We dog lovers know that dogs are also always scared, but we sometimes overlook that many dogs suffer from different fears and phobias. These phobias can have a variety of causes, including a lack of early socialization or a negative experience that imposes fear in them. Signs you may notice if your dog is scared include cowering, trembling, drooling, barking, destructive behaviour, and, in some cases, aggression. Yes aggressive, not all dog you see displaying aggressions is truly aggressive, some dog develop the behavior because of fear and they want to protect themselves.
Is your dog fearful? Do you know the reason why your dog is always scared? Let’s discuss some of the most common dog fears and phobias so you can help your dog.
Fear of Thunder
Astraphobia, the fear of thunder, is common in dogs; most dogs fear thunder. However, the degree of this fear can differ from dog to dog, as some may have a mild fear of thunder. When your dog is mildly afraid of thunder, you may notice it trembling slightly with flattened ears, wide eyes, and a tucked tail during a thunderstorm.Some dogs might be very scared and react by running away, hiding, or causing damage. They might even lose control and pee in their surroundings.
Dogs with astraphobia may or may not necessarily be afraid of other loud noises, but most dogs have a general noise phobia. They become fearful when they hear thunder, fireworks, loud music, etc.
Fear of Fireworks
The fear of fireworks in dogs is a common and serious issue that many pet owners face. The loud and unpredictable sounds, combined with the bright light displays, can cause significant distress to dogs. This fear may result in dogs trembling, cowering, or seeking places to hide. In extreme cases, the fear of fireworks can cause dogs to exhibit panicked behaviour, leading them to run away and potentially become lost. Pet owners should be aware of these concerns and take appropriate measures to ensure their dog’s safety and well-being during times of fireworks displays.
Some dogs can get used to fireworks sounds over time. In other cases, managing the dog’s environment may help. Dogs with severe fear of fireworks may need to see a vet for treatment, which may include anti-anxiety medications or sedatives.
Fear of Being Left Alone (Separation Anxiety)
The fear of being left home alone is referred to as separation anxiety, and it is very common, especially among new dog owners who don’t have time for their new pets. Dogs that experience separation anxiety often show signs of distress when left alone. This can include destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture or other items, excessive barking, and house soiling. These behaviours can be a manifestation of the dog’s anxiety and should be addressed with training and, if necessary, professional help.
Changing the dog owner’s behaviour may help ease a dog’s fears. Dog owners can alleviate some of a dog’s anxiety by showing less affection than they usually show to their pets, changing their habits before leaving the house, and staying low-key when they leave and return home.
Desensitization, slowly getting the dog used to being left alone, can also benefit dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Training a dog to stay in a crate when the owner is away can also be helpful. If separation anxiety is severe, sometimes medication is warranted.
Also Read: Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats
Fear of the Veterinarian
It is something common among many dogs to be scared when they notice they are heading to the vet, and this is because they don’t usually like their first experience at the vet clinic. A dog’s first exposure to the vet usually involves strange smells, being restrained, being handled in new ways, and getting injected with vaccines.
If no other phobias are involved, fear of the vet may be dealt with simply by bringing a dog to the vet for a few social visits that don’t involve an examination. If your dog remains calm, offer lots of praise and treats.
Also Read: Healthiest Dog Breeds
Fear of Riding in the Car
Having a dog to get in the car for the first time is not always an experience as they are always afraid. Many people fear car rides because they weren’t exposed to them early on. It may also develop after negative experiences with riding in the car, such as getting sick, riding in the car to be left at a shelter, or only going for a car ride to visit the veterinarian. It’s possible to overcome your dog’s fear of riding in the car by using treats and praise to slowly lure it into the car and then take rides in small steps. Ensure the destination is happy, like the dog park or for a walk, and not too far away.
Fear of Going Up and Down Stairs
Most dog owners don’t realize their dog fears going up and down stairs until their dogs put on the brakes as they approach a set of steps. This phobia is almost always due to a lack of early socialization and exposure to new activities and environments. A dog that isn’t exposed to steps as a young puppy may develop a fear of going up, and down them when he encounters a stairway later in life, and trust me, it won’t be an easy process as it will take time and plenty of positive reinforcement.
Many dogs may be able to conquer their fear of stairs by transforming the act of going up and down steps into a fun game. However, some dogs might require a more gradual approach that involves learning to navigate stairs step by step. This process will necessitate patience, consistency, and ample positive reinforcement. Older dogs may become reluctant to use stairs if they have arthritis or other mobility issues, so rule out medical issues for this behaviour. Another reason that can cause the fear of stairs in dogs is if a dog has had a bad fall down the stairs.
Fear of Men
It may be surprising for many people to find out that it is quite common for dogs to exhibit fear or anxiety around men. This fear can often be attributed to past experiences of abuse or mistreatment by a man. However, it is more commonly due to a lack of socialization. Dogs who don’t spend much time around men may fear their deeper voices, larger builds, and even facial hair.
Dogs who fear men should be slowly desensitized to men in a non-threatening manner. Remember that a fearful dog may growl, snap, or bite someone due to this fear.When introducing your dog to unfamiliar men, it is important to do so from a distance. It’s crucial to ensure that the men are aware that they should avoid making direct eye contact with the dog or attempting to approach the dog.Your dog may take some time to overcome this fear.
Fear of Strangers
A fear of strangers, known as “stranger anxiety,” is a common behavior in dogs where they exhibit fear or uneasiness when encountering people they are not familiar with, regardless of gender. This can manifest as avoidance, hiding, or even aggressive behavior in some cases. This can be a difficult problem because teaching your dog to accept every possible new person is impossible. Allowing your dog to approach new people in his own time is important. Forcing a fearful dog to accept a stranger could be a bad idea as it can cause a dog to become aggressive.
Fear of Children
Dogs may develop a fear of children for various reasons. One common cause is the lack of early exposure to children. Puppies that do not interact with children may grow up to be apprehensive around them. To prevent this, it’s important to expose your dog to kids of all ages, ideally starting from a young age. Positive experiences with children can help dogs feel more comfortable and confident around them.
Some dogs may be afraid of children because they have had negative experiences with them. Despite a child’s good intentions, a dog might see their attempts at showing affection as a threat. Additionally, dogs may not easily understand a child’s noises, jerky movements, or small size, which can contribute to their fear of children. Dog owners dealing with a dog with a fear of children should consult a dog behaviourist or work on this phobia.
Fear of Specific Objects
Yes, some dogs develop a fear of a particular object, such as a vacuum cleaner, holiday decorations, a child’s toy, construction equipment, and more.Fear of this kind is usually not a big issue because many objects can simply be moved out of sight. When dealing with situations where your dog exhibits fear or anxiety, it is important to address the issue in a sensitive manner. For example, if your dog shows reluctance to walk past a particular statue outside your apartment, or becomes visibly distressed when you need to vacuum the carpet, it may be necessary to gradually introduce your dog to these triggering objects or situations in a positive and reassuring way. By using patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog slowly overcome their fears and anxieties.
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