According to some estimates, over 40% of pet dogs experience noise anxiety caused by the New Year’s Eve or 4th Of July fireworks, and in many cases these panic attacks can turn into a genuine PTSD.
“It’s very serious. It’s a true panic disorder with a complete flight response,” says Dr. Melissa Bain, an associate professor of clinical animal behavior at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.
This is why all you dog owners out there need to be able to recognize if your canine friend is undergoing PTSD.
2 Main Signs That Your Dog May Require Treatment
Almost all canines encounter an occasional stressful situation that may inflict some temporary anxiety. They are all afraid of the loud and sudden noise made by fireworks, but at what point do we need to seek out professional treatment for our pets?
According to Dr. Christopher Pachel, a board certified veterinary behaviorist based in Portland Oregon, there are two signs that suggest professional treatment might be required.
- The Extremeness Or The Severity Of The Reaction – if your furry friend starts to act differently and responds significantly more emotionally than usual to everyday noises, he is possibly suffering from PTSD and might need more immediate intervention.
- The Duration Of The Reaction – “If I was involved in a car accident,” says Pachel, “I’d probably be nervous getting behind the wheel tomorrow and perhaps the next day and the next day. If the persistent excessive reactions last for at least a month without resolution, then we know that it might be time to seek professional help.”
So, What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Is Experiencing PTSD?
Even though it hasn’t been a month after the stressful New Year’s Eve, if your pooch has undergone trauma or stress and is now acting differently in any way (avoids walking by the window, seeks shelter under the tables, is less active than usual), it is recommended that you have your dog evaluated by a professional before the condition worsens.
It is indeed better to be safe than sorry.