All dogs will go through periods of high stress, this is a normal and unavoidable part of life, and as long as they are allowed sufficient time to recover this doesn't become an issue.
Stressed dogs, like stressed people, may have dilated pupils and blink rapidly. They may open their eyes really wide and show more sclera (white) than usual, giving them a startled appearance. Ears that are usually relaxed or alert are pinned back against the head. Changes in body posture.
It is hypothesized that chronic activation of the stress response will have detrimental health effects. It is predicted that dogs suffering from fear and anxiety disorders will have decreased lifespans and increased disease frequency and severity.
“The symptoms of PTSD in dogs are similar to those in humans and include chronic anxiety; hypervigilance; avoidance of certain people, places, or situations; sleep disturbances; fear of being alone; decreased interest in a favorite activity; or aggression,” Teller said.
Acute post traumatic stress disorder is the most common form of PTSD seen in dogs. Acute reactions begin occurring directly after the traumatizing incident or incidents and generally subside within three months.
Most dog owners want their pooch to live their best, happiest life possible. And, while it takes time, most pups CAN get past their traumatic past.
Shortened Lifespan
A recent study conducted by animal science researcher Nancy Dreschel found that dogs with anxiety made to interact with strangers were likely to have a shorter lifespan (averaging about 6 months) than dogs without anxiety.
Excessive Sleeping
Lethargy is usual one of the first and most common symptoms of stress and anxiety in dogs.
It can weaken immune systems, elevate blood pressure, and contribute to heart, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin conditions. Stress can also result in long-term behavioral problems. Fortunately, there are several ways we can prevent or reduce pet stress, be it situational or chronic.
More signs a dog could be anxious
For example, a dog might suddenly stop, sit down, and start scratching with intensity when something in their surroundings is worrying them. They could also start sniffing about and licking themselves repeatedly.
The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your dog to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months. Think of your new dog's first 3 days as their time to decompress as they transition from a shelter or foster home into your home.
Dogs that experience any number of these symptoms may start to have panic attacks. Panic attacks can last from minutes to hours, and can involve any number of the above symptoms.
Usually, dogs do not outgrow separation anxiety. Very mild separation anxiety may improve over time, but that isn't the case in most instances of moderate to severe separation anxiety. The condition has nothing to do with age, so it's not likely to improve on its own without some sort of intervention and treatment.
Stress signs to look for include whale eye (when dogs reveal the whites of their eyes), tucked ears, tucked tail, raised hackles, lip-licking, yawning, and panting. Your dog might also avoid eye contact or look away.
It can take months or even years for formerly abused dogs to recover and go from a reclusive and scared pooch to a trusting and loving companion. However, you also need to temper your expectations because in most cases, you can never achieve a full resolution of the issues.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs
Trauma can also manifest as “shaking, hiding, urination and/or defecation when the trigger attempts to interact, howling, pacing, excessive vocalization, and panting,” says Pia Silvani, director of behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center.
The healing crisis is temporary and usually happens for 24-48 hours after massage. Sometimes your dog may appear worse than before he/she had a massage – these responses or reactions are indicative that the treatment IS working and the body is going through the process of cleansing itself of imbalances and toxins.
The good news is that it is possible to help your dog recover to some degree from past trauma. Your dog will probably always be a little more nervous than other dogs, but with time and patience, you can give them a much better quality of life.
When dogs are injured, they will tend to sleep more so that they can conserve their energy, which helps to mend injured tissue. If you can, fix up a spare room where your dog can rest and relax without too many other people or pets bothering them.
Helping fearful dogs become more confident is a multi-step process that can take weeks, months, or even years. In many cases, it's never really “done.”
“Dogs will become withdrawn. They become inactive. Their eating and sleeping habits often change. They don't participate in the things they once enjoyed.”