Recognizing and treating trauma in dogs

Many animals bring a story with them
PETA expert gives tips

Stuttgart. Around five million dogs live in German households. And many of the animals are struggling with the effects of trauma – often unrecognized. Accidents, separation from their mothers too early, 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. Often the signs are not recognized or misinterpreted by dog ​​owners. PETA expert 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 owners and relax better.”

PETA gives tips

  • Recognizing trauma symptoms: Traumatized dogs are often anxious and distrustful. The reactions occur either permanently or only in certain situations. For example, animals are constantly “on guard”, secure their surroundings or react very fearfully to normal noises. Other possible trauma symptoms are trembling, increased submissiveness, drooling 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 one of the stressful event. A specific sound or even a careless hand movement can often also be potential triggers. Even if not all aspects can be transferred, the symptoms are referred to as “post-traumatic stress disorder” in analogy to the illness in humans.
  • Understanding the impact of trauma: Many traumatized dogs consciously avoid certain situations to avoid triggers. For example, they don't want to go to the training area or get into the car. Others have nightmares, scream, fidget and whine excessively in their sleep. Some of the animals show difficulty in regulating their emotions and therefore react very strongly to stimuli. Ambivalent behavior towards caregivers can also occur: animals seek closeness and then suddenly move away again, play very roughly or show reduced bite inhibition. Opposite developments are also possible: some traumatized dogs switch to a state of reduced reaction shortly after the traumatic event. They are far less interested in their environment, in games, food and stimuli, lose weight, sleep a lot and move very little. Even dogs that appear calm and friendly can be exposed to extreme stress; they practically freeze.
  • When should symptoms be clarified? The effects of trauma are also a major burden for dogs. If you notice some or more of the symptoms described in your family dog, you should visit a veterinary practice as soon as possible. There, the animals will first be given a comprehensive physical examination. This is because some signs can also have physical causes such as pain or a metabolic disorder (hypothyroidism). People should also describe the dog's 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 this. In the case of behavioral problems, background information on the dog's history is very important. Caution: Some dogs are so stressed that they need mild anti-anxiety medication beforehand or need to be examined outside of the practice – ideally in their usual environment.
  • Treatment of traumatized animals: If physical causes have been ruled out and the problem has been narrowed down, treatment can begin. Specially trained veterinarians in behavioral medicine are usually the right people to contact, but so are 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. Training can be lengthy for ingrained behaviors. If the trigger(s) that particularly affect an animal are known, special training can be used to gradually defuse the stimuli. Changes to the daily routine, the furnishings of the home or behavioral training, for example when going for a walk, can also be helpful. Medication can sometimes help 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 home: Traumatized dogs need a safe place to retreat to where they cannot be disturbed. They also need to be able to rely on their owners. Clear daily routines help the animals to relax and calm down. Experiences of success are also important. What is the dog particularly good at, what does it enjoy? Successful sniffing games can, among other things, boost self-confidence. Traumatized animals need to feel that they are self-effective and can help shape how their environment behaves – for example, that they are rewarded for desired behavior. At the end of a training session or when an unpleasant event occurs in everyday life, animal owners should try to end with a positive experience. This way, the animals will remember the situation better.

PETA wishes all animal owners and animals
lots of strength and success in overcoming trauma!