What are Panic Attacks?
Did you know that, just like humans, dogs can experience moments of overwhelming fear? While they don’t experience ‘panic attacks’ exactly the way we do, our furry companions can have sudden, intense reactions to certain triggers that look a lot like them.
Whether it’s a loud noise, a car ride, or being left alone, these episodes can range from mildly distressing to seriously concerning.
But don’t worry — there’s plenty we can do to help keep our pups feeling safe and happy.
What are panic attacks in dogs?
When a dog experiences a panic attack, it’s their way of saying, “Something isn’t right, and I don’t know how to handle it!” These episodes are typically intense and triggered by specific situations or environments. We've also covered panic attacks in dogs here.
Defining panic attacks in dogs
Think of a panic attack in dogs as a sudden, extreme reaction to fear. For example, if a dog hears fireworks and starts trembling, barking, or hiding, they’re responding to a situation that feels overwhelming and unsafe.
- Confinement anxiety: fear of being fenced in or stuck in tight spaces.
- Travel anxiety: stress from car rides, planes, or other forms of transportation.
- Noise anxiety: fear of loud sounds like thunderstorms or fireworks.
- Separation anxiety: fear of being left alone for long periods.
Symptoms of panic attacks in dogs
Spotting the signs of a panic attack can help you act quickly to comfort your dog. While every dog reacts differently, there are some common physical and behavioral symptoms to watch for.
Physical symptoms
- Panting heavily, as if they’ve just finished a race
- Drooling excessively
- Trembling or shaking
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate
Behavioral symptoms
- Pacing or spinning in circles
- Whining, barking, or howling to get your attention
- Hiding under furniture or trying to escape
- Aggressive behavior or destructive chewing
- Loss of appetite
When it might be something else
Sometimes symptoms of a panic attack overlap with medical conditions like seizures or heart issues. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to get your pup checked out by a vet.Your pet’s wellness is always top of mind as a pet parent. With a Wag! Wellness Plan, you can get access to a 24/7 vet chat, annual boosters, a yearly wellness check-up and more!
Causes of panic attacks in dogs
So, what triggers a panic attack? Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their environments, and their reactions can be shaped by their past experiences or current surroundings.
Each type of anxiety that triggers a panic attack has its own set of causes:
Confinement anxiety
- Fenced in a yard
- Being inside a dog pen or kennel
- Being shut in a room
- Trapped in an enclosed space on accident
Travel anxiety
- Driving in a car
- Flying on an airplane
- Riding on a train or bus
- Visiting new places
Noise anxiety
- Thunderstorms
- Fireworks
- Ambulance/police/firetrucks
- Other loud or unexpected noises
Separation anxiety
- Being left alone
- Loss of a loved one or playmate
- Major life change
- Suffering a traumatic event
Past trauma
Dogs who’ve experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events may develop heightened sensitivities to stress.
Are some breeds more prone to panic?
Certain breeds, like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds, tend to be more anxious due to their high energy and sensitivity.
Diagnosis of panic attacks in dogs
If your dog’s behavior has you worried, it’s time to get some answers. A vet can help figure out what’s causing these episodes and rule out other medical issues.
What to expect at the vet
Your vet might ask you about your dog’s recent episodes — what triggered them, how long they lasted, and how your dog behaved before, during, and after. They may also perform a physical exam to check for underlying health issues.
While there’s no test specifically for panic attacks, blood tests or imaging might be used to rule out other conditions.
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Treatment of panic attacks in dogs
When your dog has a panic attack, it’s natural to feel helpless. But there are plenty of ways to help calm your furry friend and even prevent future episodes.
Immediate steps to calm your dog
- Speak softly and stay calm. Your dog will pick up on your soothing energy.
- Remove them from the trigger, like taking them to a quiet room away from loud noises.
- Use a calming tool like a “thundershirt” to provide a comforting sensation.
Want more tips? Check out our article on 6 tips to calming your anxious dog.
Long-term solutions
Behavioral training can help dogs build confidence and resilience over time. Desensitization (gradual exposure to triggers) and counter-conditioning (teaching your dog to associate triggers with positive experiences) can be particularly effective.
Medication options
For dogs with severe or frequent panic attacks, your vet might recommend medication like fluoxetine or clorazepate to help manage their symptoms.
Natural remedies
Calming pheromones, CBD oil, and increased exercise are great ways to support your dog’s mental health.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery from panic attacks – and future prevention
After a panic attack, your dog may need a little extra TLC to get back to feeling like themselves. Recovery is all about reassurance and prevention.
Offer your pup comfort, whether it’s through cuddles, a favorite toy, or simply sitting with them until they feel safe again.
Preventing future episodes
- Identify and minimize triggers whenever possible.
- Gradually expose your dog to mild versions of their triggers to help them build confidence.
When to seek help
If your dog’s panic attacks are becoming more frequent or intense, consulting a veterinary behaviorist or professional trainer can make a big difference.
FAQs about panic attacks in dogs
Can dogs have anxiety attacks?
Yes! Anxiety attacks are similar to panic attacks, though they tend to build up more gradually.
What are the most common dog panic attack symptoms?
Common symptoms include trembling, panting, pacing, whining, and destructive behavior.
How do you stop a dog’s panic attack?
Stay calm, remove the trigger, and provide a safe, comforting space.
Can certain breeds be more prone to panic attacks?
Yes, breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds are often more sensitive to triggers.
Should I consider medication for my dog’s panic attacks?
If your dog’s episodes are severe or frequent, medication could help, but it’s always best to consult your vet.
