Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Dogs, like humans and other animals, need to drink water to survive. However, drinking too much water can harm a dog's health and often signals an underlying problem. In some cases the problem can be minor and easily fixed by changing the dog's diet or medication. Sometimes, though, the problem is a sign of a serious medical condition, and a trip to the veterinarian is the only way to ascertain the cause.
Compulsive licking in dogs may be an indication of a medical condition, boredom, obsessive behavior, a vitamin or mineral deficiency or an allergy. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, to be identified as "compulsive," licking must exceed a normal level of grooming or exploration, depart from regular behavior, get in the way of other activities (including eating) and be difficult to stop.
When dogs exhibit behavior "...in a way that is excessive, out of context, and diminishes the dog's social or physical well-being, a mood disorder is likely present," explains Dr. Soraya Juarbe-Diaz, a Florida-based veterinarian and certified dog behaviorist. Most canines begin to show signs of mood disorders, or mental illness, between the ages of 1 and 3. The exact cause of mental illness in dogs is unknown; however, Juarbe-Diaz believes that canines suffering from mental illness are genetically predisposed to their condition.
As an owner, you might be puzzled or distressed to see your dog sniffing and licking the walls. It might seem like there is no reason for this strange behavior but there are a number of possible medical and behavioral causes. Although licking the walls might be a harmless activity, it could also be a symptom of an underlying health problem.
It can be amusing to watch a dog chase its tail. But it's no laughing matter when a dog can't seem to stop such repetitive actions. All dogs chew, bark, lick or chase their tails sometimes, but for some dogs these kinds of behaviors are signs of canine compulsive disorder. This disorder, in which dogs engage in strange, repetitive behaviors and seem unable to stop, can cause physical harm to the dog and make it difficult for an owner and pet to bond.
Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to a variety of diseases. Obsessive compulsive disorder is one that can be challenging for the dog and its owner to deal with. Diagnostic tests and treatment options are available to treat this disease in your pet.
