Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Canines
Jackie Valentine
We’ve all seen a dog chasing his tail; round and round in circles he goes for no particular reason. Then there is the dog that licks incessantly. Some dogs snap at the air as if they were ready to catch fly after fly in their mouths, but upon closer inspection, there’s not a fly in sight. What’s going on here?
What is OCD?
Obsessive compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by a specific, action that is repeated often, for no particular reason to the point of distraction. Most of us are familiar with the disorder in humans, but many people don’t realize that this is the same thing that is going on with their dogs. Dogs lick one spot over and over when they are bothered with fleas. But when this goes on even though there are no fleas present, he may be displaying signs of OCD.
Why does this happen?
There are various reasons that OCD occurs. Physiological problems like a localized skin infection, for example, may initiate this behavior. Dogs will often lick a simple sore joint or a small lesion until they have developed a “hot spot”. The OCD dog will often continue to lick the area even when the owner has almost (with much effort) succeeded in healing the wound. Of course, this just opens up the “almost well” sore, and the cycle begins again.
There is evidence that certain breeds are more predisposed to the condition than others.
A recent study showed that selective breeding and inbreeding may contribute to OCD in companion animals. Another significant point is that larger breeds are more likely to be affected by OCD.
Yet another possible cause may be psychological in nature. In fact, there are several situations that we might consider emotional dilemmas for the dog in which we see OCD behaviors. Separation anxiety often initiates symptoms of OCD. The dog may tear up everything in the house when left alone. He may have bitten at the couch until the cushion is in small pieces all over the floor. Once we become a dog’s owner, we become part of his pack. When we leave him for an indefinite amount of time (he has no concept of what 9- 5 means), he may misunderstand and think he has been deserted. Panic ensues, and these bizarre behaviors may occur. Unless the owner understands and takes time to help the dog overcome this fear of abandonment, this is likely to happen on a regular basis.
A bored dog can show obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Many dogs dig for the simple sake of digging. They may bark all day or night in a monotone voice, or they may chase their tails until just watching them makes their human friends dizzy. Basically, these tendencies are making him miserable and a solution is in order.
How Can We Help?
There are certain things that dog owners can do that will help lessen the severity and likelihood of these OCD behaviors. The first course of action should be to increase the amount of exercise the dog receives. While we all know that dogs need a daily walk, many people don’t save enough time out of their busy schedules to take their dog for a pleasant jaunt each day. The regular exercise can occupy their idle minds and fidgety bodies, and will tire the dog out and allow it to rest.
Dogs are like children, they really need their toys. These fun and interesting things help them to occupy their time and keep them out of trouble. Their fears and obsessions are lessened just because they are provided with their very own special possessions, and are naturally kept out of “off limits” human things.
Here is yet another reason to crate train your dog-a dog that is given his own small space enjoys the safety of his crate. He knows what to expect and is not allowed to get into trouble all over the house while his human isn’t home. Many dogs also find comfort in soothing music or a television being left on while the owner is away from home.
Ask the Veterinarian.
Veterinarians are now equipped with several medications that offer the dog suffering from OCD some, if not total, relief. This affliction is considered to be initiated by situations in which the dog is experiencing stress, but is also known to be a manifestation of a truly phsychological problem. For this reason a combination of solutions- including medication, behavior modification and changes in the dog’s environment-are usually effective in helping the dog and owner deal with this disorder.