Your dog suddenly starts panting heavily, pacing in circles, and won't respond to your voice. Their eyes look wild, and nothing you do seems to help. It's terrifying to watch, and yes, dogs can experience panic attacks just like humans do.

The good news? Once you learn to recognize the signs and figure out what's happening, you can help your dog through these frightening episodes and know when professional help is needed.

Can Dogs Have Panic Attacks?

Yes, dogs absolutely can experience panic attacks. A dog panic attack is an intense, sudden episode of overwhelming fear that triggers both behavioral and physical symptoms. Unlike general anxiety, which builds gradually, panic attacks strike fast and peak within minutes.

Veterinary behaviorists define canine panic attacks as acute fear responses where a dog's fight-or-flight system goes into overdrive. Their body floods with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, causing dramatic physical changes.

Here's how panic differs from normal stress:

● Fear: Rational response to real threats (backing away from a snake)

● Anxiety: Worry about potential threats (watching the door when you grab keys)

● Panic attack: Extreme reaction that seems disproportionate to the trigger, or happens with no obvious cause

The intensity and sudden onset make panic attacks uniquely distressing for both dogs and their owners.

Warning Signs: How to Recognize a Dog Panic Attack

Recognizing signs of anxiety in dogs that have escalated to panic is crucial. Physical symptoms often appear first and most dramatically.

Physical symptoms include:

● Rapid, shallow breathing or excessive panting

● Racing heartbeat (you can feel it pounding)

● Full-body trembling or shaking

● Dilated pupils (eyes look darker and wider)

● Excessive drooling or dry, sticky mouth

Behavioral changes are equally telling. Dogs experiencing panic often pace frantically, unable to settle. They might try to escape by scratching at doors or hiding in tight spaces like closets. Some become destructive, chewing furniture or digging at carpets in their distressed state.

Many dogs also refuse food they normally love, become unable to follow basic commands, or engage in repetitive behaviors like tail-chasing. Some may urinate or defecate indoors despite being housetrained—this loss of bladder control happens because their nervous system is overwhelmed.

The key identifier of a true panic attack in dogs versus regular stress is the intensity and combination of symptoms happening simultaneously.

Common Panic Attack Triggers in Dogs

Loud noises top the list: thunderstorms, fireworks, construction sounds, or unexpected crashes can spark panic. Dogs hear frequencies we don't, making sounds seem more intense and unpredictable.

Separation scenarios trigger panic in dogs with attachment issues. Being left alone or seeing you prepare to leave can cause overwhelming distress.

Past trauma creates lasting triggers. Dogs rescued from abusive situations or those who've experienced attacks from other animals may panic when reminded of these events. A dog attacked by a larger breed might panic around all big dogs, even friendly ones.

Environmental changes also disrupt a dog's sense of safety. Moving to a new home, construction in your house, or new people joining the household can trigger panic in sensitive dogs.

Some dogs are simply predisposed to panic due to genetics or inadequate socialization during their critical developmental period (3-14 weeks of age). Certain breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies show higher anxiety rates, though any dog can develop panic disorder.

Immediate Help: Calming Techniques and When to Call the Vet

When your dog is in the grip of panic, your calm response makes all the difference. Here's how to help them through the crisis and when professional intervention becomes necessary.

Immediate calming steps:

● Stay calm yourself—dogs pick up on human anxiety

● Speak in a low, soothing voice without overwhelming them

● Lead them to a quiet, dimly lit area away from the trigger

● Allow them to choose their hiding spot (crate, bathroom, under desk)

● Try gentle, rhythmic strokes if your dog accepts touch

● Turn on white noise to mask triggering sounds

Many dogs benefit from deep pressure therapy. Please gently holding your dog against you or using a towel wrapped snugly around their torso (not restricting breathing). Don't punish or scold your dog, since they're experiencing genuine terror, not misbehaving.

Most panic episodes resolve within 20-30 minutes. Once it subsides, offer water and allow quiet rest.

Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog shows:

● Blue or gray gums

● Collapse or inability to stand

● Panic lasting more than 45 minutes

● Seizure-like symptoms (rigid muscles, loss of consciousness)

● Signs of bloat (distended abdomen, unsuccessful vomiting attempts)

Schedule a regular vet appointment if panic attacks happen more than once weekly, your dog injures themselves during episodes, or symptoms are worsening. Your veterinarian can rule out medical causes like heart conditions or thyroid issues and may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for comprehensive treatment.

FAQs

Q1: Can A Dog Die From A Panic Attack?

Even though this situation is extremely rare, in theory, life-threatening complications may occur if the dog already has the relevant heart condition. However, the danger lies in the behavior that the dog goes through in terms of panicking. It’s common for the dog to injure himself in the attempt to get out. Additionally, the dog may bloat if he belongs to the vulnerable breeds.

Q2: How Long Do Dog Panic Attacks Last?

Canine episodes of panic usually peak in 5 to 10 minutes. Additionally, the condition is usually resolved in 20 to 30 minutes. However, anxiety related to the condition and dog tiredness may occur for hours. Nevertheless, if the symptoms related to the dog’s panic attack do not improve in 45 minutes, the dog’s veterinarian must be consulted.

Q3: Do Certain Dog Breeds Get Panic Attacks More Often?

Yes, certain breeds do seem to have a propensity for anxiety disorders. Herding breeds such as Border Collies and German Shepherds, who are working dogs and require high alertness levels in their jobs, also tend towards anxiety-related problems. But individual temperament, individual life experiences, play much more crucial roles than breeds in causing anxiety-related problems like panic disorders in dogs.

Q4: Can Dog Panic Attacks Be Cured Permanently?

While complete "cure" isn't always possible, most dogs show significant improvement with proper treatment. Behavior modification therapy, environmental control, and in some instances, use of drugs will work wonders in cutting down the instances and levels of panicked episodes. Some dogs will become free from panicked episodes altogether if treated in the same way regularly. Other dogs might require constant attention. Early treatment works the best.

Help Your Dog Overcome Panic Attacks

Seeing your dog deal with anxiety is heartbreaking. But the good news is that relief is available. By being aware of the symptoms of your dog’s anxiety attack and effectively dealing with them in a cool manner, you are helping your dog through these attacks. However, if your dog continues to suffer from frequent anxiety attacks, take your dog to the vet because your dog’s life can change for the better if the vet’s input is sought. After all, mental wellness is equal in importance to physical wellness.