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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by someone uncontrollably thinking about or doing something repeatedly, usually to an extreme level. A similar condition can occur in dogs of any breed. Canines with a compulsive disorder may repeatedly bark, chase their tail, lick themselves, or perform other repetitive behaviors. The action becomes compulsive when dogs act this way consistently and cannot be distracted.
At first glance, this disorder is confusing. How can you know whether it’s OCD if most dogs already do these behaviors to a certain degree normally? That’s why we break down this difficult canine disorder here, so you can be on the lookout for the signs in your dog.
What Causes OCD in Dogs?
OCD in dogs, or canine-compulsive disorder (CCD), is thought to be a multifactorial condition. It may have roots in anxiety and/or it might be a genetic predisposition. Dogs can have anxiety for several reasons, but not all anxious dogs develop CCD.
Although any dog breed can have CCD, certain breeds can be predisposed to the disorder. Scientists have discovered brain abnormalities in a small study of dogs with CCD and a genetic link in Doberman Pinschers on chromosome 7 that suggest higher risks of the condition.1
The 5 Dog Breeds Prone to OCD
1. German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is one of the breeds most commonly associated with OCD in dogs. This breed tends to focus on spinning behavior. They may also engage in excessive licking and can develop something called acral lick dermatitis. This is when a skin lesion appears after dogs repeatedly lick at a certain area on their bodies, causing damage. It can take prolonged courses of treatment to improve. Not all lick dermatitis is due to CCD, though; it can be due to infections or itchy skin.
2. Bull Terriers
Like German Shepherds, Bull Terriers are known to be predisposed to OCD in dogs. They share the same quirks and tend to spin and lick.
3. Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers also show excessive licking, but unlike German Shepherds and Bull Terriers, they will do something called flank sucking. This is when a dog reaches around to their side (also called the flank) and sucks on the skin.
4. Border Collies
If you know anything about Border Collies, you know how much energy they have. These dogs need a task to focus on, as they were bred to be herding dogs and moving for long periods throughout the day.
5. Jack Russell Terriers
Like the Bull Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier is also predisposed to CCD. Known for their high energy levels, it’s quite common for this dog to develop the disorder.
Examples of Compulsive Behavior in Dogs
The most common signs of CCD stem from normal dog behavior, like tail chasing, licking, spinning, and running around in circles. But dogs with CCD do these things abnormally, often out of context and to the exclusion of behavior that would be normal in the current context.
For a behavior to be considered compulsive, it usually has to check these three boxes:
- The behavior cannot be interrupted.
- The behavior interferes with normal life.
- The behavior is difficult for the dog to stop.
These criteria help vets and behaviorists determine if a behavior is truly compulsive, an underlying medical issue, or a typical dog behavior.
Let’s look at what CCD can look like in dogs. This video is a great example of a pup with CCD, particularly relating to shiny lights and reflections. You can see how hard it is for the owners to grab their dog’s attention away from the light.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Compulsive Behavior?
This is not an easy question to answer. It will require information provided by you, a veterinarian’s examination, and likely, medical tests before a diagnosis is reached.
A good way to tell if your dog’s behavior is compulsive is to consider the criteria. Does your dog’s behavior interfere with their normal life in any way? Is it difficult for your dog to stop doing the behavior? Is it recurring and out of context? Do they continue even if offered a treat or reward?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, schedule an appointment with your vet. Record the behavior and bring the video to the appointment. It’s important for your vet to rule out any underlying medical concerns before referring you to a qualified and registered behaviorist to help with the problem.
There are no large-scale studies into CCD in dogs, so it is possible that certain underlying physical causes are being missed. A thorough medical investigation should precede assumption of a diagnosis of CCD.
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How Is OCD in Dogs Treated?
You, the veterinarian, and the dog behaviorist will become a dream team. Medically, your dog may receive a medication to help them feel calmer. This will make them feel happy and more able to learn new skills. Behaviorally, you’ll teach your dog new commands, tricks, and games and even alter the environment to prevent triggers. More exercise may also be part of the game plan.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance in your dog’s life with mental and physical exercise, the training of alternative calming behaviors, and sometimes, medications. There is no quick fix for these complex behaviors. It is usual for the aim of treatment to be to reduce the frequency and intensity of the behavior, rather than to achieve a cure. Realistic expectations are important.
Conclusion
Canine-compulsive disorder, or CCD, is just as challenging for dogs as it is for humans. Now that you know more about the disorder, though, you know how to help your dog.
Remember, just because your dog has a few quirks, that doesn’t mean they have CCD. Diagnosis of this complex condition will require careful consideration by you and your vet.
Featured Image Credit: Three Dogs photography, Shutterstock
