Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a recognized and potentially dangerous medical condition in which a dog engages in normal canine activities in an abnormally repetitive, frantic and self-destructive manner – sometimes to the point of self-mutilation.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
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