Many animals come with a story. PETA expert gives tips.
Stuttgart. Around 10.5 million dogs live in German households. And many of the animals struggle – often unrecognized – with the consequences of trauma. Accidents, early separation from the mother, forced mating by breeders or the placement of so-called street dogs in foreign killing stations can lead to symptoms that affect the affected four-legged friends for the rest of their lives. The signs are often not recognized or misinterpreted by dog owners. PETA specialist speaker and animal psychologist Jana Hoger explains what trauma-related disorders can look like in dogs and what helps the animals to lead a stable and happy life.
“Like people, dogs can develop trauma-related disorders. It is important to recognize the symptoms, respond to them and show the animals that they can trust their owners,” says Jana Hoger. “Through careful behavioral training, fears and stress can be managed. This way, dogs can learn to rely on their people and relax better.”
Recognize trauma symptoms
Traumatized dogs are often fearful and suspicious. The reactions occur either permanently or only in certain situations. Animals, for example, are constantly “on guard,” guarding their surroundings or reacting very startledly to normal noises. Other possible trauma symptoms include trembling, increased submissiveness, salivation in specific situations, aggressive behavior, uncleanliness, self-harm and stereotypical movement patterns such as chasing one's own tail. Stimuli such as sounds or smells are potential “triggers” and can suddenly remind you of the stressful event. A specific sound or even a careless hand movement can often be a potential trigger. Even if not all aspects can be transferred, the symptoms, analogous to the illness in humans, are referred to as “post-traumatic stress disorder”.
Understanding the effects of trauma
Many traumatized dogs consciously avoid certain situations in order to avoid triggers. For example, you don't want to enter the training ground or get into the car. Others have nightmares, scream, fidget, and whine excessively in their sleep. Some of the animals show difficulties in emotional regulation and therefore react very strongly to stimuli. Ambivalent behavior towards caregivers can also occur: animals seek proximity and suddenly move away again, play very roughly or show reduced inhibition of biting. Opposite developments are also possible: some traumatized dogs go into a state of reduced reaction shortly after the traumatic event. They are far less interested in their environment, in games, food, stimuli, lose weight, sleep a lot and move little. Even dogs that appear calm and friendly can be exposed to great stress and literally freeze up.
When to clarify symptoms?
Traumatic effects are also a major burden for dogs. If the family dog notices some or more of the symptoms described, a veterinary practice should be visited as soon as possible. There the animals are first subjected to a comprehensive physical examination. Because some signs can also have physical causes such as pain or a metabolic disorder (hypothyroidism) have. People should also describe the dogs' behavior as precisely as possible; photos or videos that can be brought to the practice are also helpful. If pet owners have any idea what may have traumatized the dog, they should definitely share it. If you have behavioral problems, background information about the dog's history is very important. Attention: Some dogs are so stressed that they need mild, anti-anxiety medication in advance or have to be examined outside of the practice – ideally in their usual environment.
Treatment of traumatized animals
Once physical causes have been ruled out and the problem has been isolated, treatment can begin. As a rule, specially trained veterinarians in behavioral medicine are the right address, but also animal behavior trainers, specialized dog schools and animal psychologists. Your trusted veterinary practice will be happy to help you find a qualified colleague. The sooner behavioral therapy is started after the medical check, the better the problems can usually be solved. If behaviors are ingrained, training can become more tedious. If the trigger or triggers that particularly affect an animal are known, special training can be used to try to gradually defuse the stimuli. Changes to your daily routine, home furnishings or behavioral training, such as going for a walk, can also be helpful. Medication sometimes helps to provide support during treatment, but sometimes also over a longer period of time. They have an anti-anxiety effect and sometimes give traumatized animals the opportunity to relax and learn something new.
Tips for at home
Traumatized dogs need a safe place to retreat where they cannot be disturbed. They also have to be able to rely on their owners. Clear everyday routines help the animals to relax and rest more. Experiences of success are also important. What does the dog do particularly well and what does he enjoy? Successful sniffing games can, among other things, strengthen self-confidence. Traumatized animals need the feeling that they are self-effective and can help shape how their environment behaves – for example, that they will be rewarded for desired behavior. At the end of a training session or an unpleasant event in everyday life, pet owners should try to end with a positive experience. This way the animals remember the situation better.
PETA wishes all pet owners and animals lots of strength and success in dealing with trauma!
Podcast: Puppy trainer André Vogt talks to PETA specialist Jana Hoger about the topics of trauma and stress management: www.der-welpentrainer.podigee.io.