![]() The clinical signs will vary depending on the severity of the fear or anxiety that the dog is suffering from. With separation anxiety, a dog that’s left alone for a period of time exhibits anxiety or excessive distress behaviors. Separation anxiety is the most common specific anxiety in companion dogs. Pet owners may also observe excessive panting and/or pacing. The most common behaviors are elimination (i.e., urination and/or bowel movements), destruction and excessive vocalization (i.e., barking, crying). This results in bodily reactions (known as physiologic reactions) that are normally associated with fear. Anxiety in DogsĪnxiety, meanwhile, is the anticipation of unknown or imagined future dangers. The most common phobias in dogs are associated with noises (such as thunderstorms or fireworks). It has been suggested that once a phobic event has been experienced, any event associated with it-or even the memory of it-is sufficient enough to generate a response. The persistent and excessive fear of a specific stimulus is called a phobia. Profound fear (also called idiopathic fear) has been noted in certain dog breeds, including the Siberian Husky, German Shorthaired Pointer, Greyhound, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Pyrenees, Border Collie and Standard Poodle, among others. Most abnormal reactions are learned and can be unlearned with gradual exposure (counter-conditioning). The context of the situation determines whether the fear response is normal or abnormal and inappropriate. It is considered to be a normal behavior that is essential for adaptation and survival. ![]() The response of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for the freeze, fight or flight syndrome. ![]() Fear in Dogsįear is the instinctual feeling of apprehension caused by a situation, person or object that presents an external threat-whether it’s real or perceived. When navigating fear-based behavioral issues in dogs, your veterinarian will work with you to determine the severity and root cause of the behaviors. Does Your Dog Have Anxiety, Fear or a Phobia? To help you better understand how to help, it’s necessary to understand the nuances and signs of anxiety, phobias and fear in dogs. ![]() Profound fear and anxiety can lead to unhealthy and potentially dangerous behaviors within dogs. While fear is a normal, adaptive response, sometimes a dog’s fear response can reach more extreme levels that require intervention. ![]()
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