Windsorites say pets get PTSD too

Although she was only a puppy when her past owners mistreated her, two years later, the abuse she received still affects her today.

Siberian husky Miley was four months old when she was rescued by Jenn St. Jean. Back then, she was fearful of just about everything. Miley’s stomach was damaged so she couldn’t keep anything down from being fed no-name adult food. As a result, her second owners, with impatience and annoyance, would throw her into the bathroom where she would stay for long periods of time. Her behind was raw and she was clearly malnourished considering St. Jean would look at her sides and see nothing but ribs.

As for her first owners, if Miley misbehaved, they would throw her into the bathtub, spraying her face with water. Needless to say, giving her a bath is an exceptionally difficult task.

With her present owner, Miley has come a long way from where she once was. Even so, one thing was clear to her owner: Miley had post-traumatic stress disorder.

St. Jean first heard about Miley on Kijiji, where she read an ad that was anything but pleasant.

“I’ve never heard anybody speak about a pup so ill. It was terrible the words they used so I knew it was important to get up there and get her,” said St. Jean.

According to animal behavourist Kelly French, canine and feline PTSD documentation is slim but it is a very real problem.

French is the owner of a behavioural centre called Animal Antics where she helps dogs deal with behavioural issues. French remembers a dog she encountered who had been in her crate when her house was robbed. Since then, the dog has had issues with men wearing hats.

“Dogs remember the past. There are some prominent dog trainers on TV who claim that dogs get over their past really quick and some dogs do… A lot hold it to heart the rest of their life,” said French. “A lot of them have a very hard time overcoming those obstacles once they’ve encountered them and that’s very much a real problem in dogs and cats as well…”

That is definitely the case for Miley, who according to St. Jean, always cringes when people pet her head. As for men and loud noises, Miley often hides, if not always.

Treatment for PTSD varies. Like humans, depending on the severity of the situation, a dog or cat may require behavioural training, medication or a combination. According to French, there are also natural therapies such as aromatherapy, calming treats, anti-anxiety milk casings and L-Theanine.

Coulter said patience is key. After all, when a dog or cat is forced to deal with their triggers, they will do anything to escape.

“If you’re forced into a situation that terrifies you, sometimes you’re going to react in the only way you feel you can and just use whatever tools to try to escape,” said Coulter. “So by giving them patience, letting them approach things on their own, initiative, rewarding them as they do and positive reinforcement, you can definitely work through a lot of these situations…”

French said the best way to help your pet is to take it slow. By exposing them to their triggers at a distance first, pets can deal with their fears in a way that’s comfortable.

That’s exactly what St. Jean did for Miley. St. Jean would slowly expose Miley to men and as a result, she’s able to stay at home with St. Jean’s sons which was something she couldn’t do before.

St. Jean’s family often requests Miley be locked up during family occasions but she said that is not how a pet owner should deal with the situation.

“You live in an abusive relationship and see how you act. See if you end up with traumas,” said St. Jean. “They’re just like people—they end up with traumas, trauma triggers, certain things trigger it and they take a little more patience.”

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