The science behind the irrational fear of dogs; know more about cynophobia and how to overcome it

Understanding cynophobia is indispensable for those surviving with it and for their loved ones. While dogs are often seen arsenic loyal companions, this phobia tin marque adjacent the friendliest canine look similar a threat. But what causes this fear, and however tin 1 code it?

Common causes oregon triggers of cynophobia

Dr Arun Kumar, elder advisor psychiatrist astatine Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Cynophobia, oregon the irrational fearfulness of dogs, is simply a circumstantial phobia that tin stem from assorted factors, though it doesn’t ever necessitate a traumatic lawsuit for its onset. Many cases of cynophobia originate successful childhood. A frightening encounter, specified arsenic being barked at, chased, oregon bitten by a dog, tin pb to a deep-rooted fear.”

He adds that children often exemplary the fears of adults astir them. If a genitor oregon caregiver exhibits fearfulness of dogs, the kid whitethorn internalise this reaction. In immoderate cultures, dogs are viewed arsenic unclean oregon dangerous, which tin subconsciously instill fear. Even without trauma, cynophobia tin look successful adulthood owed to a wide summation successful anxiousness oregon phobia-prone tendencies, overexposure to antagonistic stories oregon media reports astir assertive dogs and changes successful beingness circumstances, specified arsenic moving to a dog-heavy environment.

Cynophobia involves an utmost reaction, often disproportionate to the existent menace posed by the dog. (Source: Freepik)

How does cynophobia disagree from wide uneasiness astir dogs?

While galore radical mightiness consciousness cautious astir unfamiliar oregon assertive dogs, cynophobia is an aggravated and often debilitating fearfulness that goes beyond discomfort. “Cynophobia involves an utmost reaction, often disproportionate to the existent menace posed by the dog. For example, seeing a leashed canine from a region whitethorn trigger panic,” states Dr Kumar. 

Psychological Symptoms:

• Extreme anxiety or dread astatine the sight, sound, oregon adjacent thought of dogs.
• Persistent thoughts astir encountering a dog.
• Avoidance behaviors, specified arsenic avoiding parks oregon streets frequented by dogs.

Physical Symptoms:

• Rapid bosom complaint (tachycardia) and sweating.
• Shortness of enactment oregon hyperventilation.
• Trembling oregon dizziness.
• A feeling of paralysis oregon the request to flight immediately.

Therapies oregon treatments that are astir effectual for overcoming cynophobia

Cynophobia, similar different circumstantial phobias, responds good to intelligence therapies. The timeline for attraction varies based connected the idiosyncratic and the severity of the phobia. According to Dr Kumar, immoderate treatments include: 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals reframe irrational fears astir dogs and regenerate them with rational thought patterns.

Exposure Therapy: A gradual process of exposing the idiosyncratic to dogs successful controlled settings. For example, starting with looking astatine pictures of dogs, progressing to observing them from a distance, and yet interacting with calm, well-trained dogs.

Virtual Reality Therapy: Immersive simulations of encounters with dogs tin assistance desensitise individuals without requiring real-life enactment initially.

Medication: In terrible cases, short-term usage of anti-anxiety medications whitethorn complement therapy.

DISCLAIMER: This nonfiction is based connected accusation from the nationalist domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your wellness practitioner earlier starting immoderate routine.