Understanding Cynophobia, Phobia of Dogs

Cynophobia is a persistent, excessive and irrational fear of dogs. Cynophobia is one of the common phobias experienced by many people. If you are one of them, don't worry, because cynophobia can be overcome.

Cynophobia is one type of specific phobia (phobia of specific objects, animals, activities, or situations). Cynophobia is generally characterized by excessive panic, anxiety, or fear around dogs or even just thinking about these animals.

Causes and Risk Factors for Cynophobia
Below are some of the common causes and risk factors for a person to experience cynophobia or a phobia of dogs:

• Have had bad experiences with dogs in the past, such as being chased or bitten by a dog
• Have a close relative who also has a phobia of dogs
• Knowing negative stories or information about dogs, such as having read the news about dog attacks

Symptoms of Cynophobia

A person can be said to have cynophobia if he has experienced symptoms of cynophobia for at least 6 months. Here are the symptoms commonly experienced by people with cynophobia:

Physical symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Shaky
• Dizzy
• Stomach ache
• Sweating
• Shivering or feeling hot

Emotional symptoms:

• Feeling panicked or anxious
• Feeling like running away from a situation that triggers fear
• Feeling about to pass out or die
• Losing self-control

In addition, there are some typical symptoms of cynophobia that occur in children, namely tantrums, crying, or refusing to stay away from people who are accompanying them when there are dogs around them.

Treatment of Cynophobia

To diagnose cynophobia, a psychologist or psychiatrist will first review your symptoms, as well as perform a physical examination.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist diagnoses that you have cynophobia, there are several possible treatments to treat cynophobia, including:

1. Desensitization therapy

Desensitization therapy or exposure therapy is one of the best therapies for treating phobias. This therapy is done to help you fight and face your fear of something, in this case, fear of dogs.

Desensitization therapy involves placing you in situations that make you afraid, but gradually. For example, you will first be asked to view pictures or videos of dogs.

Then, as you get used to it, the therapy will be enhanced, for example by showing the dog on the leash directly, and so on until you become accustomed to having dogs around you.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that is used to identify and assess your fears and the best way to deal with them.

This therapy is done by exploring your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. Not only that, you will also be taught to control and change the negative thoughts that usually arise when you are faced with situations that make you fearful, so that you can be more calm in dealing with these situations.

3. Medicines

Generally, the two therapies above are enough to treat cynophobia. However, sometimes psychiatrists will prescribe anti-anxiety medications and antidepressant drugs to reduce the anxiety or panic symptoms you experience due to cynophobia.

With proper care and treatment, cynophobia can of course be cured, but it may take time and patience to do so. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of cynophobia, you should immediately consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist.