Trauma is brain changing

Did you know your dog’s brain isn’t all that different from yours?

Dogs don’t “think” in words or language like we do: They communicate through body language, movement, and sound, but they have a hippocampus (for memory), an amygdala (for emotions like fear and excitement), and the same core systems as us that drive emotional responses.

Dogs experience physical as well as emotional fallout from trauma, including chronic increased levels of adrenalin and noradrenalin, which is a devastating neurobiological consequence of traumatic experiences in both humans and dogs. 

Adrenaline/noradrenaline belong to a group of neurotransmitters and neurohormones called “catecholamines” which play a critical role in the body’s response to stress

In humans, we understand trauma responses, yet instead of giving compassion dogs are often labelled as “bad” or “naughty” or even “untrainable”

A dog’s experience of fear, stress, and even trauma can be very similar to ours. Trauma induces chronic, long-term changes to the nervous system, leaving them in a persistent, high-alert, “fight-or-flight” state.Their brain chemistry can become stuck in survival mode.

• Increased hypervigilance
• It reduces the ability to feel safe
• It impairs decision-making
• It make everyday situations feel overwhelming

So when you see a dog barking, lunging, or reacting, you’re not looking at a “badly behaved dog.” You may be looking at a nervous system that’s struggling to cope.

A traumatised dog isn’t giving you a hard time.
They’re having a hard time.

Healing doesn’t come from punishment or pressure.
It comes from safety, understanding, and trust.

Your dog is always communicating.
But are you listening?