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What to do if your dog panics
Panic attacks are a symptom of anxiety disorders which usually occur
suddenly and without warning. There are no specific triggers so it’s quite
unpredictable. A dog panic attack normally lasts about 30 minutes. During
this time, the dog isn’t approachable. All you can do is try to be near him or
her and make sure that no one gets hurt by their fearful, and potentially
aggressive, behavior.
If you touch a dog during a panic attack, he may snap and bite. A leash is a
good way to protect your dog so that he or she feels close and secure with
you. In case a fearful dog manages to break free, a GPS tracking device for
your dog can be a lifesaver.
Treating panic and anxiety
To cope with a fearful dog’s panic or anxiety, it is first necessary to
understand the nature of their anxiety, as well as how your pet experiences
the anxiety both physically and emotionally.
By becoming more aware of what makes your dog fearful and how he is likely
to react to fearful stimuli, you’ll be better able to find solutions to help and
train your dog in spite of their panicked reactions.
Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog and reaction is
different; there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Find out what comforts your
dog in moments of fear — and what doesn’t. Treating a fearful dog requires a
lot of time, creativity, patience and empathy.
What to do if your dog runs away
If your dog runs away due to fear, do the following right away:
1. Inform your vet, the police, the local animal shelters and
your neighbors.
2. Inform the national pet register (where your pet is
registered).
3. Leave the garden and house door open in case your dog
manages to come back himself.
4. Consider making a Facebook post informing your friends
and family that the dog is lost so that they can also share it
with members of the wider community.
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