OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS – #BellLetsTalk
Now that I have your attention, I would like to note that, although it may seem as if I was making light of the situation in the title, these behaviours are serious having an impact on mental and physical health.
In ‘wait’ position (counting to ten) for hide-and-seek
Tail chasing, obsessive licking (Henry), and destructive acts (Jack) are common obsessive behaviours in dogs. The licking may result in ‘a lick granuloma’ or ‘ALD’ acral lick dermatitis.
Obsessive behaviors in cats include ‘pica’ (wool-sucking or eating substances other than food), and ‘psychogenic alopecia’ (excessive grooming causing hair loss and baldness).
As is the case with people suffering from OCD, the compulsion is brought on by anxiety. The behaviour provides temporary relief until further obsession over an issue, causes anxiety to escalate.
It is a vicious cycle
It has been suggested that our animal companions mirror our moods and symptoms. I do experience mild anxiety and have two dogs that are highly anxious. Did my issues make them that way? No.
Animals demonstrating such compulsions tend to be anxious. It’s less likely you will notice these behaviours in laid back animals. All my dogs are puppy mill rescues, and we have had to work on mental and physical issues: building trust and improving their health.
According to Veterinary Practice News:
Environmental enrichment alone will not normally reverse a compulsive disorder, but a stress-free, user-friendly environment can prevent compulsive behavior from developing in the first place and make relapse less likely after successful pharmacological treatment.”
Preventing a dog or cat from performing a compulsive behavior by physically restraining the animal in some way only leads to more anxiety, not less.
As a human, I appreciate the fact that I can calm myself down in most situations and I avoid the ones that might trigger anxiety (crowds). I am also very lucky that the people in my life are respectful of my feelings and I don’t feel pressured to do anything that might make me uncomfortable. Or, if I do, they are okay if I remove myself from the situation.
I have been able to manage my anxiety by attending yoga classes, practicing reiki, walking and other exercises, writing, painting, playing the piano and even singing. Not performing – that’s a trigger.
Similarly, there are things we can do for our animal companions. Before assuming they are reacting to a compulsion, discuss your concerns with a veterinarian to determine the source of the obsessive behavior to rule out physical conditions, such as thyroid disease, or diabetes.
Limited edition knitting needles – redesigned by Jack
Diet & Nutrition
Read labels and know what ingredients are in the products you are feeding your companions. Avoid fillers and byproducts
Exercise
When we first rescued Reese and Jack, their bodies were frail, they were underweight and lacked muscle tone. Daily exercise is key to a strong, resilient body. Even small dogs require regular exercise. They are dogs; they were designed to enjoy the outdoors!
Some ideas:
Outdoor fetch
Walks, Hikes or Jogs
Some days in Ontario, it is just too cold. We provide additional mental stimulation and play ‘brain games’ or,
Indoor fetch
Tug-of-war
Hide-and-go-seek
Puzzle and treat-release games
Biking or Rollerblading
Swimming (weather permitting)
We also love agility:
Find a reputable trainer if you’re interested in participating in tracking events, flyball, agility or dock diving in your community
Build a Strong Immune System
A healthy immune system will protect cats and dogs from diseases. This has been a challenge for us, with Henry. He has an over-reactive immune system to the point of creating allergies and autoimmune disease. We are working with our DVM and a holistic vet to balance his system. We also spoke with our holistic vet about vaccinations, and the possibility that our companions may be over vaccinated and over medicated. We are looking at alternatives to Vanectyl-P, a brand name medication that combines trimeprazine and prednisolone.
There are several homeopathic remedies for obsessive behaviors such as Bach Flower remedies (rescue remedy). Discuss these options with your holistic veterinarian. Alternatively, you could try the Thundershirt by Thunderworks. The shirt wraps snuggly around your cat or dog, and the pressure is believed to be comforting and provide reassurance. Reiki and acupuncture may also help relieve anxiety in your companion.
Cats and dogs like routine. As we know, cats are in charge independent, and changes are especially stressful to them. We often have visitors, and recently introduced our newest pack member Jack into the fold. We try not to do everything at once and no matter what is happening, we stick to the Rooster’s routine (cat). That way, he feels that he still rules the roost.
