Can Dogs Suffer From Panic Attacks?

Many may not know them, but dogs, like us, can suffer from panic attacks. These can be caused by loud noises, an accident on the road, or a fight with another dog. Whatever the situation, we must know what generates this panic attack and what we can do about it.

Why do they suffer from panic attacks

Several factors come into play here, including race and circumstances. For example, a dog that has been abused will show signs of anxiety and fear in tense moments. Maybe it will happen if you hear screaming in our house or the neighbor’s.

However, this is not common. The predominant habitual factors that lead our dog to suffer panic attacks are loud noises. This is the case with gunshots, fireworks, thunder and even ambulance sirens.

These panic attacks cause them to act in different ways. Some act aggressively, others try to hide from the noise, and others struggle to flee from home. In all situations, the animal could end up having a force injury that prompts it to act with such anxiety.

There are really many aspects that we cannot avoid, but we can do something about it.

What to do if my dog ​​has panic attacks

To avoid injuries and more trauma to our animal, it is important that we know how to act. Reactions to panic attacks will never improve if we do not act in time knowing exactly what to do.

The first thing is to pay attention to how we respond when we see that our dog has a panic attack. Normally, we tend to pamper the animal too much with honeyed words and cuddles, but this only reinforces its behavior, as the animal will feel like we are complimenting it on its attitude.

Then there is the other extreme. The owners who scold the animal for feeling this way. This is not good either, because the animal cannot help feeling fear and scolding it will only make it relate its panic to something even more negative and feel double fear.

It is necessary to find the balance between pampering, that is, making him see and understand that nothing is happening and that they are there, and indifference. Sometimes he needs to be alone and if we are too on top of him we will only applaud his behavior.

There are dogs that suffer from uncontrolled fear and for this there are techniques that can help them improve. For example, for dogs with a fear of loud noises, there is gradual sound exposure, which consists of emitting the sound that scares them from below to a strong point, being able to stop at any time.

However, if we feel that our animal’s fear is out of control and that we cannot improve, going to the vet is always the best. He will be able to determine the cause and how to act accordingly.

How to tell if our dog has panic attacks

To know if our dog is panicking, we must observe his behavior in various situations. Our pet always gives us signals that help us to know how he feels at all times. We have to be attentive to these, which are:

• Vocalization. If the dog calls out to us to go where he is
• Take bowel movements at home. If you have never done so, they may be caused by a panic attack
• Destructive behavior. This could be carried out especially in windows and doors, looking for a way out to be with their owner and feel their protection.

Physical symptoms would be heavy breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, arthritis, anorexia, tremors, depression, and others.

Be attentive to your pet and if you see these signs and with our advice you cannot calm him down, go to the vet. He will be the one who can best treat this fear.