Dogs Can Suffer Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Some dogs are prone to becoming victims of obsessive-compulsive disorder when under stress. The stress

can cause either a sudden or gradual onset of the condition. The behavior pattern that emerges will depend

on the particular breed. In general, longhaired large breeds of dogs may over groom, herding breeds may

chase or hoard and a pure predatory breed may bite, mouth or chase objects. All these have human

comparisons.

All the behaviors performed by compulsive canines are essentially normal behaviors. They are just

performed over and over again and out of context. The same occurs with humans. There is nothing wrong

with washing your hands repeatedly, but if you wash your hands several hundred times a day you have a

problem. Psychiatrists treat the human problems on a case-by case basis. Veterinarians remain divided

regarding the significance of canine overly expressed behaviors. Some feel it may be our attempt to

humanize our pets, yet others are not so sure. Whatever the cause, it is very real in some dogs.

Lick granuloma in the canine is equivalent to hand washing in the human. Affected dogs lick their wrists or

hocks excessively, over-cleaning or over grooming themselves until the skin in these regions is ulcerated.

For years, no one knew why dogs engaged in this pointless, mindless behavior. Now, veterinarians are

seeing the OCD link and with this understanding are able to treat the condition much more effectively. Lick

granuloma primarily affects larger breeds of dogs such as Labradors, golden retrievers, Great Danes and

Dobermans. Individual susceptibility and environmental influences are also required for the full expression of

the behavior. Affected animals are usually anxious, sensitive, and high-strung and may give an impression

of a generalized anxiety disorder. Environmental factors include various stresses and conflict situations,

including separation anxiety or boredom.