Phobias

Phobias are excessive, persistent fear responses to specific stimuli. The most common are noise phobias (thunder, fireworks, gunshots) and storm phobias. Herding breeds and working dogs are overrepresented. Pathophysiology involves activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with catecholamine release.

Key clinical signs: trembling, hiding, destructive behavior, vocalization, hypersalivation, inappropriate elimination. Signs are stimulus-specific — the dog is normal when the trigger is absent.

Behavioral modification:

• Desensitization: gradual exposure to sub-threshold intensity of the feared stimulus
• Counterconditioning: pairing the stimulus with something positive (high-value food, play)

Pharmacologic options:

• Trazodone: 5–10 mg/kg PO 1–2 hours before trigger (situational)
• Gabapentin: 10–20 mg/kg PO before trigger; useful for storm phobia
• Alprazolam: 0.01–0.1 mg/kg PO 30–60 min before noise (short-acting)
• Fluoxetine: 1–2 mg/kg PO daily for generalized anxiety (chronic)

Environmental management: safe space (interior room, white noise, thunder shirts), pheromone diffusers, avoiding exposure when possible.

Trap 1 — Punishment: Never punish a fearful dog. Punishment increases fear and can lead to aggression or learned helplessness.

Trap 2 — Reassurance as reinforcement: Comforting a fearful dog does not reinforce the fear. You cannot reinforce an emotional response the way you reinforce a behavior. Comfort is appropriate.

Trap 3 — Sedation alone: Acepromazine sedates but does not anxiolyze. The dog is still fearful — just unable to move. Trazodone, gabapentin, or benzodiazepines are preferred for situational anxiety.