FEAR OF STRANGERS OR VISITORS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Fear of visitors often reflects anxiety, poor socialization, pain, or protective instincts.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Inadequate socialization
• Fearful temperament
MEDICAL
• Pain
• Vision decline
• Cognitive changes
• Anxiety disorder
EMERGENCY CAUSES
• Panic causing self-injury
• Aggression toward strangers
RED FLAGS
• Aggression
• Extreme hiding
• Sudden onset in senior pets
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Create a safe retreat
• Avoid forcing interaction
• Use treats to build positive associations
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Pain exam
• Cognitive evaluation
• Vision/hearing assessment
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Fear-based anxiety
• Pain
• Cognitive dysfunction
BREEDS AT RISK
• Herding dogs
• Guarding breeds