Congratulations on completing Your Dog Anxiety Type Quiz!
You’ve taken an important step towards understanding and overcoming your dog's anxiety.
Hi, I'm Sarah Lea.
I'm a Professional Animal Communicator, the Founder of Heel - a pet wellness brand dedicated to tackling pet anxiety at its core, and the creator of this quiz.
I've spent over 15 years working with animals struggling with severe anxiety, and I've made it my mission to find solutions that truly get to the root of their anxiety and rewire it.
I believe in going beyond simply numbing the symptoms with medication and truly addressing the behaviors that cause your pet's distress.
Below, you'll find a detailed description of your dog's unique anxiety type, along with solutions tailored specifically for them.
From one committed pet parent to another, thank you for putting your dog's mental and emotional well-being first. It's an honor to be part of your journey with them..
Now, let's dive into your results!
Based on the information you've shared and the little I know about you, your dog’s anxiety type is
POST-TRAUMATIC ANXIETY
What that means…
Post-traumatic anxiety or PTSD in dogs, much like in humans, occurs as a result of a traumatic event. They may associate negative emotions or expectations with specific people, places, people, things, or even certain senses based on the past. Essentially,
it's when a dog experiences intense fear or distress in response to a specific trigger
due to a past trauma.
Even things that seem totally harmless can suddenly make your pup feel really scared because they remind them of something scary that happened in the past. So, they might start shaking, barking a lot, or trying to run away. In severe cases, they may display a constant state of anxiety, based on their past
For example, a loud noise, a particular scent, the stature of a man or a specific place can instantly bring back all those scary feelings from before.
Just like how we'd want to comfort a scared friend or child, it's important to be patient and understanding with our dogs when they're dealing with post traumatic anxiety.
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Dogs who have been abused, neglected, or lacked proper care in their past
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Rescue dogs who have experienced instability or trauma before being rescued
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Dogs who have experienced traumatic incidents such as car accidents
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Dogs who have been in shelters or kennels for long periods without proper socialization or enrichment
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Dogs who have been through significant life changes, such as moving to a new home or losing a family member
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Dogs who have been involved in disasters, natural calamities (like floods or earthquakes), or car accidents
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Dogs who have been bullied or attacked by other animals
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Dogs who have undergone painful medical procedures or treatments
Who Usually Struggles with Separation Anxiety
How It Shows Up
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Excessive barking, crying or panicking
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Trembling or shaking
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Heavy panting
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Destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture or scratching walls
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Hiding in quiet or isolated areas
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Attempts to escape or flee from the environment
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Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
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Increased aggression or reactivity towards people or other animals
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Difficulty settling down or relaxing
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Imagine feeling scared or on edge every time you encounter something that reminds you of a terrifying experience. That's how it feels for dogs with post-traumatic anxiety.
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They're not being 'bad' or 'stubborn', they're genuinely overwhelmed by fear. It's like having a constant feeling of dread or panic that won't go away.
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For your dog, there is no safe space, and they struggle to find comfort, even in familiar environments. They become hypervigilant, constantly scanning their surroundings for danger.
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They can lose confidence in themselves, retreating from things they once enjoyed.
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Their world is dominated by fear, causing them to be constantly on guard.
How It Feels for Your Dog
5 Top Mistakes People Make with Dogs Diagnosed with Post-traumatic Anxiety
1
MISTAKE: People often overlook subtle signs of anxiety, thinking the dog will
"get over it" on its own.
Result: The dog's condition may worsen over time, making it harder to treat.
2
MISTAKE: Punishing a dog for fearful behavior.
Result: Increases the dog's anxiety, reinforcing negative associations and making the behavior worse. This also deepens the behavior and we miss out on the opportunity to equip them with confidence to overcome it, for a far more harmonious experience in the future.
3
MISTAKE: Forcing a dog into situations that force them to “face their fears”.
Result: This can intensify anxiety and potentially lead to aggression or further withdrawal.
4
MISTAKE: Keeping the dog in loud, crowded, or chaotic places.
Result: Overwhelms and overstimulates the dog, increasing anxiety and preventing
relaxation, deepening the negative association in their mind and body,
impacting the energy field negatively.
5
MISTAKE: Waiting too long to consult a veterinarian, trainer, or animal communicator.
Result: Delays effective treatment, allowing the anxiety to deepen and worsen.
How You Can Support Your Dog Through
Post-traumatic Anxiety Without Medication
If we miss the signs our dogs are showing, they might end up living with less happiness and calm. If their behavior problems aren't corrected, they can become habits that bring stress now and in the future. Unresolved, these issues might lead to depression, aggression, or physical health issues.
Here are some practical and achievable steps you can take to avoid these outcomes and create a thriving home environment for your furry friend.
STEP 1
EXERCISE!
The best way to help your dog burn off excess energy is through physical activity.
Regular exercise helps to reduce anxiety, promote better behavior, and maintain your dog's overall health. Choose the activities that fit your dog's age, breed, and energy level to keep them happy and healthy!
STEP 2
Sensory Exercises
One of my favorite methods is using sensory activities, like sniffing games, interactive toys, and hide and seek. Remember, 15 minutes of sensory stimulation is like an hour of physical exercise. It's a great way to engage their senses and relieve anxious energy. ESPECIALLY for the dogs with a heightened sense of smell or “working dogs”.
STEP 3
Observe Patterns
Pay attention and take note when your dog shows signs of anxiety. What do they have in common? Are there certain people, places, or times of day that trigger it?
Observing patterns in your dog's behavior is essential for dogs with PTSD because it helps pinpoint the specific triggers that cause anxiety. With this knowledge, you can avoid exposing your dog to these triggers, reducing their stress and preventing anxiety episodes.
Providing this information to your trainer, animal communicator or vet also allows them to offer tailored advice and recommend the best treatment options, including medication if needed. From an Animal Communication perspective, This information is vital to understand how we can gently yet effectively rewire the negative association with a positive one!
STEP 4
CBD for Anxiety Relief
If you prefer a non-medical solution and care deeply about your furry friend, CBD is one of the best and most powerful ways to reduce your dog's anxiety and panic, especially in dogs with PTSD.
This is an amazing way to effectively yet gently lift the curtain of anxiety so they can start experiencing the same triggers with more relaxation in their body and mind, through consistency, thus equips them to overcome their fears, which is very hard to do if they are overcome with physical and emotional anxiety
The calming effects of high-quality, pet-formulated CBD can help manage symptoms of stress and panic, making it a natural and effective solution.
That is why I created “HEEL”, an organic CBD brand designed specifically for dogs with anxiety!
Our product, Peace of Mind | Emotional Support for Pets, provides the support your furry friend needs to stay calm and relaxed.
Important Safety Note: Please consult with your veterinarian to ensure that it is safe to use “HEEL” alongside other medical treatments. It’s crucial to align any new supplements with your dog’s current health plan.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, and this information is not intended as medical advice. Always seek guidance from a licensed professional for your pet’s healthcare needs.
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Pro Tip: Be Patient and Consistent
This process takes time, but you can rewire how your dog feels about separation. Stick to these steps for at least three months, and stay consistent with your routine. It’s not a quick fix, but with time, your dog will feel more relaxed.
THANK YOU!
I truly appreciate you taking the time to prioritize your pet's mental and physical health and recognizing that our furry friends can feel stress and anxiety, just like we do.
Having worked with hundreds of clients and their pets, I can tell you there's always light at the end of the tunnel. There's always a path to success if you take the time to understand your pet in their unique ways and address their specific triggers.
Keep going! You're on the right track.
