Pet Trauma

The Importance of Understanding Pet Trauma

Pet trauma affects millions of animals every year. Unlike humans, pets cannot effectively communicate their suffering, making pet trauma a very serious and painful situation for both pets and their owners. However, the experts at Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Bloomington, IL, can help answer questions for pet owners about trauma, therapy, and the path to recovery for their pets.

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What is Pet Trauma?

Just like humans, pets experience traumatic events that can leave invisible scars for years afterward. Car accidents, injuries, violence, abandonment, and similar events can all trigger depression and anxiety, even years after the initial event. While there has been limited research in the field of pet trauma, animal researchers are beginning to uncover the secrets of pet psychology.

Signs of Trauma in Animals

Since animals cannot always communicate their pain, it’s important that pet owners and veterinarians look for signs of trauma. While these symptoms and behaviors could signify another underlying health condition, they are generally present in an animal suffering from the effects of trauma:

  • Fear - Fear is one of the most common signs of trauma in an animal. If your dog or cat attempts to run away when confronted with new people, animals, or situations, this could be a sign that they are dealing with trauma. Keep track of situations, places, or even objects that bring about fear in your pet.
  • Aggression - Some animals may react with aggressive behavior if they feel forced to confront traumatic situations. While aggression is relatively normal in animals that feel threatened, aggression in non-threatening or seemingly safe situations could be a sign of pet trauma.
  • Anxiety - While it’s not always easy to separate fear and anxiety, they usually manifest themselves in different ways. An animal that is afraid will typically run away or attempt to hide from the thing they are afraid of. While an anxious animal may exhibit different signs such as sudden urination, defecation, shaking, vocalization, heavy breathing, and pacing back and forth.

Care for a Pet Trauma at a Certified Animal Hospital

Is your pet is exhibiting signs of fear, anxiety, or unnecessary aggression? Are you aware of any traumatic events in your pet’s past that could be causing them pain in the present? If so, our trained veterinary staff at Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Bloomington, IL understands what you and your pet are going through. We have the expert knowledge and experience to help alleviate your pet’s symptoms and help them live a happy and healthy life. Call (309) 663-1414 for a consultation to discuss your pet’s trauma, and schedule an appointment today!

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