Can Dogs Have Panic Attacks? Symptoms & 5 Calming Tips

Do dogs have panic attacks? Many things can cause fear in our dogs, like loud noises or separation anxiety. As a result, they may shut down and start to feel stress and anxiety. Being alert or scared is normal behavior, but can they have panic attacks? In some cases, using white noise for dogs can help create a calming environment by masking triggering sounds and reducing stress levels for more dog owner tips on managing anxious behavior, our care blog is a great resource.

In this article, we'll help you identify panicked behaviors, know what to do when your dog is scared, and help calm them down during these episodes. Read on to learn great tips so you know what to do next time they start freaking out!

 What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden episode triggered by an overwhelming situation or an intense sense of fear. Panic attacks can take on several different physical responses, such as:

Increased heart rate

• Sweating
• Trembling
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Is It Possible for Dogs to Experience Panic Attacks?

Like humans, dogs can also have panic attacks. When dogs experience panic attacks, they may also experience increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and trembling. Other signs or body language that a dog could be suffering from a panic attack include:

• Drooling
• Tucked tail
• Whining or barking
• Excessive biting or licking of fur
• Extreme attachment to you
• Vomiting
• Involuntary urinating
• Upset stomach

Dog Panic Attack Symptoms

There are four main categories of panic attacks in dogs that can be grouped into: confinement, separation, travel, and dog anxiety attacks.

Confinement Anxiety

Panic attacks as a result of confinement anxiety may be due to your dog's environment. Being confined in a yard, room, kennel, or small enclosed space can cause your dog to panic and freak out. The fear of being trapped can be triggering and make your dog feel anxious, leading to a panic attack. 

Separation Anxiety

Can dogs have anxiety attacks? Separation anxiety occurs when your dog is left alone or feels the loss of a loved one. Most dog breeds are extremely attached to their families and will experience some level of separation anxiety every time you go to work. Some dog breeds are more needy than others, so be sure not to leave your dog alone for too long. If your dog loses a friend, it may be harder on them, so make sure to let them know they are loved!

Travel Anxiety

Travel anxiety can be due to your dog experiencing motion sickness, being confined in a vehicle for a prolonged period, or going to unfamiliar places. Whether you take your dog on a car ride, a flight, a bus, or any other kind of trip, a panic attack can occur if your dog feels overwhelmed and uncomfortable.

Noise Anxiety

Dogs have extremely sensitive hearing! So when dogs hear loud noises such as fireworks, thunder, traffic, or alarms, it can cause serious anxiety and potentially a panic attack. Hemp dog treats also work great here, but you can also create safe spaces for them to retreat to! As long as your dog knows they are protected and sheltered, they are more likely to avoid panicking altogether.

Are Panic Attacks in Dogs Common?

Although a dog experiencing panic attacks is common, you should still treat them with care and love. Dogs are emotional creatures and have their own fears that can trigger anxious behavior and panic attacks. There will be moments in every dog's life where they will face their fears and may not know how to handle them.

Signs of Panic Attacks in Dogs

Panic attacks for dogs can happen at any time without warning. Here are several early signs that your dog could be experiencing a panic attack.

• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Pacing
• Excessive barking or whining
• Tail tucked
• Hiding
• Trembling
• Gnawing at skin/fur
• Loss of appetite
• Dilated pupils
• Scratching
• Vomiting
• Urinating

How to Calm a Dog That's Having a Panic Attack

If your dog has regular panic attacks, you may want to bring them to the vet to see what they recommend. They may have an especially fearful personality, but much of it comes from early socialization and training. Here are some great ways to calm your dog during a panic attack!

Create A Safe Space

Providing your anxious dog with a safe space in the house while they are feeling scared is crucial. When your dog is experiencing a panic attack, they may lose a sense of their surroundings and behave differently. So if you provide your dog with a familiar space that includes a bed, a favorite blanket, or a toy, they might feel more comfortable when they're a little scared.

Comfort Your Dog

Sometimes your dog needs to know they will be okay and may seek your attention. Staying nearby or holding your dog during a panic attack can help them get through the episode. Knowing that you will always be there for them may help build their confidence in dealing with unfamiliar situations or noises.

Exercise

Like us humans, exercise is a great way to reduce stress and clear one's head. Going out for a long walk or playing with your dog may help reduce stress and ultimately lower your risk of panic attacks. Regular exercise is not only needed for your dog's physical health, but it can also help their mental health.

Medication

If you take your dog to the vet, they can provide you with different kinds of anxiety medication for your dog or you can learn more about dog sedatives and when they may be appropriate. If your dog experiences severe panic attacks regularly, providing them with medication may be your best bet.

CBD Treats

At HolistaPet, we carry fantastic calming dog treats! Whether you are looking for easy-to-eat, soft dog chews or delicious Green Apple & Peanut Butter-flavored dog treats, we love feeding our dogs these snacks to manage their nervous behaviors. Our premium CBD oil for dogs is another one of our favorite ways to manage a stressed-out pet. You can add a few drops to your dog's food and water or drop it straight into their mouth. Watch the CBD work its magic so your dog won't even notice the loud noises outside!

 

Our products at HolistaPet are made with all-natural, organic ingredients including dog multivitamin soft chews and dog probiotics to help your dog stay as healthy as possible. We don't use any additional chemicals or preservatives that could potentially be harmful. If you haven't tried CBD for your dog yet, it could be a great opportunity to give them a healthy and safe treat while avoiding medication.

Final Thoughts

Panic attacks for dogs can be scary, but with the right knowledge, they are easily manageable. The ultimate goal is to ensure our furry friends feel safe and protected at all times. It may take a few tries to find the method that works for your dog, but with enough care and love, we know you'll figure it out!

FAQs

Can Dogs Have Panic Attacks?

Yes, dogs have panic attacks, and they can look very similar to human panic attacks. Intense fear, separation anxiety, loud noises, or a sudden stressful event often trigger a canine panic attack. Many pet owners notice their anxious dog trembling, barking, pacing, or trying to escape during a panic episode.

Research published in PubMed: Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of CBD in Dogs supports the use of cannabidiol as a well-tolerated option for dogs experiencing stress-related conditions.

What causes panic attacks in dogs?

Panic attacks in dogs can happen because of several common triggers. Loud noises, like fireworks or a garage door slamming, may overwhelm a sound-sensitive dog. Some dogs have panic attacks because of confinement anxiety, car rides, enclosed space fears, or long periods alone in the house. Chronic stress, lack of mental stimulation, and negative experiences with other animals can also contribute to dog anxiety.

In some cases, thyroid problems or other medical conditions may play a role, so it helps to know is ask a vet online a legitimate option before booking a full diagnostic visit.

Can separation anxiety lead to panic attacks?

Yes. Separation anxiety is one of the most common triggers for panic attacks in dogs. Dogs are social animals, and many dogs become distressed when left alone for long periods. A dog associates being alone with fear or panic, especially if they have experienced abandonment or lack confidence.

Dogs with separation anxiety may bark excessively, scratch doors, pace constantly, or panic the moment owners prepare to leave the house.

The AKC: CBD Oil for Dogs — What You Need to Know also notes that CBD may help ease anxiety-driven behaviors in dogs prone to separation distress.

Can dogs have panic attacks during car rides?

Absolutely. Some dogs have panic attacks during car rides because of motion sickness, confinement anxiety, or fear of unfamiliar places. An anxious dog may pant heavily, whine, drool, or refuse to enter the vehicle.

Practical steps like shorter trips, calming tools, white noise, and high-value treats may help create a calming effect before longer travel.