#2 SHOCK & TRAUMA
WHEN OUR ANIMALS EXPERIENCE SHOCK & TRAUMA
Gentle ways we can help them feel safe again
Our animals can experience shock and trauma just as we can. It can sit at the core of many problems, so it makes sense to disperse any shock or trauma residing in the body ... it creates a stronger foundation for their natural self healing ability to function (yours too). So, in this second week it makes a relevant subject to explore together.
A frightening accident, a visit to the vet, a sudden loud noise, fireworks, being attacked, getting lost, an operation, the loss of a companion, moving house — or even something that seems quite small to us — can leave an animal feeling unsettled and vulnerable.
And sometimes we don't know what has happened. We simply notice that our animal is suddenly more nervous, clingy, withdrawn, reactive or easily startled.
One of the things I love about working with animals is that we don't always have to do a lot.
Sometimes the gentlest touch, a quiet voice and a sense of safety are enough to begin helping an animal come back into balance.
START WITH A MUMMY LICK
This is one of my favourite ways to begin.
Using a very light, gentle touch, stroke along the sides of your animal's mouth and jaw.
Think of the mother animal grooming and licking her babies when they are born.
It is a wonderfully simple gesture of "You are safe. I am here."
Don't force it. Let your animal choose whether they want your touch.
Sometimes simply resting your hand nearby is enough.
And remember — your intention matters.
Slow down. Breathe. Soften your body.
THE SHOCK POINTS
There are several simple points that can be used when an animal has experienced shock, fright or trauma.
You don't need to use all three. In fact, let your animal tell you what they prefer.
They may, for example, like having the tips of their ears gently held or massaged.
1. INSIDE TIP OF EACH EAR
Gently massage or hold the inside tip of each ear.
Use a very light touch and notice your animal's response.
2. BETWEEN THE UPPER LIP AND NOSTRIL
This is the little area between the upper lip and the nostril — the Cupid's Bow area.
Again, use a very gentle touch rather than pressing hard.
If your animal doesn't like having their face touched, don't insist.
Move to another point or simply offer your calm presence.
3. THE LARGEST PAD ON THE BACK PAWS
Find the largest pad on each of the back paws.
You can gently massage or hold the pads, one at a time or both together.
Sometimes the simplest thing is simply to place your hand gently over the paw and wait.
There is no need to "do" anything.
Your animal may sigh, soften, blink, yawn, lick their lips, stretch, shake or settle. These can all be signs that they are beginning to release tension — although, of course, every animal is different.
AND THEN… "TITTLE TATTLE"
Tittle Tattle, can be a lovely addition. Simply whisper words of love and reassurance.
Use it gently and playfully, with lots of love.
Sometimes after a frightening experience an animal needs to reconnect with the feeling of
"I am here, I am safe, and life is moving again."
Keep everything light.
THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT: YOU
There is another piece of this that I think is incredibly important.
Our animals are so exquisitely sensitive to us.
They read our body language, breathing, facial expression, voice, movement and behaviour. They can notice when we are tense, frightened or upset — often long before we realise how much we are showing.
One of the greatest gifts we can give our animal is to work with ourselves first.
Take a breath.
Drop your shoulders.
Slow your breathing.
Feel your feet on the ground.
Speak softly.
If you can become a little calmer, you are giving your animal another nervous system to borrow from.
When we can care for ourselves, by a peculiar form of 'osmosis' they feel better.
Equally, sometimes our animals are almost like little mirrors, reminding us that our own regulation matters too... so look to yourself as well.
Of course RESCUE ANIMALS may well have suffered shock and trauma - click on this link for a piece I wrote offering 'tips' on bringing home a rescue animal ... it contains a replay link to a one hour class I gave, it's a few years old but the information holds true today.
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CREATE A SAFE SPACE
After shock, don't underestimate the healing power of ordinary things.
A familiar bed.
A favourite blanket.
Your quiet presence.
Dimmed lights.
A peaceful room.
Slow, predictable movements.
Their favourite toy.
A gentle walk if they want one.
Food and water.
Sleep.
Routine.
And, perhaps most importantly, choice.
Let your animal decide whether they want contact or space.
Sometimes healing begins when we stop trying to make them feel better
and simply allow them to feel safe.
AND DON'T FORGET THE BODY
After a frightening event, animals can hold a great deal of tension in their bodies.
Once they are calm enough to receive touch, gentle stroking, slow massage, a quiet grooming session or simply resting your hand on their body can be wonderfully reassuring.
But always follow their lead.
If they pull away, freeze, growl or show signs of distress, stop.
Consent matters with animals too.
And if there has been a significant episode, please seek veterinary help immediately. Energy work and complementary approaches can sit alongside appropriate veterinary care — they should never delay it.
AND HERE'S THE BEAUTIFUL PART…
Sometimes we think we are the ones looking after our animals.
But they can teach us something too.
When we stop, breathe and soften ourselves so that they can settle, we often settle too.
When we stroke them slowly, our own breathing can slow.
When we sit quietly beside them, our own nervous system may begin to quieten.
It becomes a beautiful little circle of regulation:
I help you.You help me. Together, we find our way back to safety.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of living alongside animals.
LET'S SHARE WHAT'S WORKED ....
What has helped your animal after shock, fright or trauma?
Have you used the Shock Points?
Does your dog love having their ears held?
Have you found a particular flower essence helpful?
Does your animal respond to music, touch, massage, quiet time, walking, being wrapped in a blanket or simply sitting beside you?
And what happens when you consciously calm yourself first?
Please share your experiences in the comments.
Because we learn so much from one another — and sometimes your little piece of wisdom may be exactly what another animal and their human need to hear. 🐾❤️
Please remember: these techniques are offered as gentle complementary self-care practices and are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
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