A poll of 2,000 dog owners who got one of their pets as a puppy found 47 per cent believed their life changed more than they had expected.
More than half (56 per cent) were surprised by how hard it was to look after a young pup, while 71 per cent said bringing home a puppy was like having a newborn baby.
The damage the pet made to their house (43 per cent) and its behaviour (42 per cent) were cited as top reasons for 'puppy blues' - a term coined to describe feelings of regret, resentment and doubt some experience after bringing home a new pooch.
It also emerged that although 86 per cent love their pet unconditionally, despite the hard times, a staggering 91 per cent feel they would have benefitted from expert advice on how to cope.
The research was commissioned by pet insurance brand ManyPets, which has teamed up with vet Dr Scott Miller to host free one-to-one sessions [https://manypets.uk/doula] to help owners acclimatise to their new role as puppy parents.
Oke Eleazu, UK CEO of the brand, said: “While bringing home a new puppy is a uniquely fulfilling experience, the lack of sleep, mess and feelings of regret can become overwhelming.
“As the research shows, 37 per cent of dog parents experienced some form of puppy blues. We want to help pet parents feel they are not alone.
“This is why we’re excited to have appointed veterinarian, Dr Scott Miller, as our first ever Doggy Doula, to provide the emotional and informational support needed to help new dog owners adapt to life with their puppy.”
Puppy blues
The research also found 75 per cent of those with puppy blues felt ashamed by their emotions towards their pup.
Almost half (46 per cent) even considered giving up or rehousing their pup many times.
For some, having a puppy also created tension within the household due to the additional chores, with 52 per cent quarrelling more about their puppy than the washing up.
While 52 per cent said getting a puppy caused arguments between themselves and their partner or family
Despite feelings of regret and upset after getting a puppy, thankfully those emotions tended to subside quickly.
Of those who had puppy blues, 96 per cent said those feelings either totally or somewhat disappeared over time.
And for 28 per cent, the more negative emotions typically went away in less than a week.
Dr Scott Miller, who has appeared on ITV’s This Morning, said: “It’s normal to doubt yourself, and no matter how much prep you do for the first day, the responsibility of taking care of a little one can still be a real shock.
“Even though you might feel embarrassed or scared to admit how hard you’re finding it, a great starting point is to seek out support when you’re struggling.
"As Doggy Doula, I’m here to lend a non-judgemental ear to your puppy problems.”
