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Fears,
Phobias, and Anxieties
Author
Jacqueline C. Neilson, D.V.M., DACVB
Subject Animal Behavior
Day 2/13/01
Time 10:00:00
Western Veterinary Conference
Introduction
A fear
is feeling of apprehension resulting from some
stimulus; a phobia is a profound fear reaction which is
inappropriate to the threat of the stimulus and an anxiety is
a anticipation of a danger. Our companion animals exhibit all
three of these states and they can cause significnat danger
and damage.
Discussion
Genetic
factors, inadequate early experience, adverse
expereinces and owner reinforcement can all contribute to the
formation of fearful behavior. When an animal is fearful they
may exhibit signs consistent with submission or dominance You
may witness flight, fight, freeze, pacing, hypersalivation,
elimination, destruction, vocalization secondary as part of
the fearful response.
Common categories
of fearful behavior in our companion animals
include: fear of noises; fear of inanimate stimuli; fear of
unfamiliar people; fear of certain situations/places; fear of
being left alone.
The basic
behaivoral modification plan that should be
implemented in most cases invovles desensitization and
counterconditioning. Drug therapy with serotonin enhancing
drugs or benzodiazepines may be beneficial at internally
reducing anxiety.
Summary
Fears,
phobias and anxieties are common problems in our
dompanion animals. Identification of the triggers for the
anxiety and implementation of a desensitization and
counterconditioning protocol is indicated in the management of
these types of problems.
Key Principles
- Must identify
trigger for fear/anxiety/phobia.
- Try avoid
triggering fear/anxiety/phobia.
- Implement
a desensitization and counterconditioning program.
- Avoid
inadvertently reinforcing a fearful behavior by
comforting animal.
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