Question

What can I do about my dog’s "panic attacks?"

Answer

The first question you need to answer is whether your dog has any physical problems. She could be having mild seizures, muscle cramps, or stomach or intestinal pains. Your veterinarian can investigate with a physical exam, blood test, and urinalysis.

If she checks out physically, you should look at whether she is receiving any reward for her "scaredy-cat" behavior. When she has an "attack," do you pet her, cuddle her, and talk soothingly to her? Though it seems like the right thing to do, you’re actually praising her behavior and teaching her that being afraid will bring her love and affection.

Instead, when she behaves this way, make sure she’s in a safe place and can’t hurt herself, then ignore her. When she calms down and comes back out, give her lots of praise and affection. Do this for several months consistently. If you still see no change in her behavior, you may want to consult with a behavior specialist.