Do I Have Cynophobia?

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 cynophobia. ‘Cynophobia’ comes from the Greek words for ‘dog’ (cyno) and ‘fear’ (phobia). A person who suffers from this condition has an irrational and persistent fear of dogs. These people don’t just feel uncomfortable being around dogs. Their fear may interfere with their daily life and cause several symptoms. The symptoms occur when the person is around dogs or when the person is thinking about dogs. 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 cynophobia. A person who suffers from this condition has an irrational and persistent fear of dogs. The symptoms related to specific phobias are individual, so everyone experiences the fear in a different way. Symptoms may be physical, emotional, or both. The fear may appear due to a dog attack, or it can develop gradually over time. Genetics may also play a role. 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.

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