What's Causing Your Dogs Phobias

By Catherine V. Testaratti

As humans, when we are faced with an outside danger we tend to do one or all of three things. Our first reaction is to fight, flee or freeze. These are basic survival instincts that we are born with, just like our pets.

An automatic reaction to a fearful situation is a trait we are born with. Our dogs are the same and they experience some of the same reactions as we do. Abnormal behaviors displayed in your dog, over time, can be changed.

There are a few ways to know whether your dog is suffering from anxiety. Excessive barking or licking; loss of bladder control or whining are some of the most popular symptoms. Separation anxiety tends to be the most common stress for dogs.

Fireworks and thunderstorms can trigger stress in a dog. If your pet has a constant fear for sudden loud noises, it is possible that he suffers from phobias. Monitoring your pets behavior will help to determine if your pet has experienced past trauma causing this response.

The older your dog gets the more he might experience anxiety to separation. Memory loss and loss of thinking can cause these reactions to being alone. Dogs between 12 and 36 months are beginning to socially develop which is when these anxieties typically will begin. Withdrawal or severe fear is normal in pups between 8 and 10 months.

If your dog is withdrawn or trembling he may suffer from phobias or anxiety. The submissive move of tucking the tail between the legs is also a sign of mild fear. Learning to see the signs of phobias and anxieties is the first step to understanding your dog's emotions.

What causes your dog to develop these conditions? Illness or a physical condition that causes pain can contribute to the development of phobias, fears or anxiety. Puppies not given proper social exposure until the age of 14 weeks may become fearful.

Many abandoned dogs who are adopted out by a new family will suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs coming from abusive situations might have fear phobias. These precious animals need a lot of love and positive reinforcement and can eventually live happy lives.

Most dog's phobias and anxiety issues can be helped with medications and by modifying the behavior. However, medications can take up to 2 weeks for results and not all dogs will respond to modifications. Giving your dog a lot of love a happy home can be some of the best medicine. - 29895

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here