How Do You Diagnose Cynophobia (Fear Of Dogs)?
To many people, dogs are man’s best friend. However, that tail, those teeth, and soft fur can cause some to break out in a cold sweat and shake, fearing for their lives. Cynophobia is the fear of dogs and is a terrible problem for many individuals. For some, this fear is born out of a valid experience with an animal; however for others it is completely irrational and limiting. Take notice of the severity of the symptoms, in this case asking whether the person just doesn’t like dogs or if he can’t watch a dog on television–this will be a good indication of the seriousness of the problem. Ask whether the person is afraid of all dogs or merely strangers’ dogs, as this is commonly thought of as cynophobia. Assess the severity of the fear on a subjective scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the least fearful and 10 being debilitating panic and dread. Determine the duration or course of the symptoms by taking an inventory to discover if it has been pervasive for most of the person’s life or if it is a
