Can Dogs Have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Can dogs have obsessive compulsive disorder? It’s a question you might ask yourself if you notice your pet displaying concerning behaviors, like an obsessive amount of scratching, licking, tail-chasing, or flank sucking.

While dogs can’t technically have OCD, some can develop a similar condition called canine compulsive disorder. Although OCD in humans is driven by obsessive thoughts, the precise cause of canine compulsive disorder is unknown. However, genetics and environmental factors may contribute to a dog developing CCD.

To help pet parents learn more, we reached out to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA, a veterinarian and spokesperson with Figo Pet Insurance.

Signs & Symptoms of CCD/OCD in Dogs

Typically, canine compulsive disorder develops in dogs before the age of two and can be a lifelong condition. Some signs and symptoms to watch for include the following behaviors.

Tail chasing

Tail-chasing or spinning in circles to the point of exhaustion is a common symptom of CCD.

Fly snapping

If a dog repeatedly bites the air, even when no flies or other insects are around, it could be a symptom of canine compulsive disorder.

Sucking on blankets

Also sometimes referred to as “nooking,” a dog that self-soothes by sucking or chewing on blankets or soft toys may be at risk for CCD.

Continuous biting

While young dogs often bite and chew during playtime or while going through teething, excessive or repetitive biting may be a sign of canine compulsive disorder.

Licking to the point of self-harm

Likewise, CCD may be present in a dog that licks their fur excessively to the point of hair loss or sores.

Barking

When a dog’s barking becomes all-consuming and non-stop, it could be a sign of CCD, especially when there are no obvious triggers for it.

Circling

Walking in circles or pacing back and forth may be a CCD symptom, especially if the dog is hard to redirect or if the behavior continues for long periods of time.

Pica

Pica is a condition in which a dog compulsively eats non-food objects, such as fabric, rocks, or dirt. If left untreated, it can cause serious health issues, such as an intestinal blockage.

Light chasing

Excessively chasing after lights, shadows, or reflections can be another sign of canine compulsive disorder.

Causes

It’s normal for dogs to engage in all of the behaviors listed above from time to time. However, CCD is defined by an abnormal repetition of those behaviors that happen without a reason or trigger.

According to Dr. Ostermeier, “Compulsive behaviors are repetitive and excessive and do not serve a purpose. In fact, they can interfere with a dog’s daily mental and physical function, detracting from their overall wellbeing.”

Some experts believe that genetics may play a role in whether a dog develops canine compulsive disorder. While any breed of dog can develop CCD, certain breeds are more predisposed to displaying compulsive behaviors:

• Australian Cattle Dog
• Border Collie
• Bull Terrier
• Dachshund
• Dalmatian
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shepherd
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Great Dane
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Rottweiler
• Shiba-Inu

Working breeds in general can also be more likely to develop CCD, adds Dr. Ostermeier.

Some breeds are prone to specific kinds of compulsive behaviors. “Large breed dogs, including Labrador Retrievers, are most commonly affected when it comes to licking that results in the dermatological abnormality called Acral Lick Dermatitis (ALD),” Dr. Ostermeier explains.

There isn’t, however, a genetic test that’s able to diagnose or predict the disorder, and any dog, regardless of breed, is capable of compulsive behaviors.

Can humans accidentally encourage CCD behaviors?

According to Dr. Ostermeier, pet parents can both cause and exacerbate compulsive behaviors.

“The most common underlying cause for these behaviors that I see in practice are a stressful environment, lack of exercise, lack of enrichment, and lack of attention,” she says.

“I think the most important thing for pet parents to know is that all dogs need activity, enrichment, and attention,” adds Dr. Ostermeier. “How much is needed will depend on the breed and individual dog.”

Your vet will be your first stop, not only to help you calibrate your dog’s exercise and enrichment needs, but also to look for underlying health issues and other causes.

How does a vet diagnose CCD?

To diagnose CCD, a vet will typically conduct a full physical exam, plus a behavioral and neurological evaluation to rule out other causes of compulsive behavior.

They’ll also ask about your dog’s at-home behavior and any environmental factors that might contribute. For example, if a compulsive behavior only occurs when your dog is left alone, that might indicate separation anxiety rather than CCD.

Other diseases and disorders that may be mistaken for canine compulsive disorder include:

• Skin infections or issues like allergies, hot spots, or parasites
• Pain from arthritis or injuries
• Neurological disorders, like focal seizures
• A history of abuse or trauma that causes a dog to self-soothe
• Anxiety disorders
• Exposure to toxins
• Degenerative or age-related diseases

Only after ruling out other conditions and diseases might a vet then consider CCD as a diagnosis.

Treatment

Although they share some symptoms, canine compulsive disorder isn’t considered an anxiety disorder, but rather a behavioral one. The key difference is that anxiety disorders are typically defined by a specific trigger or fear, while CCD is ongoing compulsive behavior without an obvious trigger.

To treat CCD, a vet may recommend a combination of behavioral modification medications, changes to the dog’s environment and daily routine, and sometimes even alternative therapies like acupuncture or herbal supplements.

“[These] can work together, synergistically, to help your dog reach a higher quality of life and to reduce the tendency toward these compulsive behaviors,” explains Dr. Ostermeier.

Medications

These are some of the medications commonly used to treat compulsive behavior in dogs:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of antidepressant medications works to increase serotonin in the brain to help regulate a dog’s mood and decrease compulsive behaviors. Fluoxetine (commonly known as Prozac) is a popular choice.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs). Clomipramine and other TCAs can treat CCD by increasing serotonin in the brain and calming the nervous system.

Both medications can take up to 8 weeks to see the full effect. Side effects of SSRIs can include aggression, drowsiness, decreased appetite, gastrointestinal issues, and seizures. TCAs can cause increased thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.

Behavioral treatment

Behavioral treatments for CCD often involve increasing the amount of enrichment a dog receives. That might include environmental enrichments like puzzle toys and chews, as well as physical activities, such as regular walks, playtime, and training sessions.

A trainer might also recommend pet parents start rewarding calm behavior whenever they see it, such as when a dog is laying down or quietly sitting. Focusing on cues like “relax” and “settle” with positive reinforcement like treats or praise creates positive associations with calm behaviors.

Reducing stress triggers and creating a calm space with a predictable routine can also help a dog’s recovery from CCD.

If you’re not sure where to start, your vet and a positive reinforcement trainer or dog behaviorist can be a huge help in making a behavioral treatment plan.

Managing CCD in Dogs

Although a dog’s compulsive behaviors may never fully resolve, a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and environmental changes can help make CCD symptoms more manageable. Depending on the severity of the compulsive behaviors, most dogs can expect to see significant progress within a few months to a year.

Fortunately, with the right adjustments and dosages, a dog with this condition can still lead a happy, full life alongside their pet parent.