Panic Attacks Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd
Dakota
5 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking At Genitals
Drooling
Panting
Whining
Pacing
Hyper
My german shepherd is 5 years old and has never had any issues. This past week he will not let me walk with getting in front of me and he must be touching me at all times. At night it worsens he begins to hyperventilate, whine, and try to jump on my bed and get under me. He doesn't calm down even if I lay with him and pet him. Its getting out of hand. Please help.
Aug. 29, 2018
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Shiba Inu
Kuma
2 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting
Our 2 year Old Shiba suddenly start panting and trembling last night. we took her for a walk and let her paly in the dog park for a while and that helped her a little. But she was panting again around midnight and trying to dig a hole in our bed and peed there. Is this panic attack, what should we do about this?
Aug. 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
There may have been something that Kuma could hear that you weren't able to, if this is the first time that this has happened. It will help to make sure that she is tired before bed, and possibly have some white noise playing in the background for her tonight. If it continues to happen, she may be having a problem with her urinary tract, or she may need anti-anxiety medications that a veterinarian can prescribe for her.
Aug. 17, 2018
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Shitzu
Nala
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Running Around
Nala started to dumb around the house. We thought it was Bc she had trouble pooing. So we took her outside and she tried to run away. She went past the point she knows not to go past. I tried holdin her and Cali Cher down but then she kept randomly shaking in my arms. I let her down she started breathing hard I tried givin her water she didn’t want any. I let her upstairs and she went under my parents bed and won’t come out. This is the first time it’s happened I don’t know what to do.
Aug. 14, 2018
1 Recommendations
It is difficult to say what is specifically causing this behaviour/symptoms, if Nala is having trouble defecating you should think about popping some plain canned pumpkin in her food to see if it help loosen things up. Without examining her I cannot determine if there is anything medically to be concerned about, you should keep an eye on her and visit your Veterinarian if there is no improvement. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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Jack Russell Terrier rescue mix
Renly
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My daughter's dog is having panic attacks during thunderstorms in the past year. He's inside, but she has an automatic pet door so he can go in and out at will. She was kenneling him in the laundry room, but he tries to chew & paw through the drywall to get out during a storm. A thundershirt did not help. She tried letting him not be kenneled in the laundry room, so he could shelter under her bed, but that didn't work either. If he is with someone, he is still nervous, but manageable.
Aug. 13, 2018
0 Recommendations
Behavioural issues like this can be difficult to get under control, products like Thundershirts are good for many dogs but not for all and it doesn’t get to the root cause of the issue; desensitisation therapy may help where you buy a CD (or down and MP3) and play it at a low volume and slowly over time increase the volume to make him used to the noise. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/training/stop-being-afraid-of-thunder
Aug. 13, 2018
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long haired chihuahua
Sofia
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Outbursts
Extreme Aggression
Panic Attacks
Nightmares
Unpredictable Aggression
If my dog is suddenly woken up from a deep sleep, she gets extremely aggressive and attacks whatever/whoever it was that woke her up. She also wakes up randomly during sleep/naps and starts chasing her own tail and barking very loudly and aggressively. I’ve seen her chase her tail like that sometimes when other dogs get too close to her, but I can’t understand why she does this so suddenly. These panic attacks happen about 1 to 4 times each day. If I try to get close to her while it happens, she attacks me. Sofia is four years old; I bought her as a puppy and took care of her for about a year until I had to ask my grandmother to take care of her. She has a large fenced yard at her house where Sofia would play and run around freely for about 2 and a half years. But I recently moved Sofia in with me into a house with a very small backyard and barely any room to run around at all. Could the confinement be the cause of her nightmares/panic attacks? What can I do to help her calm down?
Aug. 10, 2018
0 Recommendations
There may be many different causes for the behaviour presenting and it is important to have your Veterinarian check Sofia over to be on the safe side to ensure that there are no neurological conditions which may be causing pain or discomfort leading to these episodes. Without examining Sofia myself I cannot say what the specific cause or solution would be. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 11, 2018
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Corgi Cattle Dog
Corgi
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting, Pacing, Licking Air
My corgi will be sleeping just fine with me in my bed and suddenly she starts shaking and trying to jump down. Then for hours, sometimes the rest of the night she’ll be so freaked out. Staring into corners, staring at me, panting, drooling, uncontrollably licking the air almost like she may throw up, panting, pacing the floor every few minutes and hiding by my door. I have no idea what’s going on with her. Last year this happened and was so bad that she wouldn’t even go in my room at all sometimes, she’d run away. I’m not sure what to do or what sets her off. It’s so random. Please help.
American Bulldog
Bella
10 Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
Panting
Short Of Breath
Whining
Biting
Bella is 10 weeks old today. She is an American Bulldog. I have been with her since the day she was born. She came from a litter from my mothers dogs. A litter of 11. She is not the runt although for the last couple weeks she has been weighing the same amount as the runt. 10.2 pounds today. Up until she was 8 weeks old the whole litter has been together. So she has been separated from them for about 2 weeks now. Anyway. I noticed the past couple nights she’s whining and scratching in her sleep and wakes up panting extremely hard as if she cannot catch her breathe then she will lick and bite my hands and arms excessively. Her heart races as well. It is really scary to me but I’m not sure what is going on. Is it night terrors ? Anxiety ? I thought maybe it could be from being away from her siblings but I do have another dog. He’s a year and a half and they get along great. Also the last two weeks before the pups were separated, we noticed Bella separated herself from the rest of them. I don’t know. I don’t what to think. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
