![]() Phobic responses may manifest in response to sights, sounds, or being placed in a novel environment. The response is out of proportion to the stimulus and is maladaptive. The response will depends on the pet's personality (whether bold or shy), the type of stimulus presented, the previous life experiences with the stimulus, whether the pet is on its own property (where it may be more likely to defend), whether it is in the presence of offspring or family members (where it may be motivated to protect), or whether it is cornered or restrained and unable to escape (where it might display defensive aggression).Ī phobia is a sudden, profound, or excessive fear response. ![]() When pets are frightened, they may display aggression (fight), display avoidance by running away (flight), appear visually anxious (fret), remain rigidly still (freeze), or make small repetitive movements (fidget). However, there are times when fear compromises the pet's physical and emotional health or welfare.įears can be maladaptive, and their presentation can be dangerous for the dog or cat itself or the people interacting with the pet. ![]() Is fear ever an abnormal response in pets?įear can be normal and adaptive, keeping the pet safe and alive. Although your pet make look less afraid, fear still motivates the behavior. Learning makes your pet more confident and potentially more offensive. The pet may have learned when faced with a perceived threat, that growling, barking, or lunging makes the threat go away. When presented with perceived threatening stimuli, pets may also respond with offensive aggression. Therefore, body language will give a clearer indication of the pet’s motivation (fear). Vocalizations when frightened may vary from high pitched whimpers or yelps to low pitched guttural growls and barks. By observing body language, including piloerection (hair on the pet’s back goes up), body posture, and facial expressions, it is possible to conclude that a pet is afraid. The emotional reaction in pets is most often gauged by body language rather than vocalizations. ![]() If avoidance is not possible, aggression may occur. The first strategy for most pets is to display avoidance when afraid. The fight or flight response depends on the pet’s genetic predisposition, previous experience (what it has learned from similar situations in the past), and the environmental context (see below). When presented with perceived threatening stimuli, pets may respond with defensive aggression when escape is not possible. Aggression can be a normal behavior and in the context of fear, it is a distance increasing signal. "Fear may result in aggressive responses by pets."įear may result in aggressive responses by pets. ![]()
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