, warmth, affection, and protection to help the puppies grow and thrive. Puppies rely completely on their mothers for survival during this time.
The mother dog’s milk provides complete nutrition for puppies in their first few weeks. Puppies nurse frequently to get the calories and nutrients they need to develop [2]. The mother’s body heat keeps the puppies warm. Grooming by the mother stimulates the puppies’ digestion and waste elimination. With their mother’s care and nourishment, puppies rapidly gain weight and strength.
Beyond meeting their physical needs, mother dogs also provide affection, comfort, and security. Puppies seek close contact with their mothers while nursing and sleeping. This close bond ensures the puppies’ emotional needs are met in these early weeks.
Weaning and Separation Anxiety
Around 6-10 weeks old, puppies are weaned off their mother’s milk and transitioned to solid food by the breeder. This is often the puppy’s first separation from its mother. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, this weaning process typically begins around 3-4 weeks old and is complete by 6-8 weeks old (source).
This first separation from the mother can cause distress and anxiety in puppies. Puppies form strong bonds with their mothers during nursing, so weaning represents a significant change in their source of nutrition and comfort. Some signs of separation anxiety at this age may include increased whimpering, howling, pacing, and appetite changes.
According to The Honest Kitchen, separating puppies from their mother too early around 6 weeks can increase nervousness, anxiety, and fearfulness (source). The ideal timing aims to balance starting the weaning process with not overly distressing puppies by fully separating them from their mother and littermates too soon.
Signs of Sadness
Puppies who are sad about being separated from their mother and littermates may exhibit several behavioral changes in the days following separation. Some common signs of sadness in puppies include:
Whining and howling – Sad puppies may vocalize more with excessive whining or howling, especially when left alone. They want attention and comfort to help cope with the loss of their family. As veterinarian Janet Tobiassen Crosby explained to AKC, “Crying is a normal response, just like human babies cry.”
Loss of appetite – A depressed, sad puppy may have little interest in food and treats. This is often temporary and appetite usually returns to normal within a few days as the puppy adjusts.
Lethargy – Sad puppies may seem more tired and inactive. They may sleep more and be less eager to play or explore their new home.
These signs of sadness from separation may last anywhere from a few days up to about a week as the puppy transitions to their new home environment.
Mitigating Sadness
For puppies, the key to easing sadness during weaning and separation is to make the transition gradual. Puppies should be slowly weaned from nursing over a period of weeks, with the mother dog spending increasingly longer periods apart from her pups (Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Separate-Puppies-from-their-Mother). It’s recommended to start by removing the mother dog for 1-2 hours at a time, 2-3 times per day, while introducing the puppies to solid food during these times. The duration can be increased gradually until the puppies are completely weaned by 6-8 weeks old.
Another important strategy is to provide the puppies with plenty of play, exercise, and human interaction during weaning to distract from the separation. Introducing new toys, games, and routines can help the puppies adapt to life without constant nursing from their mother (Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/nutrition/evr_dg_weaning_puppies_from_their_mother). Keeping the environment stimulating and fun will reduce sadness and anxiety during this transition.
Individual Factors
Some puppies are more affected by separation from their mothers than others, depending on individual factors like breed and temperament. Research shows that some breeds tend to experience more separation anxiety due to their strong bonding instincts. Herding breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds often form very close bonds with their families. Breeds that were historically isolated from humans, like Shiba Inus, tend to be more independent.
A puppy’s individual temperament also plays a role. Shy, anxious puppies may have a harder time adjusting to separation. Bolder, more easygoing puppies adapt more readily to new situations. Puppies that had limited early socialization seem to struggle more when removed from their familiar environment.
In general, younger puppies have a harder time with separation than older puppies. The critical bonding period is between 3-16 weeks old. Puppies separated earlier than 8 weeks tend to be more anxious and stressed without their mother. Older puppies have had more time to develop independence and resilience. However, each puppy is unique, so age is just one factor.
Long-Term Effects
Separating puppies from their mother and littermates too early does not usually cause long-term trauma. While the abrupt separation can be stressful in the short-term, puppies have a remarkable ability to rebond and attach to new owners and environments quickly. According to PetHelpful, “Puppies bond strongly to their new owners within days.” As long as the puppy’s basic needs for nutrition, socialization, play and affection are met, they generally adapt and thrive in their new homes.
With patience, care, and positive reinforcement training, even puppies separated earlier than recommended can overcome initial anxiety and develop into well-adjusted, happy dogs. While not ideal, early separation does not doom a puppy to lifelong issues provided their new family gives them what all puppies need – security, socialization, proper nutrition and lots of love.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs can also experience feelings of sadness and grief when separated from their owners, though they may be better able to adjust than puppies. According to this source, adult dogs form strong bonds with their owners, so rehoming can be very difficult for them. The loss of their family and home can leave them feeling confused, anxious, and depressed.
However, adult dogs generally adapt to change better than puppies do. Their personalities are already formed, so they are less dependent on their owners for behavioral development. While separation can be traumatic at first, most adult dogs will begin to adjust within days or weeks as they get used to their new home and family [1]. Still, feelings of grief and loss are common and should be expected after rehoming.
To help an adult dog through this transition, it’s important that the new owners provide stability, attention, and training to help the dog feel comfortable and secure again. With time, patience, and care, an adult dog can form strong bonds with a new family.
Helping Sad Dogs
Dogs that become sad or depressed after being rehomed need patience, care, and attention during this difficult transition. While their sadness is understandable, you can take steps to help them adapt to their new home.
Establishing a calm, consistent daily routine is important. Be mellow and predictable in your interactions, and let the dog warm up to you on their own terms. Avoid overly exciting or stressful activities at first. Engage the dog with chew toys, walks, play time and affection, but don’t force interactions. Let the dog approach you when ready.
Gradually increase socialization with new sights, sounds, people, and other pets. But go slowly and watch for signs of fear or anxiety. Praise calm behavior and ignore sad reactions to reinforce positivity. Never punish depressed or anxious behavior in a newly rehomed dog as that will only add to their stress.
While patience and compassion are key, also consult an animal behaviorist if severe signs of sadness persist beyond the initial transition. With time, bonding, training and medical care if needed, most dogs can adapt to a new home and family.
Conclusion
In summary, puppies often form strong bonds with their mothers and littermates during the first weeks of life. When the time comes for weaning and separation, some puppies do exhibit signs of sadness and depression. These can include whining, loss of appetite, lethargy, and searching behaviors.
However, with patience, care, and the forming of new bonds with adoptive owners, dogs are resilient and most sadness is temporary. Providing a comforting environment with affection, toys, schedules, and training can help mitigate any negative effects. Within days or weeks, most puppies bounce back and transition to their new homes.
While individual factors like temperament play a role, the sadness experienced is generally short-lived. With proper socialization and care, adult dogs that have left their original families go on to live happy and fulfilling lives with their new owners.