Stereotypic and compulsive disorders in pet animals

               

Compulsive disorders often arise from situations of conflict or anxiety. If the source of the conflict can be identified in the initial stages, it may be possible to resolve the problem without drugs. This might be accomplished by finding all situations where the problem occurs and either avoiding the situation entirely or teaching the pet to display a different, more acceptable behavior.

Medical problems might actually be the underlying reason that a pet exhibits a particular behavior. Therefore, before diagnosing a compulsive disorder, all possible medical problems must be considered. In addition, once a medical problem causes a pet to begin exhibiting a behavior (e.g. licking, chewing) it can become compulsive.

Over time, the constant repetition of the problem and your response to the dog may lead to a change in neurotransmitters in the brain so that the behavior may begin to appear more frequently or in more situations than before. Sometimes it becomes exaggerated or so intense that it may be hard to interrupt. At this point, the behavior may have become compulsive and may require a combination of behavior management, changes to the household, and drugs to improve or control the problem. In addition, if the initial conflict and anxiety are not identified and controlled, the problem will not be entirely resolved.

Determine whether your response may in any way be contributing to the problem. If you are trying to stop your pet either by patting or offering a treat, then this serves to reward the behavior. Similarly, punishment may merely serve as a form of attention. If you raise the level of punishment or show any anxiety or upset in your response to the dog, then you will likely add to your pet’s anxiety and conflict.

If you observe the pet displaying the undesirable behavior, be calm, interrupt it without saying anything or looking at it, and redirect its behavior to another activity (play, exercise, toys stuffed with food). Your goal is to train the dog to exhibit an acceptable alternative response while remaining calm and consistent and then reward! This can be accomplished by:

Using a physical control device such as a leash and head halter or an interruption device such as a water spray, shake can, ultrasonic device, or remote citronella spray to stop the undesirable behavior. Then reward the desirable response.

 Training the pet to perform an acceptable response through command training (e.g., settle, down). Use the command as soon as the behavior starts (or can be anticipated) and then reward the desired response.

Walking away or ignoring the pet. Once the behavior stops, look for a desirable behavior to reinforce.

Environmental changes can cause some pets to become more anxious. Returning to a more acceptable environment for the pet may improve the problem. Increasing the pet’s interest in exploring and playing may reduce the level of anxiety and the performance of the undesirable behaviors.

Cats: Give your cat some new places to perch, some new areas to climb or scratch, or some bags or boxes to explore. Sometimes cats will show interest in the TV or a video. Toys that hang, dangle, or can be batted are attractive to many cats. There are now toys where food can be stuffed inside, that the cat manipulates by scratching, chewing, rolling to get the food out. Some cats are attracted to kitty herb gardens.

Dogs: Most dogs are attracted to toys that contain food and those that can be chewed. A variety of chew and play toys for dogs have been developed that can be coated, filled, or stuffed with food to attract and distract the dog for long periods of time. Freezing food and treats after inserting them in the toys can increase the duration of time spent chewing. Dogs that enjoy investigating and exploring may be better distracted by games where they have to search to find new toys and treats. Videos designed for dogs to view may be of interest to some dogs.

Interactive play provides social contact, attention, and more physical activity for the pet. Exercises, play, and working sessions for dogs might include walks, jogging, swimming, agility, fetch, flyball, or other chase-related games (soccer, football, Frisbee, hockey). Cats are more likely to be stimulated by toys that can be batted, chased, or pounced upon. Toys that can be dangled in front of the cat to chase or can be rolled across the floor often work best. Games with food as a reward may also help maintain interest. Training sessions can be an effective form of attention, mental stimulation, and positive social interaction for both dogs and cats. Sometimes obtaining another pet, or providing play sessions with other pets, can help reduce the time spent engaging in compulsive disorders.

The goal of training, exercise, play, exploration, feeding, and social interactions is to help calm the pet so that it is either relaxed, settled and sleeping, or displaying appropriate acceptable behaviors (rather than displaying compulsive behaviors). Helping your pet develop a comfortable resting area and setting up some cues and situations that help to relax the dog can further reduce compulsive displays. A favored blanket, a TV or CD, or a special odor might be associated with these relaxation sessions and times. A settle down command for dogs (see settle handout) can be particularly useful. A diet change or natural supplement may help to calm the pet or reduce anxiety.

 It may be necessary to temporarily block the performance of the behavior (e.g., Elizabethan collar, bandaging, sedative, leash control) so that repetition of the behavior does not cause further injury or damage.

Medical drug therapy: if there is a medical component to the problem, then drugs to resolve infection, pain, or inflammation may be needed.

Behavioral drug therapy: drugs that help return the serotonin system back to a more normal state of function is usually needed for compulsive disorders. Sometimes drugs that reduce anxiety can be useful as well.

Reference: Landsberg G, Hunthausen W, Ackerman L 2003 Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Saunders, Edinburgh