Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Affects Animals Too

OCD behaviors in canines resembles that of humans in that dogs demonstrate repetitive behaviors, apparently without being able to control it. The onset can be both gradual and sudden, depending on what triggered the behavior. Moreover, what behaviors are demonstrated depends on what type of breed the dog is. It is most common for longhaired dogs to over groom themselves.

If you have ever wondered just why your dog will not stop barking, even when you see nothing to bark about, your dog could very well be suffering from OCD tendencies.  Contrary to what was once believed, canines do suffer from forms of OCD disorders.  The most common include excessive barking and compulsive uncontrolled licking and it most commonly occurs in larger breed dogs.  Dogs that have OCD tendencies have both a genetic predisposition and environmental stresses that trigger the behavior.  This article will explore the OCD tendencies of canines and how humans can help their animals cope. 

OCD behaviors in canines resembles that of humans in that dogs demonstrate repetitive behaviors, apparently without being able to control it.  The onset can be both gradual and sudden, depending on what triggered the behavior.  Moreover, what behaviors are demonstrated depends on what type of breed the dog is.  It is most common for longhaired dogs to over groom themselves.  Dogs raised for herding may chase and hoard all of the time and predatory breeds such as a Doberman or rot may bite. 

Although most of these behaviors are normal canine behaviors, they can be seen as compulsive because the behavior is performed over and over again, without even thinking and for no apparent reason.  Canines with these compulsive behaviors are anxious and sensitive.  Many pet owners struggle because their animal just seems high strung all of the time.  Of course, this is no different than for humans.  The compulsive tendencies that humans show with OCD may be common, such as hand washing or grooming, but it gets out of control when it is repeated several hundreds times a day for example.  Furthermore, humans with these disorders appear to be teeter tottering sanity many times because they are anxious about everything and extremely uptight.

About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Next time you find yourself alone with your partner, pay attention to yourself. Do you constantly go over the same thoughts in your head when you are with them? Do you compulsively ask yourself anything like, am I making him happy enough? Sometimes obsessive compulsive individuals will even advert themselves from a conversation unknowingly because they are too caught up "checking" things out in their head. Say for example, you made a nice dinner for your beloved and you of course, want to make sure everything is perfect. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation

 

Have you ever seen a dog chase its tail repeatedly?  Or better yet, dig compulsively no matter how many times the dog has been scolded to stop doing so?  These are further examples of the extremes this disorder can have on canines.  It is best in these situations to take your dog to a behavioral specialist to get help with the situation.  You will never be able to get rid of the instinctive behavior, but you can minimize the damage done.  For example, if your dog bites out of instinct, you will have to act quickly to avoid injuries and a possible lawsuit.  For the digging dog, you will want to get it under control so that you can keep your yard or garden in good shape. 

At the current time, obsessive compulsive disorder has only been studied on canines, as it relates to animals.  However, the research is interesting.  It has been shown that like humans, canines brains respond to outside influences and stresses much like that of humans.  If you live in a home full of chaos, your chances are much higher of dealing with a dog with compulsive tendencies, possibly out of a sheer survival of the fittest mentality. 

Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

07/03/2008
Calendar (Columbus Telegram)
To publicize meetings and events, submit the groups name, meeting time and meeting location in writing no later than th...

Calendar (Columbus Telegram)

07/03/2008
What's new in entertainment (Belleville News-Democrat)
A look at what's new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend.

What's new in entertainment (Belleville News-Democrat)

07/03/2008
What's new in entertainment (The Charlotte Observer)
A look at what's new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend. MOVIES: "KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL" Abigail Breslin plays the title character, a resourceful young girl who's determined to solve a mystery and help save her family's Cincinnati home during the Great Depression. Adapted from a character that was created for the "American Girl" line of ...

What's new in entertainment (The Charlotte Observer)

07/03/2008
Help & support (Portsmouth Herald)
Addiction

Help & support (Portsmouth Herald)

07/03/2008
Calendar (Columbus Telegram)
To publicize meetings and events, submit the groups name, meeting time and meeting location in writing no later than th...

Calendar (Columbus Telegram)

07/03/2008
When compulsive shopping spills beyond the closet (The Monterey County Herald)
WASHINGTON — Shannon Hassemer went on a shopping spree when she got her first credit card in college. Tired of owning just one pair of tennis shoes, she quickly filled her closet with luxury items from designers such as Gucci, Coach and Louis Vuitton. "I wanted to fit in," she said.

When compulsive shopping spills beyond the closet (The Monterey County Herald)

07/03/2008
Just say no ... to girlfriend (Creative Loafing Charlotte)
Is drug-induced amnesia causing behavior?... By Dan Savage I've got a confusing issue with my girlfriend. Our relationship was going great until I caught her having an emotional affair via MySpace. She swore to never hurt me again. Well, I recently found out that she posted an ad looking for NSA sex. She responded to several people who contacted her. When confronted, she encouraged me to look ...

Just say no ... to girlfriend (Creative Loafing Charlotte)