Can Pets Have PTSD? Understanding Trauma in Animals

A cat peeks out from under the curtains.

When we think of post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD), we often picture military veterans or trauma survivors struggling to cope with terrifying past experiences. But what if our pets could suffer from PTSD, too?

In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition that animals have complex emotional lives. They can form strong bonds, experience fear and joy, and suffer long-term psychological effects from trauma. This has led some to ask the question: Can animals suffer from PTSD?

---

What is PTSD?

Let’s start with the clinical definition of PTSD in humans. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The symptoms can include hypervigilance, emotional withdrawal, flashbacks, avoidance of certain people or places, and changes in mood, behavior, and/or sleep.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-V) lays out five categories of criteria for a PTSD diagnosis:

• Exposure to trauma (directly or indirectly)

• Intrusive symptoms, such as nightmares or flashbacks

• Avoidance behaviors toward reminders of the trauma

• Negative changes in mood or cognition, including negative or distorted beliefs about the individual or others, alienation, or guilt

• Changes in arousal or reactivity, like aggression or insomnia

For adults and older children, diagnosis combines observed behavior with self-reported emotional experiences. But for individuals who cannot articulate their thoughts and feelings, such as very young children, clinicians rely entirely on observable behavior. In fact, the DSM has specific guidelines for diagnosing PTSD in children aged 6 and under.

These criteria emphasize behavioral expressions of trauma, like reenacting the event through play, intense distress when reminded of the trauma, social withdrawal, and a persistent decrease in positive emotions. This approach recognizes that even without verbal descriptions, trauma can leave clear psychological marks — an insight that also informs how we assess PTSD in animals.

Can animals get PTSD?

Though they can’t describe nightmares or memories, animals often display patterns of behavior that align with clinical PTSD. In fact, experts have documented trauma-related disorders in dogs, cats, elephants, chimpanzees, and even birds.

For example, Jeannie, a chimpanzee rescued from a research lab in 1997, showed severe distress — self-injury, social withdrawal, and seizures that mimicked dissociative episodes. Then there was Jenny, an elephant who witnessed the slaughter of her entire herd as an infant before being held in chains for several years. When she was finally rescued and brought to the Dallas Zoo, she exhibited stereotypic behaviors and aggressive outbursts that fit classic PTSD symptoms.

These behaviors are not random. They often follow trauma and persist over time, just like in humans. While animals can’t tell us how they feel, this shouldn’t disqualify them from diagnosis. In fact, the process can be similar to how clinicians assess nonverbal humans: Behavior becomes the diagnostic language.

What is the current status of veterinary psychiatry?

Unlike human psychiatry, which relies on manuals like the DSM, there’s no universally accepted diagnostic system for animals. This can make identifying and treating mental health disorders in pets more complex. However, behavior-focused models are gaining traction. These models are particularly suited for nonverbal subjects, making them promising tools for diagnosing PTSD in animals.

Modern veterinary psychiatry, which is still a developing field, favors an integrated approach. Instead of relying solely on medication or training, veterinarians and behaviorists often recommend a combination of behavioral therapy, environmental changes, and (when needed) medication. This mirrors best practices in human trauma care and reflects a broader understanding of how deeply trauma can affect the animal mind.

What does this mean for pet owners?

If your pet has experienced trauma — such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, injury, or even a major environmental change — pay close attention to their behavior. Some symptoms of PTSD in animals may include:

• Aggression or sudden fearfulness

• Withdrawal or loss of interest in play

• Overreaction to noises or touch

• Self-harming behaviors like chewing or excessive licking

• Changes in sleep or eating patterns

Symptoms might emerge gradually or escalate over time. If you notice these signs, reach out to a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Treatment plans may include environmental modifications, behavioral therapy or desensitization training, or medications (when appropriate).

The key is recognizing that your pet’s behavior isn’t “bad” — it may be a sign of psychological pain.

---

Humans are not the only ones prone to trauma and PTSD. Animals, especially those who have suffered abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences, can carry emotional scars, too. By acknowledging this, we open the door to more compassionate, informed care. Whether you’re a pet parent, a trainer, or a vet, understanding animal trauma can transform the way we support our four-legged companions. Healing starts with recognizing that even silent suffering is still real.

If you believe your pet may be struggling with trauma, don’t wait. As a trauma-informed trainer and behaviorist who got their start working with animals in the shelter system, I understand the complex ways trauma can shape behavior. Book a virtual consultation today to begin building a pathway toward healing and trust, for both you and your animal.

Sources

Hoffman, K. (2020). Subjective experience in explanations of animal PTSD behavior. Philosophical topics, 48(1): 155-175. http://dx.doi.org/10.5840/philtopics20204818

Andero, R. (2025). Stress-induced changes in the molecular processes underlying fear memories: Implications for PTSD and relevant animal models. Molecular Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-02910-8

Marston, D. (2025, January 11). Veterinary psychiatry: A field in formation. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/comparatively-speaking/202501/veterinary-psychiatry-a-field-in-formation