How to Help Dogs With OCD
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from a psychological disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In its human form, people may wash their hands over and over, check the locks to the house countless times or even pull out their hair. While in dogs it can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian for sure, if your dog barks, digs, self mutilates, chases his tail or bites at imaginary flies to extreme excesses, he could have OCD. Here are some things you could do to help him.
Instructions
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Interventions
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Consider medication. Allow your veterinarian to give an antidepressant medication formulated for dogs. As with humans this can allay stress in your dog thus reducing his OCD behaviors. The main two medications veterinarians use are Clomipramine and Amitriptyline.
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Interact with the dog in a positive way. To rule out boredom as a cause of these behaviors, take your dog for long walks, play fetch with him, socialize him, and give him appropriate toys on a frequent and regular basis. Praise your dog for participating in these activities.
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Enrolling the dog in an obedience class can sometimes be helpful. It can give her the safe and positive structure that she needs.
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Stop using punishment with your dog. According to Dr. Rebecca Bragg BVSc, "Punishment is often detrimental, causing increased anxiety and fear of the owner, and therefore intensifying the problem."
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Stop rewarding OCD behavior. Sometimes pet owners reward their dog's OCD behavior unknowingly. In order to help their dogs overcome OCD tendencies, owners must be conscious of these rewards and then stop giving them.
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Enroll your dog in a behavior modification program. This program should emphasize relaxation techniques for positive rewards such as a food or play treat.
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Tips & Warnings
OCD in dogs is a serious problem and should not be ignored. Taking your dog to the veterinarian is the first step in solving this problem. Working with your dog as directed is the second step. Remember it could take time for these strategies to work. According to Karen L. Overall, VMD, Ph.D., DACVB and Arthur E. Durham, Ph.D., treatment on average can take around 14 months. You should give your dog the time she needs to overcome her OCD behaviors.
This article should not serve as a substitute for expert medical advice. See your dog's veterinarian.
References
- K. L. Overall, VMD, PhD, DACVB and A. E. Dunham, Ph.D. "Clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder: 126 cases (1989-2000). JAVMA, Vol 221, No. 10, November 15, 2002.
- K. Antoniades. JAVMA Study Blames Selective Breeding and Inbreeding for OCD
- J. Adams BVSc and R. Bragg BVSc. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders in Dogs. Petalia.com A World of Petcare
