One of the clearest indicators of trauma in a dog is found in their body language. Trauma in the nervous system often displays a posture that shows us the dog’s internal environment. The following body language and physical presenting signs may well be signs of trauma.
Avoidance
A dog who has experienced trauma might actively avoid people, situations, or places that remind them of past hurt. They may shy away from touch, retreat to corners, or even try to hide when confronted with anything they associate with fear or pain. When the World has been unpredictable and dangerous for them, a dog will generally try not to be seen, even if they have no escape route to take.
Breathing Patterns: Irregular and Shallow Breathing
Another significant physiological sign of trauma is irregular or shallow breathing. Dogs experiencing trauma often take quick, shallow breaths as their sympathetic nervous system activates to prepare them for immediate action. The purpose of this heightened respiratory response is to deliver more oxygen to the muscles, allowing for quicker reactions in the face of danger.
However, prolonged shallow breathing can indicate that the dog remains in a state of hyper-arousal, even when there is no apparent danger. This chronic state of shallow breathing can lead to respiratory issues, such as panting or wheezing, especially if the dog is experiencing intense fear. In some cases, traumatised dogs may begin to pant excessively, even in cool or non-strenuous conditions, as a direct result of their body's inability to regulate stress effectively. Remember also that shallow breathing could be a sign of serious physical illness and the dog might need to see their vet immediately.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Signs
The heart rate of a traumatised dog is another critical marker. When the sympathetic nervous system dominates, the dog’s heart rate accelerates, pushing blood to vital muscles. In some cases, traumatised dogs may display signs of a racing heart, even in calm environments, indicating an overactive autonomic nervous system that remains stuck in a state of arousal. In addition, shaking or trembling are common signs that the dog's cardiovascular and respiratory systems are under strain. These signs often reflect the dog's internal battle with stress and anxiety, as their body tries to cope with overwhelming emotions.
Excessive Fearfulness
Traumatised dogs can exhibit heightened fear responses to what might seem like minor triggers. They may flinch at sudden movements, cower when voices are raised, or tremble at unfamiliar sights or sounds. When the nervous system response is heightened even the smallest, unexpected stimulus can appear very dangerous for the dog. With trauma, underlying fear becomes a constant presence in their lives, preventing them from feeling safe even in otherwise calm situations.
Eye Changes: Dilated Pupils and Eye Movement
The eyes offer a window into the autonomic nervous system's activation. One clear indicator of trauma in dogs is dilated pupils, which occur when the sympathetic nervous system takes over, preparing the body for action. Dilated pupils signal that the dog’s body is flooding with stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, heightening their alertness and readiness to respond to threats. In traumatised dogs, dilated pupils may remain prolonged, even in calm settings, as their nervous system struggles to shift back into a state of rest. Additionally, some dogs may show rapid eye movements or constantly shift their gaze from one point to another, especially in environments they perceive as threatening. This eye movement reflects the dog’s heightened vigilance, scanning for potential dangers and showing difficulty in focusing or relaxing their attention.
Hormonal Imbalances
Chronic trauma leads to a continuous flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol. Prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels can have damaging effects on the dog's immune system, making them more susceptible to illness and reducing their ability to recover from minor injuries. Over time, the excess cortisol can also affect the dog's metabolism, energy levels, and even mood regulation, contributing to long-term health problems such as adrenal fatigue.
Hyperactivity
Some dogs may become overly active or agitated. This hyperactivity is often a way of releasing pent-up anxiety. These dogs may pace, jump, or engage in frantic behaviour because they are unable to settle due to the stress they are carrying. Try to imagine people you know who are either trying to capture all the danger by pre-empting it or staying very busy to believe they are completely in control; this type of behaviour is the mind’s way of trying to deal with the dysregulation within the nervous system and keep the sufferer safe.
