Introduction
The bond between a dog and her puppies is one of the strongest in nature. From the moment they are born, puppies rely on their mother for food, warmth, protection and care. This activates powerful maternal instincts and emotional attachments in dogs that can last a lifetime.
When puppies grow up and leave home, it can be an extremely difficult transition for the mother dog. Separating puppies from their mother and littermates too early can also lead to behavioral issues down the road.
This article will explore the deep connection dogs feel towards their puppies and the anxiety separation often causes. We’ll cover the science behind the mother-puppy bond, signs that indicate a dog is struggling with this transition, and ways to ease the pain of letting go.
Dogs Form Strong Bonds with Their Puppies
Mother dogs display powerful maternal instincts and form tight bonds with their puppies. They care for their puppies starting from birth by providing warmth, nursing, grooming, and protection. Much of the early bonding between a mother dog and her puppies centers around nursing. Mother dogs allow only their own puppies to nurse, and this close physical connection helps the puppies imprint on their mother ([url]https://fotp.com/learn/dog-lifestyle/do-dogs-forget-their-puppies[/url]). Through licking and grooming, mother dogs also help their puppies bond to their scent. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and puppies learn to recognize their mother’s unique scent very early on ([url]https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/canine-mother-separation-from-puppies/[/url]). This scent recognition allows puppies to identify their mother even if they become separated. Overall, the nursing, grooming, and protection provided by mother dogs allows them to form tight bonds with their litters in the critical early weeks.
Signs of Anxiety When Separated
When dogs experience separation anxiety from their puppies, they often exhibit symptoms similar to human separation anxiety. Common signs include:
- Pacing around the house
- Whining or barking when the puppies leave
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
- Destructive behaviors like chewing or digging
Dogs may pace around the areas the puppies used to occupy, waiting for them to return. The whining or barking is the dog’s attempt to get the puppies to come back. Loss of appetite happens because the dog is too anxious to eat in the absence of the puppies. Destructive behavior is also common as the dog tries to cope with its anxiety and stress.
Just like humans miss loved ones when they are gone, dogs strongly feel the absence of their puppies once separated. The symptoms are the dog’s way of expressing its sadness, loneliness, and distress.
Science Behind the Bond
Research has shown that the act of nursing leads to bonding between mother dogs and their puppies. When a mother dog nurses her puppies, her brain releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with maternal care and bonding. Oxytocin is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical” because it promotes attachment and feelings of closeness.
According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, oxytocin released during nursing leads to long-term bonding between dogs and their offspring (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01278/full). Researchers found that female dogs had higher levels of oxytocin after interacting with their puppies through nursing. This release of oxytocin facilitated bonding between the mother dog and her litter.
Additional studies have shown oxytocin increases bonding behaviors like licking and grooming in mother dogs. Researchers also found interactions like playing and cuddling led to oxytocin release and bonding in adult dogs without puppies (https://www.puppyup.org/the-chemical-bond-between-dogs-and-their-humans/). So while nursing is the initial catalyst, oxytocin reinforces bonds between dogs even after weaning through behaviors like play.
Impact of Early Weaning
Weaning puppies too early, before they are developmentally ready, can have serious negative consequences. Puppies that are removed from their mother and littermates before 6-8 weeks of age are at higher risk for developing behavioral issues such as anxiety, fearfulness, reactivity, and aggression later in life (https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Risks-of-Removing-Puppies-too-Early-from-Mother-and-Litter-Mates).
Early weaning disrupts the normal developmental process. During the first weeks of life, puppies learn important social skills from their mother and littermates. Premature separation deprives them of these crucial learning experiences. Puppies also continue to nurse for nutrition, antibodies, and comfort. Weaning too soon can be stressful and traumatic.
Research shows that puppies weaned before 49 days old are significantly more likely to develop anxiety disorders compared to those weaned after 49 days (https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/VA/VA-11-W.pdf). Stress in early life can have profound impacts on the developing brain. This is why it’s recommended to keep litters together with their mother until at least 8 weeks of age.
