What is Zoophobia (fear of animals)?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jan 11, 2023

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Zoophobia is the fear of animals. Some people with zoophobia fear all animals, while others are afraid of a specific animal

Zoophobia can be developed after a traumatic experience with animals.

Or the phobia may be related to another anxiety disorder.

Zoophobia is an extreme fear of animals

Many affected people fear a specific type of animal.

Others fear many types of animals or all animals.

Fear of animals is a type of anxiety disorder called specific phobia.

Specific phobias are intense fears of certain objects, situations, people or animals.

Many people with specific phobias know that the intensity of their fear is not proportional to an actual threat.

However, it can be challenging to manage the symptoms of the phobia.

What are the types of animal phobia?

Some people with zoophobia are afraid of a specific type of animal.

For example, studies have found that the two most common types of animal phobia are ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) and arachnophobia (fear of spiders).

Other common animal phobias are:

Chiroptophobia (fear of bats).
Cynophobia (fear of dogs).
Entomophobia (fear of insects).
Musophobia (fear of mice and rats).
Spheksophobia (fear of wasps).

How common is zoophobia?

Specific phobias are common.

In particular, zoophobia is one of the most common specific phobias.

Research has found that fear of animals is one of the three most common specific phobias.

What triggers zoophobia?

Experts do not know exactly what triggers it.

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing it, such as

Family members who are afraid of animals.
Genetics: some people are naturally more anxious than others.
Traumatic or negative experiences with animals, such as being attacked by a dog.

What are the symptoms of zoophobia?

The main symptom of zoophobia is an intense fear of animals.

Generally, the level of fear is not proportional to the actual threat posed by an animal.

Affected persons may avoid going to zoos or even visiting a friend who has pets.

They may avoid seeing pictures or videos of animals, such as nature documentaries.

Uncontrollable fear of an animal can cause physical symptoms such as

Pain or tightness in the chest.
Increased heart rate or palpitations.
Dizziness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Shortness of breath (dyspnoea).
Sweating.
Uncontrollable shaking or tremors.

Children who are afraid of animals may also

Cling to their caregivers.
Cry uncontrollably.
freeze.
Throw tantrums.

How is animal phobia diagnosed?

The caregiver may ask questions to understand your anxiety towards animals.

In some cases, the physical symptoms may be related to another anxiety disorder or a mental health condition.

The doctor may ask if you experience

Extreme avoidance of thinking about or interacting with animals.
Fear or distress lasting six months or more.
Extreme feelings of panic at the actual threat posed by an animal.
Immediate panic or fear at the thought of seeing an animal or images of animals.
Symptoms that interfere with usual activities or daily routines.
Worsening of anxiety when it is known that an animal might be seen.

How is zoophobia treated?

The treatment of zoophobia often involves a combination of therapies.

The aim is to help the patient live an overall better quality of life without interruptions.

The treating physician can advise:

Exposure therapy is often the first treatment for specific phobias. It alleviates symptoms for about 9 out of 10 people who practise it faithfully. It is often the only treatment for phobias one needs. One learns to manage anxiety or fear by gradually introducing the specific fear into one’s life. For example, one can practise looking at pictures of animals, watching nature videos or thinking about animals.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) consists of talking about symptoms with a therapist. One learns to identify thoughts that may be irrationally fearful and trains oneself to replace fearful thoughts with rational ones. CBT can be practised together with exposure therapy or alone.
Medication is a less common treatment for phobia, but can help some people when exposure therapy does not reduce symptoms.

How can I prevent zoophobia?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent zoophobia.

If you have fear or anxiety when thinking about or interacting with animals, healthy habits can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Healthy habits include:

Avoid dehydration and reduce anxiety by limiting alcohol and caffeine and drinking plenty of water.
Eat a nutritious diet with lean protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruit and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Talk regularly with trusted people or a therapist to reduce the risk of social isolation.

What are the prospects for people with zoophobia?

With treatment, many people can manage the symptoms of zoophobia so that they do not interfere with their daily life.

Without treatment, specific phobias can increase the risk of:

Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Social isolation or withdrawal.
Substance use disorders.

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How can I best learn to manage zoophobia?

Many people have minor and less frequent symptoms when they receive treatment for phobia.

Some people can overcome their fear of animals, while others can cope with the symptoms in the long term.

When interacting with or seeing an animal you are afraid of, you can reduce anxiety symptoms by

By breathing intentionally, e.g. by counting to four with each inhalation and exhalation.
By doing aerobic exercise, e.g. jumping jacks or running in place.
By meditating or practising guided imagery.

Bibliographic references

Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B. Specific phobias. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233312/) Lancet Psychiatry. 2018 Aug; 5(8): 678-686. Accessed 4/12/2022.

Merck Manuals (Consumer Version). Specific Phobic Disorders. (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/anxiety-and-stress-related-disorders/specific-phobic-disorders) Accessed 4/12/2022.

National Institute of Mental Health. Specific Phobia. (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/specific-phobia) Accessed 4/12/2022.

Polák J, Sedláčková K, et al. Faster detection of snake and spider phobia: revisited. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7229493) Heliyon. 2020 May; 6(5): e03968. Accessed 4/12/2022.

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