sudden anxiety disorder

Question
hello - 7-months ago, I rescued from pug rescue, a young male pug about
10-months old, now he is about 1.5 years old-he is healthy, sweet and loving
and so much fun.  He has had all his shots and been vet checked and treated
for hook worms and ear mites, he has no behavior problems, besides normal
puppy energy, until recently.  He has showed a fear of thunder and lighting in
the past, but recovered from his anxiety, after the storm has passed.  Two
nights ago there were very violent thunder storms here in in S. Florida, where
we live, he was very frightened, as said, he has shown this behavior in the
past with loud storms, but this time he has not recovered from the trauma.  
He clings to me like a 12:00 shadow, all day and night, while panting and
breathing heavily with shaking.  I have not reinforced his needy behavior with
affection, nor reprimanded him - I have essentially ignored his anxiety, as
best I can.  He has not been in a crate for months, though last evening, after
trying to go to sleep, he continued to be anxious and I needed to put him in
the crate to create a safe space for him to be in.  Same thing happened this
am, we went for our 2.5 mile walk and everything seemed back to normal,
when all of sudden a large truck backfired with a loud bang and he is now
back to this very paranoid, anxiety riddled state of mind, which does not
decrease when we enter my home.  I have had to put him back in his crate, to
stop his following me and quell his anxiety.  He continues to pant and shake
all day and cling to me for support.  This anxiety riddled behavior is new and
out of the blue, up until 2 nights ago, he was a very secure and confident
male pug, curious, with self assured behavioral energy.  I do not know what to
do to address this sudden change in his behavior.  Any suggestions and
professional insights are welcomed.  Thanks

Answer
Poor baby. You need to take him to the vet and get him some anti-anxiety medication. I have never witnessed a dog this traumatized before.

It sounds like medication is the only thing that will calm this poor little one down so that he can get a handle on this situation.

Wish I could be of more help. Good luck.