How To Help Your Pet Recover from a Traumatic Situation

Living near downtown, it isn't uncommon for me to hear the sirens of police and fire, but tonight the sound was a little different. As I was finishing my nightly dog visits and was heading home for the evening, I heard more than the usual two fire trucks, ambulance and one police cruiser. Listening to the sounds I knew the trucks were not at the ramp of Rt. 495 or on 114 or 125. My heart sunk

The fire was residential. Then I was given the address: Union Street. A street that is a very pet friendly street, a street that I am on frequently with animals, a street that takes care of their animals as if they were their own children.  Sad Sad night on Union Street.

With the fire, unfortunately came the loss of two family cats.  As I was standing at the scene watching the two deceased animals being carried from the house, all I could think about was the family.  They lost two of their family members this evening. Two cats that were loved by their family and adored by the entire neighborhood, two cats that just a couple hours before were living an everyday life cats would live, taken by the evil of  fire.  What a tragic loss...

In speaking with Lt. Sean Fountain, he stated the fire department attempted to use the animal oxygen masks on the cats; however, they had already passed.

In the chaos of the fire, the family dog went missing.  Fortunately a neighbor was able to find the dog.  A cat was also saved.

But what happens next?  The cat and dog that survived have been blessed with life but it most certainly will come with its challenges.

Animals, like humans do experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety and depression.  In any life changing event, our animals will also feel the affect.  We as pet owners need to remember this, as more than likely, our pets will express different behaviors than we may be use to from them.  

How do you help your animal through a traumatic situation? Well start with the basics, some extra attention and affection, and realize the healing process could be immediate but probably will take a very long time.   

1. Loyalty - show your loyalty to your animal, you may even need to over compensate for a bit. But that's ok.  You need to let your animal know you are devoted and committed 100%.

2. Trust/Safety - build the trust, after a traumatic situation your animal needs to feel that trust from you and needs to know you are dedicated to keeping him safe.  By nature animals have a instinct to survive. But when their owner can develop a level of trust that helps to create the sense of safety, it will help the pet tremendously .  Just like humans, pets have feelings and emotions and they also can become very scared, nervous and anxious.  Create a level of calmness and a sense of security.  This will help your pet begin to trust and to feel safe again.      

3. Patience- realize your pet may express behaviors not common for him.  Most of these behaviors will be fear based.  Remember, whatever the situation was your pet experienced, it was traumatic.  He needs for you to not get frustrated with him as he is healing.

4. Most importantly- positive reinforcement is a must.  Praise  your pet, every improvement, let him know how good he is doing.  Keep up with the positive reinforcement. This will help your pet to begin to heal and recover from the devastating situation he has survived.

 For now just give TONS of Hugs & Kisses...that is really what your pet needs from you !!

** A very special THANK YOU to the North Andover Fire Department for respecting the life of an animal as a family member and for all that you to protect the families and their pets in our town  **

 Tracey is the owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care of North Andover and may be contacted at 978-697-6571 or www.wigglewalk.webs.com on facebook at www.facebook.com/wigglesjigglespetcare