Today, let’s talk about it: Do cats have post-traumatic stress disorder like humans?

① What is post-traumatic stress disorder

② Do pets also have PTSD?

③ Symptoms of PTSD in pets

④ How to help pets come out?

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

PTSD is defined as “an anxiety disorder that can develop following exposure to a frightening event or ordeal that causes or threatens serious physical harm.

Traumatic properties that may trigger PTSD Events include violent attacks, natural or man-made disasters, accidents, or military combat.

In people with PTSD, to be definitively diagnosed with PTSD, the person must meet the following criteria:

Experiencing a traumatic event

Unable to get over it, often having nightmares about reliving the event

Avoiding distressing reminders (people, places, or events) of the event. objects).

There will be sudden onset of shock, aggressive or abnormal behavior, and exaggerated startle reaction.

The symptoms last for at least 1 month.

Serious impairment of normal functions

Once bitten by a snake, fear of well ropes for ten years is one of the manifestations of PTSD

So can pets also have PTSD?

Yes, there will be!

In 2009, military dogs were diagnosed with PTSD for the first time

Among 650 military dogs deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan Among dogs, as many as 10% of military dogs suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

In addition, not only military dogs who have experienced war, traumatic experiences in our daily lives can also cause pets, such as dogs. And cats suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder

You can observe that cats and dogs that have been abused often show symptoms of PTSD

There are all causes of post-traumatic stress disorder in pets. Which ones?

Actually, any traumatic event can affect a pet's mental health

These may include

abuse

abandonment

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Losing a beloved owner

Being placed in a strange and scary environment

Life-threatening disaster (such as fire or earthquake)

Being Being hit by a car

Attacked by another animal or predator

Or living in daily painful life, such as the darkness of the garbage backyard, starvation, and constant reproduction in cages

Etc.

These can cause psychological trauma and lead to the formation of post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms of which may appear months or even years after the traumatic event.

Even some dogs and cats that have been in new homes for a long time show symptoms of PTSD.

In short, the symptoms seen in pets are not necessarily from this time. It is caused by the experience at the moment, but it is more likely to be caused by a previous traumatic event

Symptoms of PTSD in pets

PTSD symptoms may include:

Unusual aggression

Fear, shaking

Increased agitation

Decreased appetite and weight loss< /p>

Reduced interest in playing, walking, or interacting with other pets and/or people

Hypervigilance (a strong sense of "alertness" to one's surroundings)

Tendency to be frightened

Pooping and urinating

Increased neediness or attachment

Excessive barking or meowing

Destructive Behavior

Extreme behavior to escape pressure (such as trying to gnaw the cage frantically in an attempt to escape)

Sudden changes in temperament

Hiding for no reason< /p>

Excessive panting

Fear of being alone

Sleep disorder

Avoidance of people, places or things associated with the traumatic event

Treatment of pet PTSD

So can pets suffering from PTSD be successfully treated?

Fortunately, the answer is yes.

However, treating any pet with PTSD can be challenging and depends on the individual patient's circumstances.

Military or service dogs usually receive time off, desensitization training, and medication

Dogs, cats, and other pets can also be treated with a combination of these techniques:

Exercise and play therapy:

Cats talk a lot Play with the cat with a cat stick. For dogs, it is best to take the dog to exercise outdoors more, so that it can recover faster

3. Desensitization, however, it is best to do this under well-trained conditions. , conducted under the guidance of an animal behaviorist who has experience in treating PTSD in pets

4. Create a safe and quiet place to keep pets away from other pets and people, especially cats. , a stable, safe, and even unchanging comfortable environment is very important!

5. The use of supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and pheromones that help relieve stress.

6. There are also relatively new alternative therapies such as acupuncture, but they are not recommended. After all, acupuncture seems to be a new and "terrible" stimulus to pets.

So, can PTSD in pets be cured?

PTSD is not a disease; rather, it is a behavioral change that can be corrected once the pet is properly diagnosed.

In many cases, treated pets appear to return to normal, but for some, a lifetime of intensive care may be required.

No matter what, patience and understanding are key and are the best and most effective ways to help them recover.