Recognizing and treating trauma in dogs
Like humans, dogs can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. It's important to recognize the symptoms, address them, and show the animals they can trust their owners. Anxiety and stress can be managed through gentle behavioral training. This way, dogs can learn to rely on humans and relax more easily.
Recognizing Trauma Symptoms:
Traumatized dogs are often anxious and distrustful. These reactions can be either constant or occur only in specific situations. For example, animals may be perpetually on guard, patrolling their surroundings or reacting with extreme fear to ordinary noises. Other possible trauma symptoms include trembling, increased submissiveness, drooling in specific situations, aggressive behavior, house soiling, self-harm, and stereotypical movement patterns such as tail chasing. Stimuli like sounds or smells are potential triggers and can instantly bring back memories of the traumatic event. A specific sound or careless hand movement can also frequently be a possible trigger. Although not all aspects are directly comparable, the symptoms are referred to as "post-traumatic stress disorder" (PTSD), analogous to the condition in humans.
Understanding the Effects of Trauma:
Many traumatized dogs consciously avoid certain situations to circumvent triggers. For example, they may refuse to enter the training area or get into the car. Others have nightmares, cry, fidget, and whine excessively in their sleep. Some animals exhibit difficulties with emotional regulation, meaning they react very strongly to stimuli. Ambivalent behavior towards caregivers can also occur: animals seek proximity and then suddenly withdraw, play very roughly, or show reduced bite inhibition. Opposite developments are also possible: some traumatized dogs switch to a state of reduced responsiveness shortly after the traumatic event. They show less interest in their environment, games, food, and stimuli, lose weight, sleep a lot, and move very little. Even dogs that appear calm and friendly can be under extreme stress; they may become virtually frozen.
When should symptoms be investigated?
The effects of trauma are also a significant burden for dogs. If your family dog notices some or more of the described symptoms, you should visit a veterinary practice as soon as possible. There, the animal will first undergo a comprehensive physical examination. This is because some signs can also have physical causes, such as pain or a metabolic disorder (hypothyroidism). Furthermore, owners should describe their dog's behavior as precisely as possible; photos or videos that can be brought to the practice are also helpful. If owners know what might have traumatized the dog, they should share this information. Background information about the dog's history is crucial when dealing with behavioral problems. Note: Some dogs are so stressed that they require mild, anti-anxiety medication beforehand or need to be examined outside the practice – ideally in their familiar surroundings.
Treating Traumatized Animals:
Treatment can begin once physical causes have been ruled out and the problem narrowed down. Generally, specially trained veterinary behaviorists are the appropriate specialists, but animal behavior trainers, specialized dog schools, and animal psychologists are also options. Your trusted veterinary practice will gladly assist you in finding a qualified colleague. The sooner behavioral therapy begins after the medical check-up, the more effectively the problems can be resolved. Training can be more lengthy for deeply ingrained behaviors.
If the trigger(s) that are particularly distressing for the animal are identified, specific training can gradually reduce the stimuli. Changes to the daily routine, the home environment, or behavioral training, such as during walks, can also be helpful. Medication can support treatment, occasionally even over an extended period. It can have an anxiety-reducing effect and sometimes allows traumatized animals to relax and learn something new.
Tips for home care:
Traumatized dogs need a haven where they won't be disturbed. They also need to be able to rely on their owners. Clear daily routines help the animals relax and find peace. Successful experiences are also meaningful. What is the dog particularly good at? What does it enjoy? Successful scent games, for example, can boost self-confidence. Traumatized animals need to feel empowered and able to influence how their environment behaves – for instance, by being rewarded for desired behavior. At the end of a training session or after an adverse event in daily life, pet owners should try to conclude with a positive experience. This helps the animals remember the situation better.