Does Your Dog Have a Compulsive Disorder?

Does your dog chase his tail? Instead of a cute, if odd, pastime, it could be a compulsive disorder. At the International Association of Animal Behavior Conference, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, spoke about compulsive disorders in our furry friends. “Like people can have compulsive behaviors, such as…washing their hands until their skin is raw, animals can have similar behaviors.”

Dr. Dodman is the director of the Behavior Clinics at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and author of several popular books. Dr. Dodman thinks that it is probable that about five percent of pets have compulsive behaviors. How can this look? As mentioned, a dog may chase his tail. Others chase light or shadows, suck on their flanks, or snap in the air, as if they were snapping at a fly.

There is a reason for their compulsions, according to Dodman. The dogs who chase light or shadows compulsively tend to be dogs that were originally bred for herding. They are working on whether or not these traits are genetic. “If it’s true in dogs, there’s a good bet it’s true in people.”

Other veterinary experts say that mental illness in pets is increasing, and more are being prescribed anti-depressants. Dr. Gabrielle Carter, of the University of Melbourne, said she is seeing more pets with phobias, aggression, and separation anxiety. “We use a lot of drugs like Prozac and other anti-depressants and Valium. And we always prescribe behavioral treatment plans.” Dr. Dodman has also treated horses with Prozac to good results.

Both agree that owners and vets need to be aware of the signs of mental illness, which can include sudden aggression, destructive behaviors, regression in house training, or self-injurious behaviors, such as excessive scratching or sucking on their fur, which can irritate their skin.

Keep an eye on your pet; even if he doesn’t have a mental illness, all that love and attention is great for him and can keep him happy and energetic.