It is relatively common to find dogs that have compulsive disorders and this is because the modern day lifestyles that we live are affecting dogs. We love our canine animals for sure but our love has gone to the extent that we do not allow them to live according to their true canine nature. Dogs need to be active and spend lots of time outdoors but we prevent them from doing so. If dogs could make their own choices, this is what they would prefer to do. Canine compulsive disorder that has been observed in dogs is similar to obsessive compulsive disorder that humans suffer. It has been observed that when one has obsessive compulsive disorders, they seem to favor doing repetitive tasks over and over again like washing their hands and do not seem to want to stop or cannot control it. This behavior in dogs is also similar. Dogs with canine compulsive disorder seem to be doing repetitive tasks that serve no useful purpose to them or to humans. Some of them might be excessively tail chasing, finger licking, or even chasing lights or shadows. This behavior is somewhat different from the seemingly normal repetitive behaviors that some dogs exhibit and should not be confused with the disease.
Key Takeaways:
- CCD is rather common in animals and should be discussed with a vet if you find your dog doing the same thing over and over again, such as cleaning his paws.
- In many instances tail chasing may be exhibited in dogs with CCD, and is contributed from being taken from their mothers too soon.
- With proper nutrition, vitamin supplements, redirection and working with your veterinarian CCD can be managed.
“Canine compulsive disorder (CCD), also called compulsive behavior disorder, is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans. People with OCD perform repetitive activities (e.g., washing their hands over and over) and can’t seem to control the behavior.”