Canine compulsive disorder (CCD) in dogs

Overview

Some dogs like to chase their tails. Others like to lick the carpet or their paws for an hours at a time. Others chew their legs, attack their food bowls, or try to eat rocks. These and other strange, out-of-context canine behaviors might appear to have little in common – but they're actually all signs of the same syndrome. They're symptoms of what experts call canine compulsive disorder, or CCD.

Any breed or mix can acquire this condition, which is believed to result mainly from frustration, conflict or stress in the animal's environment. Allergies can also trigger the behavior, as can physical discomfort. That said, research by Dr. Andrew Luescher of Purdue University has shown that some breeds may be predisposed to certain compulsive behaviors for example, Doberman Pinschers may be more likely than other breeds to suck their flanks, while German Shepherd Dogs may be more likely to chase their tails.

Symptoms

• Any repetitive behavior that appears to have no purpose and which the dog appears unable to control

Prevention

Preventing the onset of CCD can be difficult, because individual dogs react to their environments and events in different ways; an event that could trigger compulsive behavior in one dog might have no effect on another. However, daily aerobic exercise and obedience training, a stimulating but predictable home and social environment, and consistent, positive interactions between dog and owner might reduce a dog's need to engage in compulsive behavior, or even prevent it altogether.

Treatment

A dog who engages in compulsive behavior needs a veterinarian's attention, particularly if that behavior threatens the dog's physical well-being, such as eating rocks or licking himself to the point of creating an open wound. The veterinarian should give the dog a complete physical examination to determine whether the behavior might be rooted in a physical cause, such as a skin allergy that causes the dog to lick himself excessively. The vet should also ask the owner to describe the dog's behavior in detail, including how often the behavior occurs and how long the behavior lasts. The vet also should ask whether the owner has noticed any particular pattern to the behavior, such as certain situations that occur before the behavior does.

If the behavior is extreme, the veterinarian may prescribe medication such as amitriptyline or clomipramine – both of which are tri-cyclic antidepressants – to control it. In addition, the owner can do a great deal to help the dog control the behavior. Experts suggest:

• Trying to determine what may be triggering the behavior and, if possible, eliminating the trigger.
• Ignoring the dog when he engages in the behavior, unless doing so will cause him harm. Experts point out that petting the dog or paying attention to him during the behavior may seem like a reward for the behavior, while punishing the dog may create additional stress and worsen the behavior.
• Making the dog's routine consistent by feeding, walking and playing with him at the same times every day. Such consistency makes the dog's life more predictable and can reduce the anxiety that may be triggering the compulsive behavior.
• Giving the dog plenty of opportunities for vigorous exercise and mental stimulation. A daily game of fetch or several long, brisk daily walks, daily obedience training and/or indoor games such as hide-and-seek, and offering interactive, food-dispensing puzzle toys can divert the dog from engaging in the compulsive behavior.

References:

Atoniades, Katina: JAVMA Study Blames Selective Breeding and Inbreeding for OCD; Animal Sheltering:  January-February 2003

Dye, Lee: Vet Diagnoses Dogs with Compulsive Disorder. ABC News, October 24, 2002; abcnews.go.com/print?id=97851

Luescher, A.: Compulsive Behavior in Companion Animals.  From Recent Advances in Companion Animal Behavior Problems, K.A. Houpt, ed., International Veterinary Information Service, 2000

Moon-Fanelli, Alice:  Compulsive Behavior in Dogs.