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Pet owners who suspect their furry friend may be suffering from this condition should ideally seek help from a veterinary behavioralist, who will develop an appropriate treatment plan. Teller also says that these symptoms may not be apparent at the time of adoption because as a survival mechanism, some dogs will mask their symptoms until they gradually adapt to their new home, depending on the animal’s trigger. “The symptoms of PTSD in dogs are similar to those in humans and include chronic anxiety hypervigilance avoidance of certain people, places, or situations sleep disturbances fear of being alone decreased interest in a favorite activity or aggression,” Teller said. “We don’t always know what may cause PTSD in dogs, but some potential causes are military or police work, being a bait or fighting dog, being raised in a puppy mill, severe abuse, living as a stray after being abandoned, trauma from a disaster (flood, fire, earthquake, tornado, explosion), or being attacked by other dogs or animals,” Teller said. Roughly 5 to 17% of dogs are affected with canine PTSD, but because the condition has only been recognized in dogs within the past 10 years, Teller says there is still much to learn. Lori Teller, an associate professor in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that because dogs can suffer from psychological conditions like their human counterparts, owners can benefit from having an awareness of possible causes, diagnosis, and how canine post-traumatic stress disorder may be managed to give your furry friend the best life possible following periods of stress and trauma. Avoidance is only a short-term solution, and in the long-run, it can actually cause your feelings and thoughts to become more intense.Just as our pets often help their owners through difficult times, animals that have suffered from traumatic events may need extra support.ĭr. As a result, people may rely on unhealthy coping strategies (for example, using substances) as a way of avoiding these symptoms. The symptoms people experience after a traumatic event can be very distressing. Unhealthy coping behaviors: Just as avoidance of activities, situations, or people can be problematic, so can the avoidance of thoughts and feelings.This avoidance can then lead to a worsening of symptoms and eventually PTSD. Avoidance usually leads to more avoidance as it reinforces the belief that the world is not a safe place.
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However, you must pay attention to avoidance behaviors.
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This is again part of your body's natural protection system. Hyperarousal: Just as you are going to likely be more on-guard, you are also likely going to feel more keyed-up and on edge following a traumatic event.This natural safety mechanism is going to be more sensitive following a traumatic event. This is actually a very protective symptom as your body is attempting to keep you safe by making you more aware of potential sources of threat and danger.
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Hypervigilance: It is also very natural to feel more on-guard and aware of your surroundings after a traumatic event.This is especially likely to occur when you encounter something (for example, a person, place, or image) that reminds you of the traumatic event. Intrusive thoughts and memories: After a traumatic event, it is common to experience some intrusive thoughts and memories of the traumatic event.