Compulsive behaviour in companion animals

Abstract

In animals, inappropriate, exaggerated and repetitive behaviours are observed and considered to reflect stereotypic or compulsive behaviours. Often, compulsive behaviours are suggested to be derived from natural, species-typical behaviours, such as locomotion, predation or feeding, performed in an excessive, inappropriate or out-of context manner. Compulsive behaviours in animals are thought to be a way to cope with environmental factors. Other potential causes are genetic predisposition, an underlying medical condition, a neurobiological abnormality and conditioning by the owner. Compulsive behaviours in dogs share some clinical similarities with human OCD. The behaviour is time-consuming, persistent and frequent and has no apparent function. These factors are gathered in a questionnaire to diagnose compulsive behaviours in dogs.