Mental stimulation for cats
Our routine includes:
-Escort him to his ‘free feed’ station in the morning for breakfast BEFORE we feed the dogs
-Both litter boxes scooped daily and cleaned regularly
-Bedding washed weekly (as is the dogs)
-Play station and toys remain in the same place. We try to ensure the toys are not accessible to the dogs
-Rooster decided he would like to eat his evening meals with the dogs. His dish is first on the floor, and there is no ‘wait’ for him
It is equally important to interact with cats. I have tried training Rooster, and he will sit and beg (really). In this case, I am referring to puzzle toys, scratching posts or fishing pole type toys.
Rescue Remedy and Thundershirts are also an option for our feline friends.
I wrote this post in support of the Bell Let’s Talk Campaign.
Talking is the best way to start breaking down the barriers associated with mental illness.
Logo from Bell Let’s Talk toolkit
Listen to what Howie Mandel has to say:
Bell Let’s Talk day is January 25th, 2017. Us hashtag #BellLetsTalk to get the conversation started.
Great article, especially in combo with Howie’s video and January’s focus on mental health. Good work!
p.s. a former work colleague and fb friend Beth McKay put me on to your site.
I foster ‘future dog guide’ puppies for Lion’s Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (and like to write) so if you’re interested in posting something on fostering (and help get out the word since there are always more fosters needed 🙂 ), I’d be very happy to do that.
This afternoon I’ll be dropping off Gerry, a one year old beautiful black standard poodle (that I’ve had since he was 7 weeks old), to the Lion’s Oakville facility, to will begin formal training in the Canine Vision program. If all goes well, in 6-8 months, I’ll attend the ‘graduation’ for him and his new handler. Thankfully, I have another foster pup Vanya (4 month old apricot standard poodle), to hug when I get home from dropping Gerry off!
Janice
Hi Janice, thank you for the comment.
Yes, Beth did mention you to me and I would love to learn more about what you do.
I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Great article, and I also loved the Howie video. My dog Magic (GSD) suffers with acral lick sores. It started when my husband and I had some very upsetting and stressful financial situation develop, while on top of that, I had to travel for work. We’d just about get Magic healed…and I’d have a trip, and come home to a recurrence of the sores. Certain breeds are more prone, GSD among them. Now that the worst of our (human stressful) situation is passed, and I’m not traveling so much, Magic once again appears to be resolving his sores.
Amy Shojai, CABC recently posted…Cold Weather Pet Protection
When we think of mental health we don’t always think that it can effect out pets as well. They too can become obsessed over a toy or food and they can be frightened of various situations as well. We as pet parents need to help them understand that they will be alright and support them along the way.
THANK YOU for writing this. For your honesty and transparency. I have anxiety as well, not OCD, but generalized anxiety. One of my dogs is reactive and our life is a mix of me being her support system and her being mine. She used to have an obsessive compulsive behavior of biting her tail, but thank goodness we’ve worked through that. She does have an incredibly sensitive stomach and can’t eat anything other than fish, potatoes, macaroni and some veggies. Your post has really touched me because you highlighted so perfectly that yes, it can be a struggle – even for us humans – but we push through, we organize, we create our new normal. I will schedule this article to be shared on my FB page (I’ll tag your page) tomorrow. <3
Luna C. Lupus recently posted…Mistakes I Made As A New Dog Mom
Wonderful post! I previously had a cat who would excessively groom herself to the point of bald patches in her fur and sores starting to develop. She was a rescue, had been terrorised by a dog that wasn’t cat-friendly and had some serious anxiety issues when she came to me.
I can SO relate to this post! I too have mild anxiety, and an anxious dog. I also knit, but (my) Henry hasn’t “redesigned” my needles yet! Henry and I are both on a very low medication dose, but both prescriptions came after years of trying other options. I mostly stay on mine because I consistently sleep like a BABY, where I would get uncontrollable insomnia before it. Henry is dog-reactive on leash, and his low Prozac dose helps clear his head around other dogs. I can see it working! Henry loves his puzzle toys and learning new tricks, as well as going for runs with me when the weather is nice enough. Living in the city, it’s easy for both of us to be anxious, and I hope that we will both be able to transition off once we move away down the line. Best of luck to you and your cuties!
