How do I deal with DS 3.5years animal phobia?

[woodforthetrees]

DS is terrified of dogs, cats, small animals so most animals that people would keep as domestic pets. When he was about 18 months old he was nearly floored by an overexcitable dog on a beach who was just being friendly but I wonder if this was the real start of it. If you take him to a petting zoo he wouldn't pet the rabbits/guinea pigs etc. He's scared of birds coming towards him/pigeons etc in the garden. If we go on a family walk, it's hampered by the fact that if he even sees a dog in the distance he starts to get scared so we do our utmost to distract him so we can carry on. Invariably he'll ask to jump in the buggy at that juncture whihcmeans we always have to take the double (we have DD 1 years too)...

Question really is how do we tackle this or do we let it run its course?

I'd be grateful for similar experiences and how you dealt with it.
Thanks in advance....

My daughter has a fear of spiders and flying things to the extent that she doesn't like the back door being open in case flies can get in! We used a Bach Flower remedy called Mimulus (for fear of know things) which has made life much less stressful!! She is still "wary" of flies etc but now repeats the phrases we use to reassure herself and doesn't panic. You can use a few drops in water twice a day for two weeks on, two weeks off, and also give a few drops when you encounter an animal. We call them "bravery" drops and tell DD what they are for, this gives her an element of control over the situation.