Vet shares top tips for new puppy owners, like not using social media for advice

22 November 2023 , 15:33

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Four in ten dog owners feel a lot of anxiety in the early months after bringing their puppy home (Image: PinPep)

A veterinary expert has shared her top tips for new puppy owners, such as following a specific diet, knowing when your pup is worried or distressed, and always seeking advice from an expert – rather than from social media.

More than four in ten new puppy parents (42%) admit they spent a lot of time feeling anxious during the first few months of their furry friend's life.

And over half (52%), of the 1,000 dog owners polled, whose pooch is a year old or less, turned to social networks for advice in these early days – with 16% following no less than ten dog-related TikTok accounts.

Some of the top pieces of information owners would have valued having as they were getting to know their puppies included more details about healthy puppy nutrition (44%), and which foods are toxic for their canine companion (45%).

However, looking back, over a third (36%) said they would do things differently, if they could have that time again – with 18% of these saying they would steer clear of social media advice altogether.

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In line with these findings, Royal Canin, which commissioned the research, has analysed over 2,500 pieces of puppy-related online content, across more than 20 websites and social media platforms.

But one in five have made their pup take part in a social media challenge - which can cause anxiety for their pooch (PinPep)

And it emerged that almost a fifth (19%) of videos and images returned when searching for “puppy advice”, showed dogs displaying worried or anxious behaviours and body language.

This figure was highest of all on TikTok, with 28% of content related to the term featuring dogs showing signs consistent with these emotions.

A further 13% of videos returned on TikTok when searching “puppytraining” were for social media challenges, while 39% of “puppychallenge” results showed dogs looking anxious.

Now, science-based pet nutrition brand, Royal Canin, has partnered with Dr Sarah Heath FRCVS, a veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine, and dog lover, Binky Felstead, to launch its “One in a Billion” campaign, offering a single source of credible information recognising the unique needs of puppies.

Dr Sarah Heath FRCVS said: “Research suggests that engaging puppies in social media trends is being mistakenly portrayed as a legitimate way of training young dogs.

“Beneficial early puppy education and training should be about ensuring that dogs can lead happy, quality lives, living harmoniously with people. If puppies are overwhelmed by emotion, they are not able to learn effectively.

“Ensuring that puppies are calm, and positively engaged with the world around them, is the best way to help them to become confident and sociable adults.”

Nearly half say they would value more information on what foods are nutritious for their furry friends (PinPep)

The study of dog owners, conducted via OnePoll, also found 64% value their pet as a member of the family, with 41% claiming their pooch is their best friend. Yet 20% have participated in puppy-related social media challenges, such as the viral “Cheese Tax”.

And 19% have created mini portions of “human” food as a treat for their pet – going against expert advice, as they can contain potentially harmful ingredients, and unbalance the nutrients needed to support a puppy’s growth.

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However, 21% of those who surfed the net for advice found the volume of information and accounts overwhelming – with 37% of those, who would go back and do things differently, saying they would choose a single, reputable source of information to follow.

Dr Lauren Hayes BVetMed MRCVS, a veterinarian at Royal Canin, added: “It’s always been an overwhelming moment when your new puppy arrives.

“But with tens of thousands of accounts to turn to now, it’s no wonder that new owners are feeling more overwhelmed than ever – and some are unwittingly falling into damaging behaviours with their new puppies.

“Alongside behaviour, pet nutrition is another area that is being flooded with misinformation online. Puppies have not yet developed their digestive systems, and need adapted levels of nutrients to support their growth – for example, at peak growth, puppies actually need up to four times as many calories as an adult dog.”

Dog lover, Binky Felstead, added: “I could never have imagined how instantly and deeply I would fall in love with our dog, Pedro. But I could also never have anticipated how challenging I would find some of the moments during his first few months with us.

“As a new puppy owner, you’re overloaded with advice – from social media, magazines, other dog owners, and friends. Finding a source of information you trust is so important, and can be a real turning point.”

DR SARAH HEATH'S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR NEW PUPPY OWNERS:

1. Always seek out experts when it comes to puppy advice. Social media puppy content can seem fun to watch, but doesn’t always consider what puppies really need.
2. Check the validity of any sources. For anything related to training and education for your puppy, look for a suitably qualified Animal Training Instructor through the ABTC. If you have concerns about your puppy’s behaviour, make sure you speak to your veterinary practice, as unwanted behaviour can be a sign of physical or emotional illness.
3. Know the signs that your puppy might be feeling worried or distressed. Less obvious signs include avoiding eye contact, or being very quiet and still. Puppies can also become overwhelmed with emotion, even engaging ones, and show signs such as excessive lip-licking or yawning. These signal that your puppy needs some down time, and to be protected from too much arousal.
4. Feed a puppy a specific diet designed to support growth, weighed in accordance with the instructions, and fed across several smaller meals to support digestion.
5. Stick to the 10% rule. No more than 10% of your puppy’s food intake should come from sources other than its main daily food ration.

Martin Winter