While pet owners may find it endearing when their dog chases its tail or their cat suckles for comfort, persistent engagement in these behaviors can indicate a more serious issue impacting their daily routines.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) are not limited to humans; they can also affect dogs and cats. However, the manifestation of OCDs in companion animals differs slightly from the human version.
“OCDs in companion animals are primarily displayed as compulsive behaviors because it’s unclear whether pets truly ‘obsess,'” explains Dr. Ashley Navarrette, a clinical veterinarian at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Research suggests that compulsive behaviors have a genetic component, but any dog or cat can exhibit these behaviors, which persist for long periods of time or serve no purpose.”
Common compulsive behaviors in dogs include tail chasing, licking, spinning, pacing, chewing, barking, and biting at invisible objects. Cats may exhibit overgrooming, suckling, repetitive vocalizing, pacing, and chasing imaginary objects.
These behaviors can induce physical changes that provide calmness to pets, such as reduced heart rate and the release of feel-good hormones, making it challenging for pets to cease the behaviors. Therefore, Navarrette advises owners to monitor their pets for common compulsive behaviors. If a pet cannot be distracted from the behavior or returns to it shortly after being distracted, they may have a compulsive disorder.
Diagnosing Compulsive Disorders
One of the initial steps in diagnosing a compulsive disorder in an animal is ruling out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the behavior. Due to the wide range of behaviors associated with the disorder, Navarrette recommends pet owners consult a veterinarian if they suspect their pet is exhibiting compulsive behavior.
“Compulsive behaviors typically arise in response to a ‘stressor,’ and some levels of mental stress can escalate to physical harm,” warns Navarrette. “For example, a dog that repeatedly licks its leg as a soothing behavior may develop an acral lick granuloma, a skin condition that, if left untreated, can lead to inflammation and infection.”
“However, like any behavioral issue, it is essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions first,” Navarrette explains. “For instance, if a dog is compulsively licking to the extent of self-injury, a veterinarian will want to eliminate any dermatological or orthopedic issues before assuming it’s a behavioral problem.”
While veterinarians play a crucial role in determining if a medical issue is not the cause, it is up to pet owners to identify triggers that precede the display of compulsive behaviors. However, this can be challenging as triggers vary significantly and can be specific to each pet.
“Triggers can include someone new visiting the house, vacuuming, or the use of laser pointers, but they can be anything since they are dependent on the individual dog or cat,” Navarrette explains. “For example, my own border collie had a compulsive behavior that involved her standing in beams of light and snapping at particles of dust. It was extremely difficult to distract her, and she would even bite whatever was in front of her, including the back seats of my truck at one point.”
Pet owners have a deep love for their pets, perhaps in spite of or because of their unique quirks. If these quirks begin to resemble unhealthy behaviors, consulting a veterinarian is the first step in ensuring your pet leads a normal and healthy life.
Citation:
Recognizing compulsive disorders in dogs and cats (2023, July 7)
retrieved 7 July 2023
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
