![]() ![]() Depending on the situation and intensity of symptoms, a vet may prescribe drugs to complement behavioral work, reduce fear, and improve quality of life.Īlso understand that first attempts at treatment are not always successful. Sometimes the fear can be so intense, pets need a little pharmaceutical help to get started with their retraining. In dogs, desensitization is usually accomplished with something that the dog likes, such as treats, praise, or play. Through this process your pet will learn that the presence of the stimulus is not followed by any unpleasant consequences thus desensitizing the animal to the stimulus.īehaviorists often pair desensitization with counter-conditioning, a process that changes the meaning of something bad to something positive ~ like giving the a treat that they love. Slowly and gently Increase the exposure to whatever traumatizes them, always at a level that they can handle and gradually over time increase the level and/or length of time. Treatment generally centers on desensitization and counterconditioning.ĭesensitization is the process of exposing your dog or cat in a safe, non-threatening environment to a low level of the feared stimulus. It’s important that their safe space be a place the dog chooses to go to on their own and it’ll be important for you to not to force them to be confined. It’s helpful if this hiding spot is comfortable, easily accessible and provides the cat with the ability to hide his or her head.ĭogs on the other hand may naturally seek enclosed areas like closets or a dog crate. If they need medications or its time for a ‘walk’ or other interventions ~ you should entice them to come out on their own, voluntarily ~ maybe offer a ‘treat’ to coax them to come to you.Ĭats tend to prefer spaces that are higher up. Important for you to know: Do not mess with your pet when they are in their safe space. If they like hiding in your closet ~ don’t create the safe space in the living room. That can damage their behavior even more and even trigger aggression.Ī sensitive, fearful pet will benefit from setting up a safe space for them ~ in fact let them choose the location. Never use techniques that frighten an animal like shaking cans, spray bottles, use prong collars or anything that shocks the animal. Many dogs who exhibit extreme fear of people are not interested in interacting with them ~ so it’s not as simple as giving the pet love and attention. ‘My dog/cat just needs to be loved’ is a common statement expressed and believed. The most important factor to understand that exposure to a trigger without careful planning will make things worse.Īnother common misperception is that showering an animal with love is sufficient. For example, a person with a dog that is anxious when left alone might avoid putting the dog in a kennel when she goes away on vacation ~ instead consider having a friend care for your dog. This does not mean that your pet should be forced to live an ultra-protected life, but that major foreseeable stresses should be avoided as much as possible. Any animal is the sum total of its breeding and upbringing so a dog or cat whose parents were fearful or who were mistreated or injured may pass along fearful tendencies to its offspring.Ī traumatized animal has a higher likelihood of becoming re-traumatized if she or he re-encounters major stressors ~ so understanding your pet’s triggers is beneficial in helping prevent episodes. New evidence suggests that behavior consistent with trauma may be inherited through DNA. Genetics can also be a contributing factor. Trauma can also manifest as shaking, panting, yawning, hiding, urination and/or defecation when situations trigger their phobias. ![]() Dogs and Cats may attempt to escape or flee situations when frightened ~ they may even become aggressive if forced to interact, forced out of a hiding spot, may freeze, fidget, pace or try jumping up or paw at their owners. Like humans, traumatized cats and dogs can develop fear and anxiety disorders. The reality is that many pets with perfectly adequate and loving backgrounds develop fears, anxieties and phobias based on lack of proper socialization as a puppy or kitten. While most owners of a fearful rescued animal assume it’s been abused, relatively few pets actually are. Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs Emotionally Traumatized Dogs/Cats: How to Help Them! ![]()
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