I'm So Stressed!!!
My puppy is stressed!?
How can I tell if my puppy is under stress?
Stress is very common in puppies when placed in new situations. But it's also something we can watch for and reduce.
Some of the more common signs of stress in puppies are a loss of appetite, loose stool, and sometimes unusually quiet
behavior. Puppies can become stressed over anything new in their lives. A new home, new people, new animals, new
food, weaning from mom--any change in their environment. Stress is most common in puppies, or adults that have been
traumatized in some way (Hurricane Katrina survivors showed tremendous stress). And the result of stress, especially in
puppies, is a lowering of the immune system. When that happens, puppies (and adults) can become vulnerable to infections
and parasites. These nasty things are opportunists and will take full advantage of an animal if their immune system is not
strong. The animal counts on that system to keep the parasites in check. Puppies have an immature immune system which
also leaves them vulnerable to those same problems. Because of that, there are things we do here as breeders, but there
are also things you can do as the new owner. A little preventative goes a long way. That, and awareness of what is normal
for your dog.
Here is a list of things you can do to help your puppy transition to their new home:
Keep them on the food they were fed at the breeder's for about a week. Changing food can be stressful and a rapid
change can cause upset. If you do decide to change to another good quality puppy food, do it gradually so that the
puppy's system haas time to adjust to the new food.
Keep things quiet around the house for a while. Sometimes there is just too much excitement going on and it's can be
upsetting. Some puppies aren't bothered by this at all, but that's not always the case.
Don't take your puppy to public places. Not only is this a health hazard, but it's also too much excitement, too many
smells, and even too much uncertainty for them. Let your puppy just get used to being with you for a while.
Introduce new things one at a time. Don't throw it all at the puppy at once. Again, it could be too much for the senses.
Give the puppy a small part of the new home to explore and gradually broaden it out as the puppy becomes more
comfortable and gets better with housebreaking.
Introduce other pets under quiet, controlled circumstances. If need be, keep the puppy in a crate and let the older dogs
smell them through the crate. They can introduce themselves to each other with the safety of the crate between them.
What are some things to watch out for?
In the small breeds, a loss of appetite can be a serious thing. Puppies can become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). It's
always good to have some form of sweetener on hand for this. Nutri-Cal (high calorie food supplement for dogs), corn
syrup, pancake syrup, even honey can help. Just a small amount offered to the puppy can help get that blood sugar back
up. Most puppies are active and a puppy that is not alert could have a low blood sugar problem developing. Usually a
puppy will outgrow this, but it is common in small breeds and a little bit of awareness and prevention can help you avoid
disaster.
A normal puppy under normal stressful situations can have a loose stool. If the puppy is otherwise acting normally (eating
and playing normally), this is probably not a cause for concern. However, if your puppy is lethargic, has a loss of appetite
or is less playful than before and also has a watery, foul-smelling stool, it's time to see the vet. When puppies are stress, the
parasites can get ahold of them and cause all kinds of problems. But with proper, and prompt treatment, this doesn't need
to be anything other than a momentary set-back.
Also, a puppy may become quiet or seem intimated. This is also a normal response to a stressful situation. This is why it's
good to keep things quiet for a few days and allow the puppy to adjust to their new surroundings. Do not cater to the fear,
but encourage the puppy to come out and explore their new world. Usually, it doesn't take long.
Will my puppy automatically have these problems?
No. Not all puppies will develop these problems. They may have some and not others. And a few will show no signs of
stress. It's still a good idea to follow these suggestions to insure a good transition from our place to your's. After all, all of
us want you to have the best possible outcome when buying a new puppy.
Always check with your vet if you have any concerns about your puppy's health or behavior.