PTSD

Welcome and Thank You!

I'm so glad you took the Dog Anxiety Pitfall quiz,(Or dog anxiety type quiz? and congratulations on taking this big step towards understanding and overcoming your dog's anxiety. You're on your way to creating a more harmonious life for them, and I'm so excited to join you on this journey!

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!

Pet anxiety type Map? Or quiz?

Based on the information you've shared and the little I know about you, your dog’s anxiety type is

POSTTRAUMATIC 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 off of 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 off of 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.

Who Usually Struggle with Posttraumatic Anxiety

• Dogs who have been abused, neglected, or lacked proper care in their past
• Rescue dogs who have experienced instability or trauma before being rescued
• Dogs who have experienced traumatic incidents such as car accidents
• Dogs who have been in shelters or kennels for long periods without proper socialization or enrichment 
• Dogs who have been through significant life changes, such as moving to a new home or losing a family member  
• Dogs who have been involved in disasters, natural calamities (like floods or earthquakes), or car accidents 
• Dogs who have been bullied or attacked by other animals
• Dogs who have undergone painful medical procedures or treatments

How It Shows Up

 

• Excessive barking, crying or panicking 
• Trembling or shaking
• Heavy panting
• Destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture or scratching walls
• Hiding in quiet or isolated areas
• Attempts to escape or flee from the environment
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Increased aggression or reactivity towards people or other animals
• Difficulty settling down or relaxing

How It Feels for Your Dog

 

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 posttraumatic anxiety. 

 

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.

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. 

 

They can lose confidence in themselves, retreating from things they once enjoyed.

Their world is dominated by fear, causing them to be constantly on guard.


Top 5 Mistakes People Make with Dogs Diagnosed with Posttraumatic Anxiety

MISTAKE 1
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.

MISTAKE 2
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

MISTAKE 3 

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. 

 

MISTAKE 4
Keeping the dog in loud, crowded, or chaotic places.

Result: Overwhelms and overstimulates  the dog, increasing anxiety and preventing relaxation. Deeping the negative association in their  mind, energy and body

MISTAKE 5
Waiting too long to consult a veterinarian, trainer, or animal communicator. 

Result: Delays effective treatment, allowing the anxiety to deepen and worsen.

Supporting 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.

Use the code QUIZ15 to get a 15% discount at checkout.

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.

Pro Tip: Be Patient and Consistent

This process takes time, but you can rewire how your dog responds to stress, gradually reducing their anxiety and improving their overall behavior.

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.

 

If you have done all of these steps and you’re still at a loss, that’s where I

come in! Rewiring this trauma can happen in a few easy yet very specific

steps and It all begins with having a Full Spectrum Plan that addresses

the two key points for targeting anxiety; or what I refer to as "The Root

and the Rewiring factor”

Using this Plan you can target the cause of the anxiety and balance the

symptoms which will allow them to live a long and more prosperous life,

deepen connections with others and get back to being their happy,

healthy, bouncy selves!

Using this recognized method, you can replace fear with joy, create the

ideal balance of activities that are anxiety free, enable your pet to enjoy

the world instead of fear it, create positive belief systems around objects,

people, places that were previously negative and ultimately, lift the

weight off of your shoulders so that everyone can enjoy a far more

harmonious experience in the home.

 

STEP 1

 

EXERCISE! 

The best way to remove pent-up energy in your dog 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 

 

CBD! One of the best and most powerful ways to reduce your dog’s anxiety and panic is through high-quality, pet-formulated CBD. That is why I created “HEEL”, an organic CBD brand designed specifically for dogs.

Our product, Peace of Mind | Emotional Support for Pets, provides the support your furry friend needs to stay calm and relaxed.

Use the code QUIZ15 to get a 15% discount at checkout.

STEP 3 

 

Change the way your dog experiences separation. 

Once they've had good exercise and are relaxed with CBD, create a playful, exciting, and rewarding environment to help them enjoy being alone. 

 

Leave their favorite treats or a trail of treats around the house so they associate fun and adventure with being alone instead of feeling lonely. 

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.

Post Traumatic Anxiety or PTSD means that your pet is experiencing the

world based off of their perceptions generated from the past.

This is a niche, more specific anxiety caused by previous traumatic

experiences. This type of anxiety is specific to shelter or rescue pets or those

that have experienced past abuse or trauma of any kind.

In simpler terms, when an animal has a negative or traumatic experience,

they associate fear or negative feelings with THAT experience or object

moving forward.

This anxiety type is often seen in:

 

Animals that were previously abandoned or left at shelter for a long

period of time.

Those that experienced an unpredictable routine or volatile environment.

They do not know what to expect in their day to day life and from people

around them.

Those that experienced physical abuse or physical traumatic experiences

(car accidents, injuries and so on)

They associate fear, pain, stress with certain environments, people and

objects. For example, they may associate fear with men or cars or objects

that created a negative experience for them before

 

Often PTSD can occur from much smaller past experiences too, that we may

have deemed insignificant but to them, it’s affected them greatly.

