Does My Dog Have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

If your dog is displaying concerning behaviors, like an obsessive amount of scratching, licking, tail-chasing, or flank sucking, they might have an obsessive compulsive disorder.

While dogs can’t technically have OCD, some can develop something similar called canine compulsive disorder. According to the Animal Behavior Clinic at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, it’s estimated that 2% of dogs have this condition.

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 determine whether their dog is displaying compulsive behaviors, we reached out to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA, a veterinarian and spokesperson at Figo Pet Insurance. In this guide, we’ll cover what CCD looks like in dogs and the breeds who are more prone to developing it. We’ll also discuss common ways to manage your dog’s compulsive behaviors.

Did you know? Working dogs are more likely to have CCD. If you have a working breed (or other pup) showing compulsive tendencies, a professional dog trainer can help. Search for a dog trainer near you to get started with behavior modification training. 

What Does CCD/OCD Look Like 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 or spinning in circles to the point of exhaustion
• Snapping or biting the air, even when no flies or other insects are around
• Sucking or chewing (sometimes referred to as “nooking”) on blankets or soft toys
• Excessive or repetitive biting
• Excessively licking fur to the point of hair loss or sores.
• Continuous barking, especially when there are no obvious triggers
• Walking in circles or pacing back and forth for long periods
• Pica, a condition in which a dog compulsively eats non-food objects, such as fabric, rocks, or dirt
• Excessively chasing after lights, shadows, or reflections

While it’s normal for dogs to ocassionally engage in all of the behaviors listed above, Ostermeier notes that dogs with CCD will do them repetitively, excessively, and without a specific purpose (i.e., barking to make a scary trigger to go away). She adds that this compulsiveness can interfere with a dog’s daily mental and physical function, and reduce their overall well-being.”

Risk Factors

Research suggests that genetics may play a role in whether a dog develops canine compulsive disorder. One study even showed that the structural brain abnormalities of Doberman Pinschers with CCD are similar to those of humans with OCD.

Working breeds in general can also be more likely to develop CCD, notes Dr. Ostermeier, adding that larger breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, are most commonly affected when it comes to licking that results in the dermatological abnormality called Acral Lick Dermatitis (ALD).

While any breed of dog can develop CCD, these breeds may be 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

Along with the genetic factor, experts, including Dr. Ostermeier, believe that lack of physical and mental stimulation can also contribute to and exacerbate compulsive behaviors. “The most common underlying cause for these behaviors that I see in practice is a stressful environment, lack of exercise, lack of enrichment, and lack of attention,” she says.

Treatment

The first step in getting help for a dog who shows compulsive tendencies is to schedule a visit to the vet. Once any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the behaviors have been ruled out, there are a few actions you can take to help treat your dog’s OCD.

• Reduce exposure to stress triggers by creating a calm space with a predictable routine.
• Increase environmental enrichments like puzzle toys and chews.
• Increase physical activities, such as regular walks, playtime, and trick training sessions at home.
• Avoid intentionally or inadvertently encouraging your dog’s obsessive tendencies.
• Capture and reward calm behavior whenever you see it, such as when a dog is lying down or quietly sitting.
• Work on behavior-modification training for 5 to 15 minutes each day, teaching your dog alternative behaviors to their CCD compulsive ones. For instance, you can teach your dog to settle on cue instead of pacing or chasing their tails.
• Try calming tools, such as pheromone sprays and collars or calming vests like the ThunderShirt.
• Consider working with a veterinary animal behaviorist who can help you come up with a behavior-modification plan that may include medication or even alternative therapies like acupuncture or herbal supplements.

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.