Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a disorder that can afflict anyone who has been exposed to trauma. This can be direct physical trauma, like being in a car accident, or it can be witnessed trauma, like seeing the September 11 terrorist attacks from a distance. Experiencing trauma does not mean that someone will develop PTSD. Many people will have negative psychological consequences in the aftermath of trauma, but PTSD only occurs when the consequences are ongoing and negatively impact a person’s life. People with PTSD can experience flashbacks, avoidance, extreme anxiety, and other mental health conditions. PTSD is not confined just to people, however. Animals can experience it as well, sometimes as a result of abuse or neglect, sometimes after experiencing a traumatic weather event such as a tornado. Police dogs and military dogs can develop PTSD as well.

There are treatments for PTSD for both humans and animals. These treatments can involve help from psychological or behavioral specialists. Some veterinarians provide these services to animals. Medications can also help those who experience PTSD find relief. One key psychological intervention is exposure therapy. During exposure therapy, people or animals are slowly exposed to what scares them while they are simultaneously taught how to relax in those circumstances.