NEW puppy parents are reaching the same levels of overwhelm as those with a newborn – with many following more than 10 dog-inspired TikTok accounts in the first weeks of their four-legged friend’s life.
The study of 1,000 owners of a dog aged up to 12 months found 52 per cent turned to social networks for advice when they first brought their pooch home.
With 16 per cent following more than 10 TikTok accounts in the early days.
But 21 per cent who surfed the net for advice found the volume of information and accounts overwhelming.
While 42 per cent felt anxious a lot of the time during the first few months of their canine’s life.
The research was commissioned by science-based pet nutrition brand, Royal Canin, to launch its ‘One in a Billion’ campaign, partnering with Dr Sarah Heath FRCVS, a veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine, and dog lover, Binky Felstead, to offer a single source of credible information recognising the unique needs of puppies.
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The brand also analysed more than 2,500 pieces of puppy-related online content, across more than 20 websites and social media platforms, and found 19 per cent of images and videos 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 per cent of content related to the term featuring dogs showing signs consistent with the emotions.
A further 13 per cent of videos returned on TikTok when searching 'puppytraining' were for social media challenges, while 39 per cent of 'puppychallenge' results showed dogs looking anxious.
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.
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“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.”
The study of dog owners also found 64 per cent value their pet as a member of the family, with 41 per cent claiming their pooch is their best friend.
Yet 20 per cent have participated in puppy-related social media challenges, such as the viral ‘Cheese Tax’.
And 19 per cent 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.
However, if they had that time again, 36 per cent of puppy owners would do things differently.
Of these, 18 per cent would avoid following social media advice altogether, and 37 per cent would choose a single reputable source of information to follow.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found 44 per cent would value having more information on healthy puppy nutrition.
And 45 per cent said more information on which foods are toxic for their furry friends would be helpful.
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 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 per cent rule. No more than 10 per cent of your puppy’s food intake should come from sources other than its main daily food ration.
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