We have a 5yo beagle who has always been a bit anxious around other dogs since being attacked twice during his socialisation period. We've had him since he came to us from the breeder at 12 weeks and neither his parents or his litter mates have the same issues. One sibling does have epilepsy if that's relevant but his symptoms are totally different.
Anyway, over the last few weeks/months his anxiety on walks has increased massively - he's started to hyper-focus on things like poo bags blowing in the grass, or a car driving past at the end of the road. These things never bothered him before. He was at the vets for vaccinations a few weeks ago and he's healthy.
Today he was sleeping on the sofa after lunch (same routine as every other day) and I dropped my hair straighteners - they landed with a thump and he really panicked. He leapt up, tail between his legs and tried to hide in the bath. He was shaking really badly - I tried to distract him in the garden but he just ran and tried to escape out of the gate (luckily our garden is secure).
I brought him back in and kind swaddled him in blankets on my lap and he calmed down after a few minutes. I rang the vet and he said it sounds like a panic attack and to keep an eye on him - we're going for a proper appointment next week.
He's absolutely fine now and has been his usual self. He's been to the toilet, eaten and had a drink with no issues whatsoever. You wouldn't think he'd been so anxious earlier. Has anyone else ever seen this in their dog? He's always been a bit anxious and fearful but this was something else and he was really scared.
Sorry it's long - photo for tax!