Contents:
- Reviewing cynophobia, excessive fear of dogs
- Why are there people who are very afraid of dogs?
- What are the symptoms of cynophobia?
- Who are the people at risk for this condition?
- Possible complications of cynophobia
- How do you overcome excessive fear in dogs?
Many people who keep dogs because they consider this animal as the best friend of humans. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks dogs are smart and funny animals. Yes, those who are very afraid of dogs are called cynophobia. Are you among those who are afraid of dogs? Psst, you may experience this disorder.
Reviewing cynophobia, excessive fear of dogs
Cynophobia comes from a Greek language, that is cyno and phobia which is interpreted by phobias or fear of dogs. This phobia is common and causes a feeling of being threatened or uncomfortable when meeting a dog. In fact, fear can arise just by imagining a dog.
This condition is included in specific mental disorders because it causes excessive fear and anxiety which can interfere with daily activities.
Why are there people who are very afraid of dogs?
Like most other animal phobias, such as spiders or snakes, cynophobia is most often caused by negative experiences with dogs. Usually this experience generally occurs when children.
However, this condition can also develop from the influence of parents or adults who say that the dog is fierce, scary, or likes to hang on. These words can build the imagination of the child, causing errors that the dog is a dangerous animal.
What are the symptoms of cynophobia?
The symptoms of cynophobia vary, so everyone can react differently. However, this phobia can give rise to physical, emotional, or both reactions. Physical signs of cynophobia, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart rate accelerates faster
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- The body trembles and is cold
- Stomach ache
- Headache or feeling light
- Keep sweating
Emotional symptoms of cynophobia, including:
- Have panic or anxiety attacks
- Losing control, like crying, screaming, or going berserk
- Feel helpless or weak
- Feelings will faint or will die
- I really want to escape from that situation
Who are the people at risk for this condition?
This phobia can occur gradually over time. You can't know exactly when fear arises. However, this condition risks occurring in people who have or feel something like the following:
- Have experienced an attack, whether it's being chased or bitten by a dog. This traumatic experience can be the cause of cynophobia.
- You have a family member who has cynophobia. the possibility of fear can be a picture and continue to imagine in your brain so that you too feel afraid.
- People who have temperament and are very sensitive are at high risk of developing cynophobia.
- See or hear negative experiences with dogs. For example, looking at television news about dog attacks on children, you will respond to the news with a sense of taku, increasing the risk of cynophobia.
Possible complications of cynophobia
Apart from interfering with activity, this condition may also get worse and cause complications. Dogs that are popular as pets, it is almost impossible for you to avoid them.
If you experience symptoms of cynophobia, this condition can cause depression and anxiety disorders. Some people even have social phobias or are afraid to leave home.
How do you overcome excessive fear in dogs?
Actually not all phobias need doctor's care. This depends on the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing. You can still avoid roads or places with lots of dogs. However, if the symptoms are really serious and very disturbing to you then further treatment is needed, such as:
Follow cognitive behavioral therapy
This therapy helps patients manage and deal with fear. Therapy can be done directly by involving a dog or just imagining the patient's self when dealing with a dog, whether through conversation or seeing pictures of dogs.
Take the medication your doctor prescribes
In addition to therapy, patients may need help with short-term medications to relieve symptoms. The types of drugs that are usually used are beta blockers to block adrenaline so that blood pressure, trembling, and pulse rate can be overcome. Including sedatives to reduce patient anxiety.
