Why Are Some People Afraid of Dogs? Cynophobia

Our furry friends are accepted and appreciated by most of us, though you may have met someone at some point in your life who wants nothing to do with them. Cynophobia is an uncontrollable, excessive fear of dogs that affects more people than we might think.

Generally, this fear originates in childhood, and over time, it becomes increasingly intense. Hence the importance of treating it as soon as possible. Want to know more about this anxiety disorder? At Soyunperro.com, we give you all the details.

Cynophobia and Cynophilia

You've probably never heard the term cynophobia before. It comes from the Greek word kyón —dog— and phobos, meaning phobia or fear. The opposite of the Greek term phobos is philos —love— which is why a cynophile is a lover of our canine friends.

Commonly, a "cynophile" refers to someone knowledgeable about breeding dog breeds and dedicated to that work.

Fear of Dogs: A Very Common Disorder

Those of us who share our home with a dog know the happiness it brings us. Also, the dog is the most common companion animal among the Spanish, Mexican, and American population, according to one study. And that's not all — interestingly, 71% of respondents admitted to regularly talking to their furry friend.

For dog lovers, it's hard to imagine feeling terrified of them, given how adorable they are. However, cynophobia is a relatively common disorder — it's one of the ten most frequent phobias worldwide.

I'm Afraid of Dogs. Could I Have Cynophobia?

Cynophobia symptoms vary widely. Some people may show symptoms simply from thinking about possible contact with a dog, while others only show them when directly exposed.

Generally, a person with cynophobia will experience anxiety and worry, along with difficulty breathing and a need to avoid the situation at all costs. The symptoms that appear are the following:

• Increased heart rate
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Dry mouth
• Feeling of breathlessness or hyperventilation
• Tremors
• Widespread muscle tension
• Crying or anger
• Stomach discomfort and headache
• Difficulty thinking clearly

What Is the Origin of Fear of Dogs?

In the vast majority of cases, cynophobia can be traced back to some traumatic event that happened during early childhood. If you suffer from cynophobia, a dog possibly bit you, chased you, or you felt threatened for some other reason during your childhood.

In fact, you didn't necessarily have to be the one directly involved in the situation. According to a study by psychology expert Brad Schmidt, the origin could stem from witnessing a family member have an unpleasant encounter with a dog.

This uncontrollable fear of furry friends can also develop indirectly, possibly from a mother or father with cynophobia, or through television. Some experts state there's a genetic predisposition to anxiety and developing phobias. That said, most lean toward classifying phobias as something learned socially and from one's environment.

Treating Cynophobia

Phobias are an anxiety disorder that responds well to cognitive-behavioral therapy, working with the patient to gradually eliminate the fear.

In most cases, exposure technique will be prioritized, working with the individual through an anxiety journal. The patient will keep a record of situations that cause anxiety, rating them from 1 to 10, fostering self-awareness this way.

For example, for someone with severe cynophobia, the therapist will start by exposing them to a photo or video. Later, situations will be recreated through imagination or virtual reality, up to the point of being able to be exposed to a real dog.

This treatment can be slow, requiring patience, effort, and resilience. Personal motivation throughout the process is a crucial factor, having a very positive influence on achieving therapeutic goals.

On another note, Bach flower remedies are a set of natural essences used to address various emotional states, like fears, loneliness, despair, stress, depression, and obsessions. They were discovered by Dr. Edward Bach between 1926 and 1934 and can also help.

They fall under so-called alternative therapies and are used for both physical illnesses and psychological or emotional disorders. Flower essence therapy focuses on addressing emotional states at their root.

It's in Your Hands to Heal

If you think you have cynophobia, start overcoming it today. Read everything you can about dogs and rationalize what you feel. The odds of being bitten by a dog are very low, just like the odds of your plane malfunctioning during a flight.

One way to minimize the risk of developing cynophobia is by interacting with a dog again shortly after having an unpleasant experience. Ask a friend or family member, someone you trust, for help.

If this isn't enough, seek help. Share with people who matter to you that you have an uncontrollable fear of dogs, and ask your local health center how they can help. Recognizing your fear and sharing it with others will help you overcome it.