Dogs & PTSD
PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder has been known in the medical field as a disorder which is faced by humans relating to intense stressful situations that leave them in fear. Some veterinarians believe that you can observe PTSD in dogs as well. This is often known as canine PTSD or C-PTSD. Unfortunately, these dogs go through the same symptoms as humans. This article will outline the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods used for dogs with C-PTSD.
There are many situations which could cause PTSD in dogs. It is important to know that not all dogs react the same way, but there are certain triggers that are more prevalent than others. These include the following:
- car or home accidents
- natural disasters
- life threatening events
- trauma
- abandonment
- loss of a caretaker
- military or police work
Keep in mind that this does not mean that a dog couldn’t be experiencing PTSD from other stimuli. These are just the common reasons seen by vets.
There are certain symptoms which your dog may display if they are experiencing PTSD. Some of the leading symptoms include the following:
- avoiding areas or hiding
- shaking
- barking or whining
- unusual urination behavior
- non-normal aggression
We recommend that you meet with your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms. There are many ways a veterinarian might treat PTSD in dogs. For example, there are certain ways to reduce stress and anxiety which may involve medication or training. PTSD in dogs can be a hard thing to experience as a dog and it is painful to watch as a parent. However, it will get easier with time