Hypervigilance
Trauma creates a highly alert response to the environment. The sufferer may seem overly watchful, reacting to every sound, movement, or change in their environment. Their ears may flick back and forth, and their eyes may dart around the room, scanning for danger. This heightened state of awareness is exhausting for the dog, but it’s their way of staying safe in a world that their nervous system believes is dangerous.
This dog might be jumpy, easily startled by sudden sounds or movements. They may react disproportionately to what would normally be minor stimuli. This heightened sensitivity is a result of their nervous system being in a constant state of dysregulation, ready to react to perceived threats.
Muscle Tension
Traumatised dogs often carry tense muscles throughout their bodies, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and back. This muscular tension is a physical manifestation of the fight-or-flight response, which prepares the body to respond to danger at a moment’s notice. In a healthy state, this tension would relax once the threat has passed, but in a traumatised dog, the muscles may remain tight for long periods, even when no immediate threat is present.
Over time, this chronic tension can lead to muscular imbalances and pain, particularly in the back and neck areas, as the body remains locked in a defensive position. Some dogs may develop trigger points or areas of muscle stiffness that cause discomfort or even limit mobility. If left unaddressed, this ongoing tension can create a feedback loop, where the physical discomfort exacerbates the dog’s sense of stress, making it even harder to calm down.
Signs of Physical Protection and Hyper-vigilance
One of the most visible signs of trauma is a crouched posture, where a dog tucks its body into a smaller shape, lowering its head and pulling its tail close to its body. This posture is a natural response to fear, indicating that the dog feels vulnerable and is attempting to shield itself from perceived threats.
The dog may appear to hunch over or attempt to shrink into the ground, which can be mistaken for submission, but often reflects a deep sense of unease or fear. In contrast, a dog who is hyper-vigilant may hold an overly stiff, alert posture, standing with legs rigid, head up, ears perked, and eyes wide open, scanning the environment. Hyper-vigilance reflects a state of constant readiness, where the dog is on guard, anticipating danger. This posture indicates that the dog’s nervous system is stuck in a heightened sympathetic state, unable to relax and let down their defences.
Shut Down or Freeze Responses
A typical sign of long term or severe trauma is a freeze response. The freeze is the result of a dog’s body sending all energy to the organs as the ultimate survival attempt. The digestion and immune systems shut down.
The sufferer may become unresponsive, freezing in place as if hoping to disappear. It appears like the dog who hopes to avoid being noticed notice by staying completely still. It's heartbreaking to witness because it shows the depth of their fear.
Sleep disruptions can further degrade a dog's physical health, as their body misses out on the crucial periods of rest necessary for repair and recovery.
Withdrawal
Some dogs respond to trauma by retreating inward. They may prefer to be left alone. This emotional withdrawal is their way of coping with overwhelming stress, a sign that their world has become too frightening to engage with. The dog who withdraws in this way may sit across the room and look at you from a safe distance, or they may just tuck themselves away.
The physiological signs of trauma in dogs reflect the profound impact that its severe stress has on the entire body. From muscular tension to respiratory irregularities, digestive issues, and sleep disruptions, trauma touches every aspect of a dog’s physical being.
Learn More About Canine Trauma
Join me on the 1st of November at 7pm (BST) for a live webinar to learn the fascinating world of the canine nervous system.
Dog behaviour shows us how dogs feel. Stress, fear, and anxiety, as well as feelings of safety and connection are all related to internal balance. By understanding the way dogs feel we are better equipped to help them feel better, and the nervous system is key to this understanding.
In this live webinar, we'll explore how to assess a dog’s nervous system based on observing their body language and behaviour, and help them regulate into safety and connection as often as possible.
A regulated nervous system leads to better health, wellbeing, and ultimately, easier behaviour. Safety in the system creates better connection, relationships and health.
During this session, you will learn:
The role of the canine nervous system.
Polyvagal theory.
Neuroception and bias.
How to help dogs feel safe.
The nature of triggers and glimmers, and how to use them.
Recognising trauma responses.
Building resilience in dogs.
And much more.. Looking forward to seeing you there!
(There will be a recording afterwards).
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