Things That Scare Dogs
Anyone who has a dog knows that they can get freaked out sometimes.
1. Fireworks- fear of fireworks is a common phobia for dogs. They often find the loud, unpredictable noise and bright displays of light truly frightening. Even a seemingly confident dog can tremble and drool at the unfamiliar sounds.
2. Thunderstorms- Dogs may develop astraphobia, or a fear of thunder/lightening.This can range from mild to severe from dog to dog. Dogs may also be able to sense a thunderstorm coming well before you are able to detect it. This is the reason so many dog owners report seeing their dogs exhibit signs of fear several minutes or longer before the storm actually hits.
3. Fear of the Vet- Also quite common in dogs. Going to the vet is a traumatic experience for dogs;there are strange smells and sounds,maybe a memory of getting shots. Sometimes all this takes place when your dog is already not feeling well.
4. Other dogs- Dogs are pack animals. That means they form stable social units and protect territory from other dogs. A dog that is afraid of other dogs may have developed the problem as the effects of bad puppyhood experiences with other (bigger) dogs. If your puppy gets frightened by another dog, even without injury, you have the start of a problem. With a few more incidents like that, you get a permanent fear built for the future unless you take immediate corrective action.
Signs of fear
Dogs communicate using their bodies. Keep the following signs of fear in mind so you can easily catch on to even the slightest hint that your dog is anxious and stressed about something in his environment.
If you notice your dog exhibiting one or more of these signals try to identify the source of your dog's fear. Most important- keep calm! Your body language can tell a dog that there is a reason to be afraid. Your dog will sense anxiety and nervousness and respond accordingly. You can desensitize your dog from mild fears and phobias fairly easily on your own but I would recommend a vet or a dog behaviour specialist for severe cases to protect you and your dog as a frightened dog can become aggressive.
Anyone who has a dog knows that they can get freaked out sometimes.
1. Fireworks- fear of fireworks is a common phobia for dogs. They often find the loud, unpredictable noise and bright displays of light truly frightening. Even a seemingly confident dog can tremble and drool at the unfamiliar sounds.
2. Thunderstorms- Dogs may develop astraphobia, or a fear of thunder/lightening.This can range from mild to severe from dog to dog. Dogs may also be able to sense a thunderstorm coming well before you are able to detect it. This is the reason so many dog owners report seeing their dogs exhibit signs of fear several minutes or longer before the storm actually hits.
3. Fear of the Vet- Also quite common in dogs. Going to the vet is a traumatic experience for dogs;there are strange smells and sounds,maybe a memory of getting shots. Sometimes all this takes place when your dog is already not feeling well.
4. Other dogs- Dogs are pack animals. That means they form stable social units and protect territory from other dogs. A dog that is afraid of other dogs may have developed the problem as the effects of bad puppyhood experiences with other (bigger) dogs. If your puppy gets frightened by another dog, even without injury, you have the start of a problem. With a few more incidents like that, you get a permanent fear built for the future unless you take immediate corrective action.
Signs of fear
Dogs communicate using their bodies. Keep the following signs of fear in mind so you can easily catch on to even the slightest hint that your dog is anxious and stressed about something in his environment.
- Flattened ears
- Tail tucked between the hind legs
- Cowering
- Lip licking
- Yawning
- Raised hair on the back of the neck
- Some dogs exhibit specific behaviours when they are anxious or afraid:
- Whining
- Submissive urination
- Growling
- Biting
- Pacing
- Destructiveness
- Clinginess to owner
- Drooling
- Panting
- Trembling
- Dilated pupils or seeing the whites of a dog's eyes
- Loss of control over bowels or bladder
If you notice your dog exhibiting one or more of these signals try to identify the source of your dog's fear. Most important- keep calm! Your body language can tell a dog that there is a reason to be afraid. Your dog will sense anxiety and nervousness and respond accordingly. You can desensitize your dog from mild fears and phobias fairly easily on your own but I would recommend a vet or a dog behaviour specialist for severe cases to protect you and your dog as a frightened dog can become aggressive.
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