Emotional Pain in Animals - Holistic Healing & Support

Discover how emotional pain affects animals, its link to physical health, and how holistic methods like botanical self-selection can help.

Emotional Pain in Animals: The Hidden Struggle We Can No Longer Ignore

When we think of pain in our beloved animals, we often picture the obvious: stiff joints, limps, wounds, or chronic illness. These are visible, tangible, and hard to ignore. But there is another type of pain that is just as real, and often overlooked: emotional pain.

Just like us, animals feel grief, loss, fear, stress, and anxiety. They may not have had the best start in life, or through no fault of their own, find themselves separated from their family and in a rehoming centre. They may not have the words to express it, but their behaviour, energy, and even physical health often tell the story. Recognising and supporting emotional pain in animals is not just compassionate — it can also prevent future health problems.

Common Signs Your Animal May Be Struggling Emotionally

Imagine a time when you had a lot on your plate or a work deadline to meet with everyone wanting a piece of you - how did that feel in your body? Stiff neck? Headache? Feeling or actually being sick?

Now imagine what it might be like to be unable to talk the same language as your care givers - how would you communicate your discomfort?

Animals express emotional pain in many different ways. Guardians may notice changes such as:

Withdrawal or hiding away
Loss of interest in play or food
Sudden clinginess or separation distress
Aggression or irritability that wasn’t there before
Destructive behaviour or restlessness

These behaviours are not “bad” or “naughty” — they are communication. They are signs that your animal is carrying something heavy on the inside.

The Connection Between Emotional Pain and Physical Health

When emotional pain is ignored, it doesn’t simply disappear. Instead, it often settles into the body. Stress and unresolved trauma can affect the nervous system, the immune response, digestion, skin, and even musculoskeletal health.

We know in humans that long-term emotional stress can contribute to conditions such as ulcers, autoimmune issues, or chronic pain. The same is true for our animals. By addressing emotional pain early, we give them the best chance at long-term physical wellbeing.

How I Help Animals Heal Emotional Pain

My work is grounded in respect for animals and their innate wisdom. I use three powerful, animal-led approaches that allow each animal to guide their own healing process:

🌿 Botanical Self-Selection – Animals are offered safe choices of plants, herbs, or essential oils, and instinctively choose what they need for emotional and physical balance.

🌿 The APA Wellness System – A structured approach to gently uncover and release the root causes of emotional pain.

🌿 Animal Centred Education – Empowering animals to make choices, reducing stress and restoring confidence through a sense of agency.

These modalities honour the individuality of each animal, allowing healing to happen in a natural, holistic way.

How You Can Help Your Beloved Animal Friend

Your animal’s emotional world matters. Just because you cannot see emotional pain does not mean it isn’t real. By paying attention to behavioural changes and offering support, you may help your animal avoid more serious physical health issues later in life.

If you are concerned that your animal may be carrying emotional pain, or if you would like to learn more about how I can support you and your companion through botanical self-selection, the APA wellness system, and animal-centred education, please reach out.

🌿 Together, we can give your animal the comfort, balance, and freedom they deserve. 🐾

Email: caninesenses@btinternet.com

For more details about what I do: Click Here