Introduction
Canine obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a potentially serious disorder that can interfere with a dog’s quality of life and health. Fortunately, for dogs and their owners, this condition can be controlled through behavior modification and prescription medication. If your dog displays signs consistent with obsessive compulsive disorder, you should schedule an immediate appointment with your veterinarian. The behaviors associated with this disorder almost always worsen without treatment, so the sooner treatments are started, the better.
Treating OCD in Dogs
The goal of therapy for dogs with OCD is to minimize or completely resolve the clinical signs, and if possible to minimize or resolve the underlying cause of any environmental or other stressors. Treatment will probably be lifelong.
Behavior Modification
Behavioral modification is almost always recommended for dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder. While prescription medications may be used as well, behavioral and environmental modification is the first line of treatment.
Pet owners will likely need to experiment with different behavioral modification methods to see which ones help their dogs the most. Some pets respond better to distractions, such as being played with or taken out for a walk when it starts to engage in the abnormal repetitive behaviors. Other pets respond better to an increase in exercise, or perhaps even a calmer, more soothing environment. Usually, providing a predictable, regular daily routine goes far towards minimizing the signs of OCD. Punishment of OCD behaviors should not be used. It is not effective, and can actually increase the dog’s level of anxiety and thereby exacerbate signs of the disorder.
Medication
There are several prescription medications that can be used to treat canine obsessive-compulsive disorder. These include a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants and another class which are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Both can be given orally by owners at home, of course under the general supervision of the dog’s veterinarian.
These medications can have side effects and can react adversely with other drugs being used at the same time. Your veterinarian can decide which treatment protocol to use first, and may change the medication if your dog’s condition does not improve. Available medications of course change over time, so the particular treatment of choice is best left up to your vet.