Cynophobia is the fear of dogs and canines in general.
Cynophobia is classified as a specific phobia, under the subtype “animal phobias”.
KAD – Kids Around Dogs – is an award winning association of Dog Professionals and Child Care Professionals who specialise in helping families with children to train their dogs and live in harmony together.
I recently qualified and will be working with the KAD protocol, using CBT methods to help children overcome their fears. It can also help adults too!
If you know someone who would benefit from this, please pass on my information to the parents or the adult.
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Symptoms of Cynophobia
Symptoms can manifest even when thinking about dogs, seeing them on TV, or hearing them bark. Physical and emotional responses include:
Symptoms can manifest even when thinking about dogs, seeing them on TV, or hearing them bark. Physical and emotional responses include:
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- Physical: Rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, nausea, or dizziness.
- Emotional/Behavioral: Intense panic, overwhelming dread, and extreme avoidance of places where dogs might be present (e.g., parks, friends’ houses).
- Panic Attacks: Some people experience full panic attacks, including feeling like they are going to die or lose control.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Direct Trauma: Past negative experiences, such as being bitten, attacked, or chased by a dog.
- Learned Behavior: Children may develop the fear if they grow up with a parent or caregiver who shows extreme fear of dogs.
- Information/Media: Hearing stories about dog attacks or seeing frightening news reports can trigger the fear.
Medical News Today
Impact on Daily Life
Cynophobia can be severely limiting. Individuals may constantly scan their environment for dogs, cross the street to avoid them, or refuse to visit certain areas. It can lead to social isolation if the fear causes them to stop visiting friends who own dogs or avoiding outdoor activities.
Cynophobia can be severely limiting. Individuals may constantly scan their environment for dogs, cross the street to avoid them, or refuse to visit certain areas. It can lead to social isolation if the fear causes them to stop visiting friends who own dogs or avoiding outdoor activities.
Check out my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@patriciabemoredog
