Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well known and documented among people. Some of us may know a military member who suffered from PTSD after experiencing the horrors of combat. However, PTSD can occur after almost any type of traumatic experience, whether acute or long-term. So, can dogs also suffer from PTSD? Although it may be difficult to definitively diagnose a dog with PTSD, there are certainly signs that mirror symptoms seen in people with PT.S.D. If you read this article and suspect your dog may be suffering from PTSD, please know that it may be in your family’s and your dog’s best interest to contact your veterinarian. It is important to be forewarned.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a human-related mental health condition that is caused by extreme stress or a frightening event, or by participating in or witnessing the event.1 Simply witnessing or being a part of a traumatic event does not necessarily mean that a person or animal will suffer from PTSD. There are dogs who go through horrific abuse and neglect situations and continue to adapt perfectly to their wonderful new homes. My dog is a perfect example. After being left alone and tied up in the garden, he became tangled in the rope he was tied to. As a result, he lost one of his hind legs. Despite that experience, he is one of the most loving, energetic, and trusting dogs I’ve ever met. With food and snuggles, he will quickly become your friend. I am amazed every day that he does not suffer from obvious long-term trauma or PTSD from his previous life situation.
The difference is when a dog witnesses or experiences a traumatic experience that does not improve over time with love, training, or work, or when the negative symptoms of the experience worsen over time; This means he may be suffering from PTSD.
What are the signs of PTSD in dogs?
Herein lies the difficulty in diagnosing PTSD in dogs. One reason for this is that we often don’t know much about their lives before they came to us, our shelters, and our rescues. We often see dogs that are fearful, closed off, aggressive, or anxious that we automatically assume are suffering from PTSD from abuse. But I don’t really know this. Some dogs may exhibit this behavior because they have never been around humans or other animals. Lack of sociability often mimics the symptoms of PTSD, making it difficult to differentiate.
The typical symptoms of PTSD are similar to those seen in humans.
These signs may include:
- chronic anxiety
- Fear or avoidance of certain types of people, places, or things
- abnormal sleep patterns
- invasion
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including separation anxiety, constant pacing/panting/agitation, and even destructive behavior. Some dogs meow or bark constantly to show anxiety, while others bite at inappropriate things. Diagnosing anxiety in some dogs is important, as some owners just think their dog is “attached” to them, when in fact they may be showing signs of anxiety. It can be difficult to do. Aggression can also manifest as attacks on people, other animals, food, and other resource guarding.
What causes PTSD in dogs?
Traumatic or stressful events can cause PTSD. These include being left alone in the garden with little access to food or water, being tied up so you can’t run, being abused, being in a car accident with your owner, being caught in a house fire, etc. Contains. PTSD from stray, neglected, and abused dogs seen in TV commercials.
What we don’t often think about is PTSD in working dogs who have been exposed to the violence of combat, attacked if they are police dogs, or even not treated properly by their handlers. In fact, in addition to working dogs who are exposed to stressful events on a daily basis, even the most beloved and well-cared for dogs can develop PTSD due to unforeseen accidents or events.
Diagnosing PTSD in dogs
The diagnosis of PTSD in dogs can only be made by a licensed veterinarian, ideally a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Seeking help from a behaviorist is the same as a person seeking diagnosis and care from a psychologist or psychiatrist, rather than just a family doctor. A behaviorist can best diagnose whether your dog truly has PTSD or another anxiety or behavior disorder. We never recommend relying on trainers, breeders, or handlers without medical knowledge.
How do I care for a dog with PTSD?
Treating dogs with PTSD takes time, patience, and professional care. Often these dogs can become inactive or reactive in certain situations. They need owners who will work with them and work with their veterinarian to treat these behaviors. Often people give dogs a home, treat them like part of the family, and expect everything to go well. But the reality is, just like humans, these dogs require long hours of work, love, patience, and often medication.
Medications such as anti-anxiety medications get a bad rap for dogs. In clinic settings, we often see situations where owners are hesitant or resistant to giving their dog medication before an appointment or during certain triggering situations at home. However, medications can help calm anxious minds and reduce stress for owners, dogs, and veterinary staff. There is no one-size-fits-all medicine, and what works for one dog may not work for your dog. Therefore, these dogs must be managed and monitored by a veterinarian, and appropriate medications prescribed and adjusted if necessary.
Most dogs benefit best from a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. What’s best for each dog is case-by-case, with some dogs needing more of one than the other. Treatment may include social training, desensitization training, stress reduction at home or in specific situations, and mental and physical stimulation. Some dogs can be completely weaned off the medication over time, while others may benefit from one or both treatments for the rest of their lives.
It cannot be stressed enough that if your dog is suspected of having PTSD or has been diagnosed with PTSD, you should seek the assistance of a qualified veterinarian, ideally a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. It can’t be too much. We do not recommend taking your dog to a trainer who “specializes” in PTSD. This is because dogs may have no medical knowledge at all. These dogs often require prescription medications, which only a licensed veterinarian can provide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my dog make a full recovery?
This is unknown. The recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD in dogs is fairly new. Even if your dog’s symptoms improve, whether or not they will fully recover depends on a case-by-case basis. What we do know is that owners need to be prepared and committed to working with dogs with PTSD for the rest of their lives.
How do I find a veterinary behaviorist?
To find a board certified behaviorist, visit: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (dacvb.org). Click on “Menu” in the top right corner of the screen and scroll down to “Diplomat Directory”. This allows you to enter your city, state, or country to find an activist near you. Please note that some behaviorists are offering telemedicine appointments. If you don’t have a behaviorist in your area, be sure to ask for this option.
What about supplements and CBD?
With the legalization of cannabis for human use in some states, the pet market for CBD and THC products is booming. But not all people are created equal. We are currently receiving funding for scientific research into the effects of these substances and products on companion animals. Most products on the market have no scientific research to support their effectiveness. There are supplements and products that can help your dog, but it’s always a good idea to ask your veterinarian which products they like best, rather than just ordering unregulated products off the internet.
conclusion
PTSD is a fairly new topic in veterinary medicine. The signs can mimic anxiety or stress for a variety of reasons and can only be diagnosed by a qualified veterinarian. These cases can be difficult to deal with, so many veterinarians recommend consulting a veterinary behaviorist for treatment. When most people think of PTSD, they only think of dogs that have been neglected or abused, but in reality, PTSD can be seen in working dogs or even dogs that have experienced traumatic events. It may happen.
Treatment and care are balanced between behavioral therapy and prescription medications. There are several supplements and complementary therapies that may be helpful, but due to the overwhelming number of unregulated products on the market, their use should always be under the guidance of a veterinarian. Owners of dogs with PTSD must be committed to providing a loving, safe home and working with the dog to cope with this potentially lifelong condition.
Featured image credit: Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock
