6 Ways to Introduce a Pet to Support Someone Living with PTSD

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Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating. It’s not known precisely how many people live with PTSD symptoms, but the National Center for PTSD estimates that around 6% of Americans will experience it at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, distressing thoughts, avoidance, hypervigilance, and sudden irritability. Alongside medication and talk therapy, a pet may be able to help those with PTSD by providing emotional support, reducing anxiety, and offering companionship.

Considering a new pet for yourself or a loved one with PTSD? Introducing the pet gradually is essential to ensure the individual feels comfortable and the pet can become a positive influence. Here are a few proper ways to introduce a pet for PTSD support.

1. Understand the Individual’s Needs and Preferences

Before opting for a new dog, discuss the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and potential fears or anxieties about pets. Do they want an active pet to get them outside, or prefer a snuggle buddy to join them on the couch? Are they wary of large dogs? Do they prefer non-conventional pets like rabbits or reptiles? 

In addition to the person’s needs and preferences, consider their living situation. If they live in a small studio or one-bedroom apartment, a Great Dane isn’t the best choice, and they might prefer a cat or a small dog like a Pomeranian. A more energetic dog, like a Labrador retriever, might be the best fit if they have more space and a fenced yard.

2. Start with Conversations and Visual Introductions

Once you know the individual’s needs, it’s time to discuss having a pet with them. They might already have been considering an animal for companionship or to help with their PTSD symptoms, or the idea might not have occurred to them before. Show them pictures or videos of the pet you think would be a good fit to gauge their initial reaction and interest.

You can also explain the benefits of animal companionship for those living with PTSD. Research shows that animal-assisted interventions can reduce PTSD symptoms and depression.

Additionally, petting a dog or cat can reduce levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and lower blood pressure, which is helpful for those with PTSD who suffer from anxiety.

In addition to sharing scientific research about pet ownership, share stories or testimonials of how pets have helped others with PTSD to build excitement and curiosity about the potential benefits.

3. Create a Calm and Controlled First Meeting

Once the individual with PTSD is ready to meet the pet, ensure that the first meeting is calm and controlled. Plan the meeting in a familiar, quiet environment where the individual feels safe, such as their home or a family member’s home. Allow the person to observe the pet from a distance before initiating any interaction.

For example, you could let the pet roam freely nearby, giving the individual time to adjust to the pet’s presence without pressure to engage immediately. Consider having a trusted person interact with the animal at a distance to show the individual with PTSD that the pet is safe.

4. Encourage Gradual Interaction at the Individual’s Pace

While the individual watches the pet from a distance, gauge their reaction. If they seem open to meeting the pet, encourage them to move closer at their own pace.

Allowing the individual to approach the pet on their terms is vital in gradually building confidence and comfort. Avoid forcing physical interaction to ensure the experience remains positive.

You can start with simple activities like watching the pet or tossing a toy, progressing to petting or cuddling when the person feels ready.

Follow their lead to ensure they are not pressured to interact with the animal. If they aren’t comfortable interacting with the pet during the first meeting, it’s perfectly fine to arrange follow-up meetings.

Alternatively, if the person never gets comfortable with the pet, consider a different type of pet that might suit them better.

5. Involve the Individual in Pet Care Routines

Once you’ve found the right pet, you can introduce simple pet care tasks, such as feeding or grooming, to foster a sense of responsibility and deepen the bond between the individual and the pet. Getting the individual involved in the day-to-day care will help both the individual and the animal feel more comfortable with each other.

Research shows that regular routines, like the ones involving pet care, can help those with PTSD become more resilient during and after potentially traumatic events.

To build a predictable routine, encourage the person to feed the pet daily at the same time and walk them at certain times if needed. If the pet requires grooming, you can also work that into the routine so the individual knows what to expect daily.

Creating a routine adds structure to their day and strengthens the connection between the individual and their pet.

 6. Be Patient and Offer Ongoing Support

Patience is key when it comes to helping those with mental health conditions such as PTSD. Recognize that building trust and comfort between the individual and the pet takes time. Commit to helping the individual overcome obstacles to continue developing a unique bond with their pet.

Provide encouragement and reassurance throughout the process, and let them know you are there to help.

Celebrate small milestones, such as the individual’s first interaction with the pet or their first walk together. Continue to offer support as they build their relationship. 

Proper Introductions Help Strengthen Bonds

Introducing a pet to someone living with PTSD should be a slow and gradual process. It’s essential to offer the individual support and patience as they navigate this new chapter of their life, from the first time you bring up the idea of the pet to when they bring it home.

The therapeutic benefits of pets for PTSD recovery are numerous, and by following these PTSD pet introduction tips, you can help them build a loving and dependable relationship with each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of pets are best for individuals with PTSD?

Everyone is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all pet for someone living with PTSD. However, dogs are often chosen as service dogs or emotional support animals for PTSD patients because they can be trained to recognize symptoms and provide distractions, like nudging, licking, or leaning on the individual when they are having flashbacks.

How do I know if someone with PTSD is ready for a pet?

If you think supporting PTSD with pets is a good idea for a loved one, just ask them what they think. Depending on the person, you might need to introduce the idea gradually and provide evidence of how animals can help alleviate PTSD symptoms. You might also need an ESA letter to let the pet live with the individual. The best ESA letter services, like Pettable, make getting a letter to show to their landlord easy.

Can therapy pets be trained to support PTSD symptoms?

Therapy dogs can be trained to recognize the onset of PTSD symptoms like anxiety attacks or flashbacks. When a trained service or therapy dog senses the onset of symptoms, they can provide distractions such as licking or nudging the individual. Pets and PTSD therapy can also simply provide comfort to someone who is dealing with everyday PTSD symptoms like hypervigilance or dissociation.

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