Why Am I So Afraid Of Dogs?

Do you experience trouble with breathing when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you shake or tremble when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience a rapid heart rate when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience hot or cold flashes when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience dizziness or lightheadedness when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience pain or tightness in your chest when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you start sweating when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience an upset stomach when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience an intense need to escape situations that trigger fear, like being around dogs?

Do you experience a loss of control when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience panic or anxiety attacks when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you feel you may pass out or die when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you experience a detached feeling from self when you’re around dogs or when you’re thinking about dogs?

Do you feel powerless over your fear of dogs?

Based on your answers, it’s very unlikely you have an irrational and persistent fear of dogs. However, there are people who suffer seriously when they are around dogs or when they are even thinking about dogs. When someone has a phobia of dogs, this is called ‘cynophobia’. The term comes from the Greek words for ‘dog’ (cyno) and ‘fear’ (phobia). These people don’t just feel uncomfortable being around dogs. Their fear may interfere with their daily life and cause several symptoms. If you would like to know more about the condition, you can always contact your doctor.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs of an irrational and persistent fear of dogs. This condition is called cynophobia. Every person who has a specific phobia experiences symptoms differently. Symptoms may be physical, emotional, or both. If you have experienced the symptoms for six months or longer and they interfere with your daily activities, it may be important to seek medical support. If your fear is mild you may not need treatment, but you may benefit from relaxation techniques such as yoga and regular exercise is important too.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have cynophobia.