I noticed that my little one has a bad habit of over licking his front paws. In a way I am glad he has this little “OCD” behaviour because it tells me 100% he hasn’t had enough exercise or mental stimulation. Love and cuddles is great but he actually need the other two … dare I say it … more. I also have an Anxiety disorder and he’s been trained to help me. Sometimes i wonder if it his way of “letting the energy” flow out. Long walks are honestly the best thing for both of us.
You have really thought this out and have a system in place that keeps everyone within a structure – this is tremendous.
I agree that cats appreciate structure – all hell breaks loose if food isn’t ‘on the paw’ for Harvey (it’s the carpet base of an old scratch post that is still very much usable) on a morning, and Dusty appears and starts his senior version of a shout if he doesn’t get food 🙂
Some people would dump the cat at a shelter as causing a problem, or the dogs, so a post like this encourages people to pause and think again becuse things can be done and actiion can be taken!
Dash Kitten Crew recently posted…What is Kindness?
Love the photo of the pups! I often wonder if our Lyla has OCD or something like it – she is like Henry and obsessive licks one paw but her vet says it is just a hot spot. Hummm makes me wonder.
He is a REALLY great vet but maybe I should get a second opinion.
Joely Smith recently posted…New Years Resolutions? Prepare, Pamper, and Prioritize Yourself In 2017. Coupons + Giveaway!
Fantastic post, I have noted that when I am stressed Layla starts licking her paws or scratching but the minute I calm down she relaxes too, my vet told me its a roll over from me as such and now what I do to keep a calm stress free as much as possible home I keep the jazz music on which is soothing and it seems to help.
Thanks for this great post. Keep working with that holistic vet, they are very keen on breaking things down and getting to the root of problems. Don’t give up if one remedy doesn’t work, it can be trial and error to find the right solution. Good luck!
Tonya Wilhelm recently posted…Ear Cleaner For Dogs, Cat Ear Cleaner: Pura Naturals Pet’s Pura-Tips Ear Cleansing System Review
Nelly has a lot of allergies and will lick her paws a lot. I am not sure if she has anxiety issues as well, but thankfully, she hasn’t developed sores from licking.
I know a person who suffers from panic anxiety and it can be very debilitating. I hope that the stigma of mental illness continues to diminish. Thanks for sharing that video!
Beth recently posted…Help Make 2017 The Year These Dogs Go Home
I didn’t know cats could wear thundershirts! Ruby (our dog) is so in tune with my moods. I also have some anxiety and she does as well. I know I have to be very careful to manage my anxiety so that her anxiety doesn’t increase. Our cat Rosie also used to over-groom herself, but fortunately, she doesn’t do it anymore.
I definitely know a few dogs with obsessive behaviors. Sometimes brought on by boredom, but turned obsessive by genetics. Thanks for sharing a lot of great ideas to help both dogs and cats (and their owners) with OCD.
We cannot give give enough praise to Bach Remedies – works wonderfully! We’ve had one poor little girly rescue that was anxious as the day is long – only when she got in a car. She wouldn’t just or scratch or try to get out, but she would just sit there and shake like a vicious wind was rattling her about. Poor thing – we discovered Bach and she calmed down and was able to relax and eventually sleep during car rides!
Rebecca at MattieDog recently posted…Can A Dog Really Live In A Tiny House?
Thanks for bringing light to this mental health issue. My dog Duke got anxious during thunderstorms.
I had no idea dogs could suffer from this. Thank you for shining some light on this to the rest us.
Olivia Williams recently posted…5 Best Companion Dogs
Thank you for visiting our blog, Olivia.
My dog health is not good, she is underweight and her bodies is frail.
I will pay attention to Diet & Nutrition and walking is a great idea to improve her health.
Thank you for sharing !
Thanks for checking us out! I hope your dog is feeling better. Diet and Nutrition sounds like a priority for her.