Dog Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Introduction
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Dogs: Learn about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, including how it can affect your dog, and what options are available to manage this type of mental health condition.
Definition of OCD
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a potentially dangerous medical condition where a dog does normal canine things in an abnormally repetitive, frenzied destructive way – sometimes to the point of self-mutilation. This condition probably has a strong hereditary component. The repetitive behaviors that dogs with OCD engage in are normal in small doses. They become problematic when the dog does them ritualistically and destructively. Some of the behaviors done by dogs with OCD are barking, tail-chasing, imaginary fly-biting, spinning, digging, scratching, licking, chewing, pacing, fence-running and flank-sucking. Dogs with OCD often have a history of abuse, neglect or exposure to extremely stressful situations. Some have been confined in small areas for a long time without physical or mental stimulation. Moves, trips to the veterinarian, introduction of a new human or animal family member, loss of a family member and other stressful events can all contribute to OCD.
Dogs that suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder often (but not always) have a history of abuse, neglect or past exposure to extremely stressful environments. For example, dogs confined for prolonged periods of time in small areas with no form of physical or mental stimulation may develop OCD. Most authorities suspect that this condition has a strong hereditary component, as well. Current medical science puts the anatomical focus of OCD in the limbic system, which is
Our canine companions are like us in so many ways, but unfortunately that is not always a good thing. Like people, dogs have the potential to suffer from a number of mental and emotional disorders. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of them. Animals with obsessive compulsive disorder engage in activities that occasionally are normal for its species, but they engage in them in an abnormally and alarmingly repetitious manner. Dogs and people who suffer
It can be challenging for veterinarians to diagnose obsessive compulsive disorder in dogs (OCD), because there is no one test for the condition. Diagnosing OCD involves ruling out other conditions, including diseases and other medical disorders that could contribute to the observed obsessive behaviors.For a veterinarian to diagnose OCD, he must evaluate the dog and rule out other conditions that could contribute to or cause the abnormal behaviors. The veterinarian will take a detailed history
Canine obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can interfere with a dog’s quality of life and health. It also can be very destructive to the relationship between the dog and its owner. Fortunately, this condition usually can be controlled through behavior modification and medication. The goals of treating canine OCD include reducing or eliminating the abnormal ritualistic behavior(s) and removing or minimizing any underlying causes of those behaviors that can be identified. Treatment options include behavior and