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Writer's pictureDiane Dewberry

Unspoken Struggles: Understanding PTSD in Dogs and Cats and the Power of Energetic Healing

If you were to list the members of your family, would the names of your pets be included? For most of us, the answer is, “Of course!”


Our pets share our lives and our homes.


They feed off our emotions, sensing when we are excited, happy, angry, fearful, or sad.


As sentient, emotional beings, they have thoughts and emotions all their own. It's not all wagging tails and purring contentment – animals can carry emotional scars too, much like we do.


We're talking about trauma, something that affects humans and our animal companions alike.


In this article, we're diving into the world of emotional trauma in pets known commonly as PTSD in dogs, and yes, cats too.


Animals carry emotional trauma in their bodies, minds, and souls, just like we do, and it’s vital to our pets’ emotional well-being to address it.


If you're a bit skeptical about addressing emotional trauma and PTSD in animals, stick around. We're here to show you how energetic healing, a holistic approach, can actually make a significant difference in helping pets overcome their emotional baggage and lead better, more joyful lives.


Recognizing Emotional PTSD in Dogs and Cats


Studies have shown that animals are affected by emotional trauma just like humans are. In fact, the first cases of PTSD in animals were diagnosed in military and service dogs.


But your pet doesn’t have to be a working animal to suffer from trauma or PTSD.


It might not always be obvious, but it's real, and it matters.


You can imagine the traumatic events in an animal’s life that would cause lasting emotional pain, like a pup being abandoned on the side of the road, or a once-beloved cat suddenly finding itself in a noisy, unfamiliar shelter. These experiences can shake them to their core.


But trauma isn't always tied to big, dramatic events.


Even less severe situations can trigger emotional distress in our pets.


Moving to a new home, the arrival of a new family member (human or furry), a change in routine, or even a loud thunderstorm can send animals into a frenzy.


Their world might be smaller than ours, but their emotions run deep.

Cat with PTSD

How can you tell if your pet is dealing with emotional scars or PTSD?


Watch for these behaviors:


  • Excessive Aggression: Suddenly lashing out, even if unprovoked.

  • Withdrawal: Becoming unusually distant or isolated.

  • Hyper-vigilance: Being constantly on edge, alert to any noise or movement.

  • Anxiety: Pacing, panting, trembling, or excessive grooming.

  • Avoidance: Steering clear of places or people they used to enjoy.

  • Changes in Appetite: Eating much less or more than usual.

  • Overreacting: Reacting strongly to minor changes or events.

  • Urinating or defecating in the house: Occurring even if they’re potty trained.

  • Unusual vocalization: Mewing, whining, crying, and barking when unprovoked.

  • Weight loss: Decreased appetite even for things they once ate willingly.


Pets can't use words to tell us when something's wrong, but their actions speak volumes.


When it comes to healing from trauma or PTSD, understanding the signs is the first step in helping them find their way back to emotional well-being.


The first step in addressing these behaviors is to seek help from your vet. If physical causes are ruled out, the answer may lie in trauma.


Addressing PTSD in Dogs and Cats Is Important


Emotional trauma isn't just a mental burden, it can have physical consequences too. Just like in humans, chronic stress and PTSD from trauma can weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses.


Those unexplained health issues or sudden changes in behavior might actually be their way of saying, "Hey, I'm hurting inside."


Beyond their health, consider the bond you share with your pet. It's a two-way street, built on trust and companionship.


When trauma goes unaddressed, it can strain this connection. Your once-spirited pet might become distant, unresponsive, or even aggressive.


Dog with PTSD

Recognizing the impact of trauma or PTSD in dogs and cats is the first step in showing our pets the love and care they deserve. By addressing their emotional well-being, we're not just healing their hearts – we're nurturing their bodies, minds, and the beautiful bond we share.



Bridging the Gap Between Science and Energetic Healing When Tackling Emotional Trauma and PTSD in Pets


When it comes to our pets' well-being, our first instinct is to stick with what's tried and true. And that often means turning to traditional Western medicine.


But here's the thing – there's a whole world of healing out there that might seem unconventional but is definitely worth exploring.


Energetic healing, sometimes seen as alternative or holistic, might not fit the mold of what we're used to. But before you write it off, consider this: science and healing aren't strangers.


Eastern medicine and holistic, natural, and energetic healing methods have been around for centuries as a way to address symptoms without the side effects that can come with more traditional medicine.


Energetic Healing for Trauma and PTSD in Pets


Think of energetic healing as a companion to the more traditional methods to treating PTSD in dogs and cats. It's not about rejecting science; it's about expanding our toolkit.


In my practice, I use my skills as an energetic healer to get to the root cause of the issue to put your pet into a more balanced state, allowing natural healing – and traditional medicine, if needed – to function more efficiently.


Unlike a physical wound that can be seen and treated, emotional scars can be hidden deep within.


Energetic healing targets the core of emotional trauma, accessing the layers beneath the surface.


One of the valuable things about energetic healing is its non-invasiveness. It's like offering a helping hand to your pet's energy system, gently coaxing it back into harmony.


This can be particularly effective for emotional aspects that might not respond as well to traditional methods.


The path to recovery isn't always a straight line.


Some pets might need a little extra support to overcome their emotional baggage or to release the trauma and PTSD that can plague them.


Embracing a holistic approach acknowledges the intricate interplay between emotions and physical health.


Types of Energetic Healing for Trauma and PTSD in Pets


There are many forms of energetic healing that are gentle and effective, including acupuncture, Reiki, Qigong, healing touch, flower essences, and more.


In my practice, I use a multi-layered approach to get to the root cause of the issues the pet is experiencing.


My goal is to understand the pet’s backstory, the parts of the animal’s history and experiences that are unknown to anyone.


I do this through a process during which I use my intuitive skills and the guidance of my Spirit Guides and Power Animals to create a sacred space where the pet can share their story with me.


The information I gather during this session fully illuminates the root cause of the trauma and the issues that the pet is experiencing.


Once I understand the cause of the issue, my Spirit Guides show me the correct flower essences to bring the pet back into emotional balance.


Energetic healing to heal PTSD in dogs

The pet can then begin to process and release the negative events that have created trauma or PTSD in the pet.


The process is gentle, sacred, illuminating, and hopeful for the pet as well as the people who love them.


Our pets are more than companions; they're cherished family members who share our lives, joys, and sorrows.


Just like us, they can carry emotional scars that wagging tails and purring contentment often masks.


Healing is multi-faceted. By recognizing signs of emotional trauma and PTSD in dogs and cats, seeking professional help, and exploring holistic approaches, we provide our pets with a path to heal and flourish.


Ready to explore energetic healing for your pet? Contact The Healthy Animal Healing Center. We specialize in restoring balance, healing trauma, releasing PTSD, and deepening the bonds between you and your pet.




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