Can animals suffer from OCD?

[boobles]

Our Retriever on a daily basis without fail will always start nudging the washing machine buttons & then run over to the tumble dryer & nudge the buttons on there. He also tries to scoop his toys of the floor with his nose into either the washing machine or dryer. Very funny to watch but is there an underlying issue with this? This can happen at any time of the day & will last no longer than 5 mins, then he is completely normal again. Why is he doing this?

[gtdc]

Because he thinks he's a Collie.

[bexVN]

Was just about to say Collies are the worst for obsessive traits and repetitive behaviour. I'm not sure you could describe it as OCD exactly but dogs can definitely develop obsessive behaviours. Why is another matter entirely and I don't have a quick answer for that one! Different triggers for different dogs.

[boobles]

He does seem to do it more often if spooked or nervous........

[cwis]

Terriers have a pre-disposition to chase their tails. Well - all dogs do obviously, but it is expressed most often in terriers.

That's classed as obsessive compulsive behaviour apparently.

Have a look at English Bull Terriers and the habit they have of "trancing". I had one that did this - and the best trances were had in the warm and the dry with the aid of various xmas trees...

[gtdc]

bexVN said:

Was just about to say Collies are the worst for obsessive traits and repetitive behaviour. I'm not sure you could describe it as OCD exactly but dogs can definitely develop obsessive behaviours. Why is another matter entirely and I don't have a quick answer for that one! Different triggers for different dogs.

It does stand for Obsessive Collie Disorder doesn't it? If not, could someone tell mine? I don't think he'd see it as obsessive, just his continuing quest to train us to a suitable standard of behaviour.

[bexVN]

I've seen jack russells obsess with tail chasing and it is awful. Nightmare to break the habit. I have seen them end up having their tails amputated in an attempt to stop it (and also because they usually traumatise the tail during their obsession)