Weaning too early should be avoided whenever possible. However, if circumstances require early weaning, extra care should be taken to meet the puppy’s nutritional, social, and behavioral needs to support healthy development.
Coping with Separation
Coping with a dog’s separation anxiety can be challenging, but there are techniques to help ease the transition. Establishing a routine is crucial, so the dog knows what to expect. For example, take them for a walk and provide a food puzzle toy before leaving (1). Providing distractions like toys or treats can shift their focus away from the anxiety. Some owners find music or TV helps distract anxious dogs. Gradually training the dog to accept being alone through short separations builds tolerance (2). Start with brief outings, before slowly increasing duration. Reward calm behavior when you return.
Crates can be safe spaces for anxious dogs, but should be introduced carefully with positive associations. Thundershirts applying gentle pressure can have a calming effect. Anxiety medications may be recommended in extreme cases under veterinary supervision, but behavioral training is preferable. Patience and consistency are key when implementing any training techniques. With time and effort, separation anxiety can be overcome.
When to Seek Help
If a dog’s separation anxiety is severe to the point of harming themselves or property when left alone, it’s important to seek help from a veterinarian. Medication may be prescribed in extreme cases to help reduce anxiety. A vet can assess whether anti-anxiety medication is appropriate or if pheromone products would be a better initial treatment.
According to the ASPCA, “If your dog has a mild case of separation anxiety, counterconditioning might reduce or resolve the problem.” Counterconditioning is a training technique that pairs positive stimuli with the trigger that causes anxiety. For separation anxiety, this could involve giving treats and praise when leaving cues like putting on shoes or picking up keys occur. Over time, this can help diminish a dog’s anxiety response.
The RSPCA recommends seeking advice from an animal behaviorist or dog trainer if attempts to treat separation anxiety at home aren’t successful. A professional trainer can design an in-depth behavior modification program and provide 1:1 guidance for implementing counterconditioning and desensitization techniques consistently. This can increase the chances of effectively treating more stubborn cases of separation anxiety.
Preparing Dogs for Separation
One of the best ways to prevent separation anxiety in dogs is to prepare them for being alone from a young age. According to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, it’s important to socialize puppies when they are young so they become comfortable being around different people, animals, places, and situations. This helps prevent anxiety in general. Puppies that are socialized properly tend to be more independent and less stressed when left alone.
It’s also recommended to start leaving puppies alone in gradual steps to help them acclimate. The AKC suggests starting with very short departures like stepping outside for 30 seconds. Slowly increase the amount of time you are gone. Be sure to keep arrivals and departures low key – don’t make a big fuss or the puppy may become anxious whenever you grab your keys or put on shoes. With gradual, positive exposure to being alone, most puppies can learn to be comfortable by themselves for periods of time.
Providing Comfort
When dogs are experiencing separation anxiety, providing items with familiar and comforting scents can help ease their stress. Their owners’ scent in particular can have a soothing effect, so leaving an old t-shirt or blanket in the dog’s bed or crate can help them feel less alone. There are also toys available that you can insert old t-shirts or blankets into to disperse the scent. According to WebMD, providing these types of scented toys gives the anxious dog something familiar to focus on.
In addition to scented items, there are calming treats and medications that can help relieve anxiety. These treats often contain ingredients like melatonin, L-tryptophan, and ginger that have a calming effect. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medications or supplements. Some other options are leaving the TV or radio on for distraction and playing calming music designed specifically for dogs. While these measures may not cure the underlying separation anxiety, they can help reduce symptoms in the short term.
Conclusion: The Impact of Separation
As seen throughout, the bond between a dog and its puppies is powerful and emotionally profound. When separated, that severing of the close-knit bond can cause intense distress, loneliness, confusion, and anxiety. However, with proper preparation, patience and comfort, dogs can gradually adjust to life apart from their puppies.
To minimize anxiety and difficulties, gradually get dogs accustomed to short separations from their litter. Provide engaging toys, a comfortable space, and lots of affection. Seek professional advice if symptoms persist or worsen. Most importantly, understand that while challenging, separation distress comes from a place of deep caring, love, and motherly devotion.