Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Affects Animals Too

OCD behaviors in canines resembles that of humans in that dogs demonstrate repetitive behaviors, apparently without being able to control it. The onset can be both gradual and sudden, depending on what triggered the behavior. Moreover, what behaviors are demonstrated depends on what type of breed the dog is. It is most common for longhaired dogs to over groom themselves.

If you have ever wondered just why your dog will not stop barking, even when you see nothing to bark about, your dog could very well be suffering from OCD tendencies.  Contrary to what was once believed, canines do suffer from forms of OCD disorders. 

The most common include excessive barking and compulsive uncontrolled licking and it most commonly occurs in larger breed dogs.  Dogs that have OCD tendencies have both a genetic predisposition and environmental stresses that trigger the behavior.  This article will explore the OCD tendencies of canines and how humans can help their animals cope. 

OCD behaviors in canines resembles that of humans in that dogs demonstrate repetitive behaviors, apparently without being able to control it.  The onset can be both gradual and sudden, depending on what triggered the behavior. 

Moreover, what behaviors are demonstrated depends on what type of breed the dog is.  It is most common for longhaired dogs to over groom themselves.  Dogs raised for herding may chase and hoard all of the time and predatory breeds such as a Doberman or rot may bite. 

Although most of these behaviors are normal canine behaviors, they can be seen as compulsive because the behavior is performed over and over again, without even thinking and for no apparent reason.  Canines with these compulsive behaviors are anxious and sensitive.  Many pet owners struggle because their animal just seems high strung all of the time. 

Of course, this is no different than for humans.  The compulsive tendencies that humans show with OCD may be common, such as hand washing or grooming, but it gets out of control when it is repeated several hundreds times a day for example.  Furthermore, humans with these disorders appear to be teeter tottering sanity many times because they are anxious about everything and extremely uptight.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder History This article will take a look at some of the most common alternative treatments available in the treatment of OCD. Herbal Remedies If you have ever suffered from depression, the name St. Johns Wort is probably not new to you. St. Johns Wort has been studied for years and has proven to be an effective treatment for mild depression and associated behaviors. Dsm Iv Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

 

Have you ever seen a dog chase its tail repeatedly?  Or better yet, dig compulsively no matter how many times the dog has been scolded to stop doing so?  These are further examples of the extremes this disorder can have on canines.  It is best in these situations to take your dog to a behavioral specialist to get help with the situation. 

You will never be able to get rid of the instinctive behavior, but you can minimize the damage done.  For example, if your dog bites out of instinct, you will have to act quickly to avoid injuries and a possible lawsuit.  For the digging dog, you will want to get it under control so that you can keep your yard or garden in good shape. 

At the current time, obsessive compulsive disorder has only been studied on canines, as it relates to animals.  However, the research is interesting.  It has been shown that like humans, canines brains respond to outside influences and stresses much like that of humans. 

If you live in a home full of chaos, your chances are much higher of dealing with a dog with compulsive tendencies, possibly out of a sheer survival of the fittest mentality. 

Companion Remedies for Stress, Anxiety, OCD

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The Calm Within CD - Offers professional relaxation, visualization and affirmation techniques for self-help and stress reduction
Beyond the Baby Blues - This 2-CD program is designed to lift your spirits, comfort your soul, and create the necessary balance needed while you are adjusting to your new life and new baby.

Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

11/17/2008
FOX (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
1 of 2 columns for Nov. 30, 2008 United Feature Syndicate EDITORS: For more information on pet care visit Dr. Fox's Web site www.doctormwfox.org. Forward all mail to DR. MICHAEL FOX in care of United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016.

FOX (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

11/12/2008
Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Stimulating an area near the base of the brain may help people with otherwise untreatable obsessive-compulsive disorder, researchers reported on Wednesday.

Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

11/10/2008
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)
On Saturday 22nd November, mental health professionals and members of the public who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will all come together for the 2008 OCD Conference at Imperial College London.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)

11/12/2008
Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Stimulating an area near the base of the brain may help people with otherwise untreatable obsessive-compulsive disorder, researchers reported on Wednesday.

Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

11/10/2008
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)
On Saturday 22nd November, mental health professionals and members of the public who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will all come together for the 2008 OCD Conference at Imperial College London.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)

11/13/2008
Promising clinical trial for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (News-Medical-Net)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 2% of the population and is considered a psychiatric disorder. It is the number four psychiatric pathology in terms of frequency following phobias, disorders relating to alcohol and drugs, and depression.

Promising clinical trial for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (News-Medical-Net)

11/20/2008
Kids' lack of loving home equals disaster (Miami Herald)
Abandonment plus rejection plus low self-esteem equals Teah Wimberly. Depression plus frustration plus loneliness equals Teah Wimberly.

Kids' lack of loving home equals disaster (Miami Herald)

11/18/2008
Brain Abnormalities That May Play Key Role In ADHD Revealed By Novel Imaging Technique (Medical News Today)
A study published in the online advance edition of The American Journal of Psychiatry for the first time reveals shape differences in the brains of children with ADHD, which could help pinpoint the specific neural circuits involved in the disorder. Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md.

Brain Abnormalities That May Play Key Role In ADHD Revealed By Novel Imaging Technique (Medical News Today)