Dogs have helped many humans cope with panic attacks, anxiety and other psychological or physical challenges. However, dogs may also be prone to stress and they may also experience some psychological disorders, especially when they are anxious. Can dogs have panic attacks? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
What is canine panic disorder?
There are known psychological and behavioral disorders in dogs. Furthermore, canine panic disorder is one of the common behavioral disorders experienced by dogs. Canine panic disorder is attributed to an intense reaction which is far beyond normal to either internal or external stimuli. In addition, this memory later on forms patterns of unusual behavior which is then identified as a canine panic disorder.
Dogs may react to different types of stimuli which activate their five senses. However, constant negative responses eventually form canine panic disorder, if it is not addressed. The pattern of social behaviors might get affected when a dog has canine panic disorder. In addition, even the memory of similar stimuli might trigger a panic attack in dogs with canine panic disorder. Canine panic disorder may affect any dog and it can co-exist with other anxiety-related conditions, so it is best to address it during early stages.
What are they symptoms of canine panic disorder?
Canine panic disorder, which causes dog panic attacks are characterized by several symptoms which may or may not exist with another anxiety-related condition. Moreover, canine panic disorder seldom occurs by itself. That is why the symptoms might be laced with other canine psychological conditions. However, these symptoms of canine panic disorder are the most common:
- Frequent or accidental urination and defecation
- Constant vocalization
- Excessive drooling
- Continuous shaking or trembling
- Odd muscle movements and restless behavior
- Lethargy
- Random destructive behavior
- Extreme desire to escape
Symptoms of dog panic attacks might differ from dog to dog. However, the negative effects that canine panic disorder might be detrimental to your dog’s physical and mental health in the long run. It may be beneficial for you and your dog if dog panic attack is addressed in its early stages of manifestation. Symptoms of dog panic attacks might intensify over time if left untreated.
What are the possible causes of dog panic attacks?
Dog panic attacks may be triggered by a lot of different stimuli which sets off your dog’s senses. However, it is not only the stimuli which cause panic attacks in dogs. Memory and perception of dogs to certain experiences and stimuli may trigger dog panic attacks. On top of that, other underlying health problems may intensify dog panic attacks.
Anxiety is one of the common causes of dog panic attacks. Furthermore, canine panic disorder usually occurs in anxious animals. An anxious dog may display classic signs of anxiety which is similar to that of an anxious human. However, dogs might not be able to communicate with people effectively or dog owners just turn a blind eye to this condition in dogs. Moreover, another form of anxiety in dogs might trigger panic attacks such as separation anxiety.
Lack of social behavior is also another common cause of dog panic attacks, because dogs are social animals. Their natural behavior usually involves constant socialization. However, the lack of social skills in dogs may eventually lead to psychological disorders, such as dog panic attacks when they are later on re-introduced to other people or dogs. It might be beneficial for your dog to socialize with people and other dogs in their early stages once vaccines are completed to prevent disorders due to lack of social behavior.
Previous trauma may also cause dog panic attacks. Moreover, some dogs in shelters have bad experiences with people due to either neglect or abuse. If you think that your rescue dog is having panic attacks as a result of past trauma, treatment for canine panic disorder might be beneficial. Generally, puppies have fewer traumatic memories, so previous trauma is seldom a cause of panic attacks in puppies.
Physical health issues might be the underlying cause dog panic attacks. Furthermore, health issues might have complications if it not addressed immediately. Health problems can really stressful for your dog. As long as your dog is experiencing the symptoms of other health problems, your dog is constantly in distress. Later on, this forms a bad memory that even if your dog recovers from the physical illness, the memory of pain remains which may later on trigger dog panic attacks.
Treatment for canine panic disorder
Canine panic disorder which causes panic attacks in dogs is a behavioral issue which needs to be addressed as soon as the symptoms are initially observed. Furthermore, if your dog constantly panics, take a video of your dog while panicking and show it to your dog’s veterinarian if occurrences become very frequent. However, early stages of canine panic disorders may be addressed at home by teaching your dog calmness and relaxation practices. Constant practice or calmness and relaxation before the onset of a panic attack might prevent dog panic attacks in the future.
Veterinarians may prescribe certain medications to prevent dog panic attacks. The most common drugs that veterinarians prescribe for dogs with canine panic disorder are alprazolam, panicolytic benzodiazepine, other benzodiazepine, clonazepam, gabapentin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and clonidine. However, it is not recommended that you provide any of these medications to your dog, without consulting a veterinarian. Medication together with relaxation practices are the treatments for canine panic disorder.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Panic Attacks?
Yes, just like humans, dogs may also experience panic attacks. However, this behavioral issue can be treated with proper medication and relaxation practice. Even though canine panic disorder can be caused by different types of stimuli, memories and experiences, as a dog owner, you may help your dog cope up to be able to react normally.
