Said It Here

Did I traumatize my pet after an accident?

Sudden accidents like getting locked out in the rain or experiencing a painful bite trigger intense guilt and anxiety about permanently damaging the animal's trust. This fear often makes owners overly wary, distant, or hesitant to resume normal physical contact and favorite routines like sunbathing.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

  1. 1
    seeking reassurance from online communities
  2. 2
    talking to a therapist
  3. 3
    feeding and cuddling the pet to check for normal behavior
  4. 4
    Keeping hands away from the pet's face temporarily
  5. 5
    Ending playtime immediately when biting occurs
  6. 6
    Intensive bite inhibition training
  7. 7
    Using a towel to scoop up the pet
  8. 8
    Confining the pet to a hallway by closing doors
  9. 9
    Coaxing the pet out with food
  10. 10
    Using a hairdryer to scare the pet out from under furniture
  11. 11
    Buying a new carrier
  12. 12
    Using Feliway spray in the carrier and on towels

In their words

Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.

“I just feel so guilty and sorry for her being terrified.”source ↗

lilsis514 · r/cats · 27 upvotes

“However now since the bite I can’t help feeling a bit nervous around her and slightly more distant.”source ↗

“Has anyone else had a puppy bite that hurt/injured them and then felt a bit wary afterwards?”source ↗

Commercial_Mess_4465 · r/puppy101 · 6 upvotes

“I just feel awful and she must’ve been so scared. I already have almost all my ocd thoughts surrounding her and I’m worried she won’t enjoy her sunbathing anymore cause she’ll be scared.”source ↗

Complete_Mine5530 · r/cats · 4 upvotes

“I always feel the same way, especially the piteous meows in the car… breaks my heart”source ↗

eighthm00n · r/cats · 2 upvotes

“I just really don’t want her to have anymore fear. Sunbathing has been such a joy for her as she couldn’t do it in our old home and I just would hate for her to be scared to do it now.”source ↗

Complete_Mine5530 · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“My GSD Folklore was about 4 months and send me to A&E with a nasty bite through the nail bed.”source ↗

“I would not out my hands near his face for a week after which is difficult cause you need to be able to touch your dog.”source ↗

EriVix · r/puppy101 · 1 upvotes

Where this came up

r/catsr/puppy101anxietydog trainingguiltpet anxietypet behaviorpet care

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