As anyone who suffers from them can tell you, panic attacks are dreadful, and the effects can be scary. While people and dogs are different in many ways, experiencing fear and anxiety that produces fearful or panic-like behaviour, is something we all share.
While dogs probably don’t suffer from panic attacks in the same way that humans do, fear, stress and high anxiety can produce behaviours that look very similar and are equally distressing for dogs. It is important for owners to be able to spot this in their dogs, understand what the triggers can be, and learn how to help manage them.
As a pet owner, you want your dog to live a happy and healthy life. Knowing how to notice anything harmful, preferably before it happens, is key to helping them overcome any challenges they might face, such as anxiety or overwhelming situations. Read on to learn more about extreme fearful behaviour in dogs and what to do if your canine friend experiences them.