Cynophobia: an intense fear of dogs

 

 Cynophobia is an extreme aversion to dogs. When they think about, see, or come into contact with a dog, people with this anxiety condition experience severe fear and anxiety. In extreme circumstances, this phobia may lead people to avoid areas where there may be dogs.

Extreme dog phobia is known as cynophobia. The Greek word "cyno," which means dog, serves as the source of the phobia's name. With this disease, both kids and adults make a special effort to avoid dogs. When they hear a dog bark, see a movie about a dog, or visit a location where a dog might be, they may experience significant anxiety or a full-blown panic attack.

In extreme circumstances, those who suffer from this illness shun friends or choose to stay home out of fear of running into a dog. People who have this phobia can benefit from many sorts of therapy.

Risk of cynophobia

Despite the fact that cynophobia most frequently affects young children, anyone might experience it. People with autism and other sensory or intellectual difficulties frequently experience cynophobia. Cynophobia is more likely to affect you if you:

• trouble breathing
• rapid heart rate
• pain or tightness in your chest
• shaking or trembling
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• upset stomach
• hot or cold flashes
• sweating
• panic or anxiety attacks
• intense need to escape situations that trigger fear
• detached feeling from self

A frightening experience with a dog increases the likelihood that someone will develop this phobia. Being pursued or threatened can make someone phobic, even if the dog didn't really bite them. Every time you think about or encounter a dog, the savage memories can resurface. As a result of post-traumatic stress disorder, this phobia may emerge (PTSD)

Triggers of cynophobia

It's not necessary for anyone with this illness to interact with dogs in order to experience extreme anxiety. Cynophobia can be triggered by:

• Seeing a dog, even if it is restrained or enclosed.
• Hearing a dog snarl or bark.
• Observing a canine-centric image or film.
• Considering a dog or planning to visit a place wherever dogs may be present

 

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Treatment

Not every fear needs medical attention. There are several choices available when the phobia is so bad that you avoid parks or other places where you could run into dogs. Therapy and the use of specific drugs are examples of treatments. 

Psychotherapy

Specific phobias can often be successfully treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Some people claim to have seen changes after just one to four therapy sessions.

In exposure treatment, a type of CBT, patients confront their concerns directly. While some people may benefit from in-person exposure treatment, or being around dogs, others may benefit just as much from what's known as active imaginal exposure (AIE), or visualising themselves working with a dog.

Medication

Specific phobias like cynophobia can usually be effectively treated with psychotherapy. Medication is an option for more severe situations, and it may be used either short-term when you'll be around dogs or in conjunction with therapy.