Happy Tears! This Rescued Beagle Spent 5 Years in a Lab—Now He’s Learning to Trust Again
Surviving five years of horrific treatment at an animal testing lab, a Beagle called Ted struggles to leave his past behind. Even though Ted is now safe and sound with a loving pet parent, Sam McGraw, who rescued him, the dog still suffers from anxiety, affecting his ability to live life to the fullest.
In a TikTok video, Sam recounted a heartbreaking incident during what was supposed to be a routine grooming session. Ted unexpectedly had a panic attack, howling in distress and pooping—a poignant reminder of how deeply his past continues to impact his present life.
@sammcgraww I have had Ted for over 5 years and it still breaks my heart when he gets his anxiety attacks. He usually does ok with the groomers, I stay on site and they do a “vip groom” which involves 1 groomer and no cages… the groom is just a bath and nails and takes no longer than 25 minutes. Today the groomers was too nerve racking for Ted. He was screaming and went to the bathroom, he couldn’t help it. The car ride home broke my heart. Small things can trigger animal tested dogs. We must be gentle and patient. End animal testing. #endanimaltesting #crueltyfree #doganxiety #dogmom #beaglefreedom ♬ what was I made for? – Instrumental – Wheeler
“VIP Groom” For Anxiety-Riddled Dog
To help Ted cope with his anxiety, his dog mom takes extra precautions to make his grooming sessions as stress-free as possible. Ted receives a “VIP groom,” a specialized service involving just one groomer and no cages. The session, which includes a bath and nail trimming, is kept brief—around 25 minutes—to reduce stress and avoid any potential triggers.
Despite these measures, an unexpected grooming session triggered severe anxiety in Ted, forcing Sam to abandon the appointment and take him back home. Even the car ride—typically one of Ted’s favorite activities—proved distressing. He panted and trembled the entire way until they arrived home.
Once back, Sam gave Ted his anti-anxiety medication, and he released his pent-up nervous energy through a round of zoomies. Shortly afterward, he began to settle, eventually enjoying some much-deserved cookies.
Dog Mom Raises Awareness About Animal Testing
Through the video, Sam aims to help viewers understand the consequences of animal testing on innocent animals. The overlay text in the video reads, “Animal testing traumatizes animals. Normal things like grooming can be so hard for these rescues.”
With over 15 thousand likes, the TikTok post has evidently struck a chord with many netizens. A user, Em, commented, “Oh Ted😭 breaks my heart that the first 5 years of his life caused him so much trauma. So glad he’s with you now living his life as best he can❤️”
Pet rescue advocate, Rocky Kanaka says, “Ted’s journey shows the heartbreaking toll of animal testing, but also the incredible power of rescue and rehabilitation. With the right care, these dogs can find joy again.”
Panic Attack in Dogs
Ted’s terrifying panic attack might leave you wondering: can dogs have panic attacks?
Veterinarian Dr. Joanna Woodnutt explains, “Panic attacks [in dogs] are an extreme display of fear that can be caused by underlying anxiety or phobias. It’s not always possible to find a trigger, but professional help is important to get to the bottom of what’s happening.”
Veterinarians and canine behaviorists believe that dogs can experience panic attacks similar to humans. While anxiety is common in dogs, panic attacks are extreme reactions that are out of proportion to the danger they’re in. While experts debate the definition, most agree that panic attacks involve intense symptoms triggered by anxiety disorders, including phobias.
A pet parent, u/Top-Feature9570, shared on Reddit about their dog experiencing panic attacks, saying, “My 11 year old Labrador Retriever has been having daily panic attacks for the last week as well as on-and-off for the last few months. There’s never any clear cause for the sudden anxiety. The only thing that seems to help in the moment is exercise and playing outside.”
Dog Panic Attack Symptoms
Symptoms of a dog anxiety attack or panic attack can manifest in various ways, as per Dr. Woodnutt. These may include escape behavior or hiding, destructiveness and digging, and physical signs of anxiety such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and urination.
Additionally, when a dog experiences a panic attack, they can exhibit pacing, trembling, sudden panting, and drooling. They may also display frantic attention-seeking behavior and vocalize their distress through howling, barking, or whining.
How to Diagnose Canine Panic Attacks?
Diagnosing panic attacks in dogs involves a thorough approach to rule out other potential causes. A veterinarian will conduct a clinical exam and may recommend blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions. Once medical causes are ruled out, a veterinary behaviorist may be consulted to identify the underlying cause behind the dog’s behavior and differentiate it from other conditions with similar symptoms.
Causes of Panic Attacks in Dogs
Four common causes of canine panic attacks include:
- Separation Anxiety: Some dogs experience severe panic when left alone, often due to improper introduction to solo time or association of certain sounds, like keys jangling, with being left behind.
- Noise Sensitivity: Loud noises or associated changes, such as air pressure changes before a storm, can trigger panic attacks.
- Crate Anxiety: Dogs may become panicked in small spaces, such as cages or crates, especially if they have had negative experiences or lack proper training.
- Vet and Grooming Sessions: Traumatic experiences at veterinary or grooming practices can lead to panic attacks, triggered by sights, sounds, or associations with pain, separation, or confinement.
How To Help A Dog Having A Panic Attack?
Here are some tips provided by Dr. Wailani Sung, a veterinarian at PetMD for helping a dog experiencing a panic attack:
Exercise
To reduce anxiety, provide your dog with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of exercise and playtime daily, and consider adding puzzle toys and short training sessions to keep their minds engaged. Calming activities like petting, brushing, or massage also help soothe their nerves.
Safe Space
Creating a safe space for your anxious dog to retreat to during a panic attack can also be incredibly helpful. Provide a quiet, comfortable space for them to hide and feel safe, and consider using calming music, pheromone sprays, or diffusers to reduce anxiety. By giving your dog a sense of security and calm, you can help them better cope with panic attacks.
Treatment Plan
In some cases, supplements or medication may be necessary to help manage your dog’s panic attacks. Natural supplements like l-theanine or l-tryptophan can have a calming effect, while antianxiety medication may be prescribed by your veterinarian for more severe cases.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can dogs have anxiety attacks?
Yes, dogs can have anxiety attacks, according to experts at Wag Walking, which can be similar to panic attacks. Symptoms of anxiety attacks in dogs include panting, whining, shaking, and destructive behavior.
How to stop dog panic attack?
To stop a dog panic attack, provide a calm and safe space for your dog to retreat to. Offer physical comfort like petting or hugs, and try to distract them with toys, treats, or short walks. You can also use calming aids like pheromone sprays or calming music to help soothe their anxiety. If your dog’s panic attacks are severe or frequent, consult a veterinarian for professional guidance and potential medication.
Can dogs die from anxiety attacks?
Anxiety attacks alone are not fatal to dogs, according to veterinary research. However, they can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as self-inflicted injuries.