Signs of this anxiety Type

 

• Crying, barking, panicking
• Aggression toward certain people, places, objects
• Lack of trust
• Destructing furniture
• Excessive howling
• Constant Self soothing
• Licking of mouth or lips when people are near
• hiding
• droopy eyes and flat ears

Mistakes people make

One of the biggest mistakes Pet Parents run into when approaching

their pets anxiety type is as follows: They simply write off the animals

anxiety as just being ANXIETY and ignoring the fact that it is being

unnecessarily generated in the present, because of negative experiences

from the past! They ignore the early signs of PTSD which in turn, feeds

into the fear and anxiety they experience TODAY, deepening their

negative perceptions and ultimately, setting them up for failure in their

future… when it really doesn't have to be that way,

Let me explain…

I hear pet parents say all the time “He was abused before I rescued him” or “she’s scared of new people because she had a bad experience

once…”

 

When we do this, we are not only solidifying their anxious personality but we are continuing to enable their behavior without rewiring the fears that no longer need to exist!

If we ignore the signs they are giving us, they’ll live the rest of their life

with way less joy and harmony You see, left unchecked, this gradual

enabling of the behavior becomes solidified and takes away from having

a more anxiety-free experiences in their future and right now! This

untreated behavior can often lead to depression, aggression and in

extreme cases, this anxiety can manifest itself physically…

Solutions

There are some practical and achievable steps you can take to avoid

these outcomes and create a thriving home environment for your fur

child.

Here’s what you can do almost immediately to start delivering a more

harmonious experience for your pet and ultimately, for yourself too!

 

EXERCISE! The best way to remove pent up energy is through

physical release!

One of my favorite ways is sensory exercises, remember, 15 minutes of

sensory exercise is equivalent to 1 hour of physical, this is a great way

to activate all senses and release anxious energy!

Take note of when exactly the anxiety is displayed. What are the

common factors? Is it around certain people, places, times of day?

If you have done all of these steps and you’re still at a loss, that’s where I

come in! Rewiring this trauma can happen in a few easy yet very specific

steps and It all begins with having a Full Spectrum Plan that addresses

the two key points for targeting anxiety; or what I refer to as "The Root

and the Rewiring factor”

Using this Plan you can target the cause of the anxiety and balance the

symptoms which will allow them to live a long and more prosperous life,

deepen connections with others and get back to being their happy,

healthy, bouncy selves!

Using this recognized method, you can replace fear with joy, create the

ideal balance of activities that are anxiety free, enable your pet to enjoy

the world instead of fear it, create positive belief systems around objects,

people, places that were previously negative and ultimately, lift the

weight off of your shoulders so that everyone can enjoy a far more

harmonious experience in the home.

Want a custom plan to target your pets unique anxiety type?

Send me an Email: sarah@thesarahlea.com

YOUR NEXT STEPS

 

Now you might be wondering,

“My dog can’t talk to me in words so how exactly am I meant to know what

they are experiencing?And how to do I fix this anxiety without going crazy and

without it taking over your entire life?

Well, this is what I do all day, every day… I help pet parents, both new and

experienced, find the source of their animals discomfort and create the Full

Spectrum Plan that targets the core and returns them AND the family, to a

more harmonious and balanced experience.

 

And I just so happen to have a step-by-step Method to achieve this

desired, anxiety free outcome,

And because you’ve taken the time to take this quiz and tell me a little about

you and your situation, I’d love to hook you up with a FREE access pass to

watch my training on how to have an anxiety free dog instantly without

having to spend thousands on vet bills!

In this training, I cover how to Implement a Full Spectrum plan to get to the

root of the issue and rewire it, now that you know what your pets anxiety type

is

I will go in depth on how to discover what the unique cause of their anxiety is,

where it is coming from, why and how to target and rewire it successfully,

And the crazy part is… I'm giving it to you, totally free

Now, the only catch is this:

This webinar will not remain free to you forever, so go ahead and claim your

free access now!

Simply click the button below to claim your free access pass and get instant

access to the training! 

THANK YOU!

I would like to say thank you for taking the time to prioritize your

pets mental and physical health and for recognizing the animals

ability to experience stress and anxiety.

As someone who has worked with hundreds of clients I can tell you

that there is light at the end of the tunnel, there is a perfect recipe

for success as long as you take the necessary steps to firstly

understand your pet in all of their uniqueness and target their

specific triggers accordingly.

 

This is why I created this webinar and granted you free access!

I created Tools to serve people like you in the most useful way

possible and if you choose to apply these tools and these tips to

your daily lives, you open yourselves up to living a much more

harmonious and stress free life!

Have questions about the webinar, My Pet anxiety Brand or My

Animal Communication sessions?

Feel free to contact me at any time

With Love

Sarah Lea