Common Phobias in Dogs & How To Help

Dogs and humans share common ground when it comes to anxiety, fears and phobias. All of these conditions can be miserable experiences and can make us all feel like there’s no way out. Twenty to forty percent of all dogs have some type of anxiety and fear disorder throughout their life, whether it be when they’re puppies or develop well into their adult or senior years. These fears can be associated with genetics, traumatic experiences and lack of training or socialization.  It is important to understand and recognize signs and symptoms of anxiety and phobias in our dog, and also know when to seek help for them.

Common Dog Phobias and Reasons for Them:

1. Being Alone
2. Thunderstorms
3. Fireworks
4. Vet Visits
5. People
6. Other Dogs
7. Loud Noises
8. Unfamiliar Objects or Places
9. Grooming/Bathing
10. Car Rides
11. Medical Condition
12. Old Age

Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs:

1. Aggression
2. Tucked Tail
3. Pacing
4. Hiding
5. Shaking or Trembling
6. Barking
7. Excessive Licking
8. Yawning
9. Panting
10. Drooling
11. Relieving themselves indoors
12. Repeated Behavior
13. Chewing at themselves

Ways to Help Your Dog

A good place to start when helping your dog is to figure out what’s causing their phobia. Every dog is different and the ones who are suffering from phobias will need different types of help. You may benefit from talking to a behaviorist trainer or a Veterinarian, to discuss the best way to treat your dog’s condition. Typically, treating anxiety involves training and sometimes medication, phobias in dogs can be quite serious, leading to aggression, destructive behavior and a decreased quality of life. It is important to be patient and understanding when your dog is showing signs of fear. It may be frustrating at times, but ultimately your dog needs your help and you are the only one who can provide them with it. Be their voice and take the proper steps to manage their condition.

Preventative Tips to Keep Anxiety at Bay:

1. Socialization
2. Obedience Training
3. Proper Diet
4. Healthy Exercise
5. Listen and Watch Your Dog’s Body Language
6. Avoid Triggers
7. Comfort Your Dog
8. Supplements/ CBD Oil
9. Healthy Distractions

About Walk’n Dogs – A Dog Walking Company | Winter Park, FL

Rachel has been working in the Pet Care Industry for the last few years and started her career in a local Canine Health & Fitness Center that also incorporated canine hydrotherapy, dog daycare & boarding. While working at Rocky’s Retreat, under the previous ownership of Sherri Cappabianca and Toby Gass, Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy and they taught her everything she knows about canine care, hydrotherapy, health and fitness.

Rachel is currently the owner/founder of Dip’n Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and Walk’n Dogs – A Dog Walking Service in the Orlando, FL area. Dip’n Dogs provides water therapy for dogs with any orthopedic condition, degenerative disease, injury or obesity. Walk’n Dogs provides in-home visits for dog walking, pet sitting, pet taxi and pet errands. Each service is customized to fit each dog and their needs. Rachel caters to the Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Maitland and Casselberry areas.

Rachel is also the owner and dog mom to her two beagles, Leo and Lola.