The mistreatment of dogs, whether physical or psychological, always leaves consequences in the behavior of the animal, especially if they have been going on for a long time.
Abusing authority, and not using an educational method that is based on trust and respect, will make our dog develop a distrustful attitude towards other animals or people.
In this article, we talk about the psychological effects that dogs often acquire when they were abandoned, physically or psychologically abused. It is important to bear in mind that dogs are not robots, they are not programmed or all feel in the same way, hence certain violent acts can affect them differently. What for one may be physically or emotionally harmful, for another may not have any repercussions.
This article, It will be especially useful if you notice that the dog you have recently adopted shows signs of sadness and you want to help him. It is likely that your dog has been abandoned or mistreated before, therefore, it is important that you know what the signs are, and in the event that he presents one or more, act immediately to reverse the situation and help him be happier.
It may interest you: My dog is sad: what can I do?
Only in 2016, more than 135.000 cases of animal abuse were registered in Spain, the vast majority to dogs. The figure is staggering. There is a lot of work ahead. Dropouts, physical injuries, excessive yelling or hitting are all considered cruel and abusive acts.. But there are many more that are equal or more important, and that for many, go unnoticed: such as leaving them tied or locked up for a long time in cold places or with constant sun, or not providing them with the medical attention they require.
What are the psychological consequences of dog abuse?
Specialized studies have compared attitudes of domestic dogs with others that were abused, and the results showed in the latter significantly higher rates in hyperactivity, aggressiveness, fear of unfamiliar people or dogs, hyperagency, persistent barking, repetitive or strange behaviors.
The abuses that are repeated for months or years, tend to exacerbate the behaviors of the animals, such as sadness, depression, aggressiveness or distrust. We explain it in more detail below:
Dogs that have been abused often experience behavioral changes that could be irreversible. Distrust or aggressiveness are perhaps the most complex to work with. A dog that has suffered repeatedly from the abuse of authority by a human being will fear him, and probably for the rest of his life, or for a long time. In this case, it is best to consult an expert.
Fear or excessive aggressiveness, unfortunately, sometimes cannot be cured. There have been cases in which it has not been possible to rehabilitate them. In cases where the animal poses a danger to other people, it ends up resorting to euthanasia practiced by a specialized veterinarian, in order to avoid further suffering on the part of the animal.
Another type of behavior that abuse can cause them is some type of compulsive disordersuch as barking excessively at any time, licking surfaces for no apparent reason, chasing its own tail, or obsessively digging all kinds of terrain.
This type of obsessive behavior can considerably decrease your quality of life, your social relationships, or your relationship with the new family. Dogs are animals that live, from their origins, in packs. For its development, it is essential to be part of any of them. That is why the abuse caused by the human being, who has a greater force, can break their emotions and leave deep emotional wounds, and unfortunately, in many cases, also physical, such as broken bones, burns, sores, scars, limb mutilations, and other barbarities.
Remember the Penal Code supports animals against mistreatment, considering it as a crime. Those who abuse animals can be sentenced to prison. In 2017, without going any further, the president of the Torremolinos (Malaga) animal shelter, Carmen Martín, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for the massive and indiscriminate slaughter of dogs and cats. Fortunately, the law has come a long way in terms of the consequences of animal abuse and mistreatment, although there is still a long way to go.
What to do if we adopt a dog that has been abused?
If you adopt a dog that has been abused, you will have to make an effort so that the animal feels relaxed in its new homeespecially the first few days. It is important, according to the ethologist and veterinarian Rosana Álvarez Bueno, that the dogs spend a few days in a restricted place, separated from animals or children, so that they feel independent and not overwhelmed. On the other hand, the room must have a warm bed, water and food.
Contact should not be forced, and he will be approaching little by little to establish communication between you and him. He tries to understand that this peaceful situation is new for him. His mistrust will soften over time, until he becomes your best friend, and the most grateful dog in the world for having rescued him from hell itself.