Your dog chases their tail. All the time. It’s cute, but sometimes they seem like they can’t stop, even if they want to. Or they groom themselves until they’ve worn a sore into their skin.
In cases like this, a dog may have canine compulsive disorder, or CCD. This is when a dog engages in what’s usually normal behavior, but it goes on longer than normal, is repeated out of context, or is repeated in situations that are considered abnormal.
Understanding Compulsive Behavior in Dogs
Just like people, dogs can develop compulsive habits that are hard for them to control. A dog experiencing anxiety may chase and bite their tail in the same way as a person bites their nails. Over time the habit may get worse and happen more often.
What we might consider “normal” dog behavior becomes compulsive when it starts to interfere with the dog’s ability to function day to day. For instance, if your dog is chasing and biting their tail so frequently that it is happening almost nonstop, it could be cause for concern. It’s not so much about what the dog is doing, but how long it goes on and if it affects their quality of life.
CCD may include such behaviors as:
- Tail chasing
- “Fly snapping”
- Flank biting and sucking
- Freezing
- Spinning
- Nonstop barking
- Shadow chasing
- Eating or licking objects that aren’t food (pica)
- Grooming to excess, both self and other dogs
Compulsive behaviors tend to get worse over time and often need medical or behavioral treatment.
Why Do Dogs Get Canine Compulsive Behaviors?
Here are a few of the most common reasons why dogs can have CCD:
Genes. Veterinary researchers have found a gene known as the CDH2 gene that makes CCD more likely in breeds that carry it.
Underlying medical conditions. Sometimes compulsive behavior can be a sign that your dog has an underlying medical condition. Although it’s not always obvious at first, a dog who chews their tail may have internal damage in their tail or spine. In this case, your dog should be examined by a veterinarian.
Stress. Just like us, dogs feel stress. Many things can make them feel this way, including changes in routine, noise, and tension in their surroundings. Repeating an action, such as grooming, can be a way to self-soothe.
Boredom. Dogs need a lot of activity to stay in good physical and mental shape. If they’re bored, they may engage in a behavior like tail chasing to entertain themselves. Over time, they fall back on this behavior even if it has no value any longer.
Pain or trauma. Dogs will often chew at a painful area of their tail to provide relief.
Allergic reaction. Sometimes dogs will chew their tail to ease itching or discomfort caused by an allergic reaction.
Fleas. Fleas are small bugs that can attach themselves to dogs and cause discomfort. Tail chewing may be a sign that your dog has fleas.
Intestinal parasites. If your dog has a worm infection, they may chew their tail to ease irritation.
Anxiety. Your dog may lick or chew their tail if they’re feeling anxious. This is especially common when new guests visit or during thunderstorms.
Reinforcement. This is especially common in puppies, who are just beginning to explore the world and their bodies. If a dog is rewarded for certain behaviors, whether it’s with treats or attention, they may come to repeat those actions until they become a habit they can’t break.
Are Certain Dog Breeds More Prone to Canine Compulsive Disorder?
CCD is part of some dogs’ genetic makeup. But one study has found that not only do some dog breeds carry the CDH2 gene, but that certain breeds tend to show a specific kind of compulsive behavior. For example, German shepherds are most likely to spin in circles or chase their tails, while Doberman pinschers often suck their flanks. Border collies may stare at shadows.
But it’s important to remember that a dog of any breed may have CCD, and some cases are due more to stress and other things in a dog’s environment.
How to Treat Compulsive Behavior in Dogs
Sometimes you can help your dog stop the behavior by redirecting their attention. For instance, if you see your dog doing the behavior — chasing or biting their tail, scratching excessively — give them a simple command like “sit” or “stop.” But the compulsion may get worse over time. If your dog’s behavior can’t be stopped with gentle redirection or they do it to the point of hurting themselves, immediately contact your veterinarian. They can help in a number of ways:
- Examining physical health. Your vet will start by giving your dog a physical exam. Underlying medical conditions often lead to compulsive behavior in dogs.
- Checking mental health. If your dog is healthy and free of pain, your veterinarian will examine your dog’s mental health and behavioral characteristics.
- Prescribing medication. Veterinarians often treat compulsive behaviors in dogs with medication that helps decrease anxiety and arousal. While prescriptions can help address underlying issues, medication alone will not fix a behavioral problem. It should always be paired with training focused on behavioral modifications, too.
If your dog is still having trouble learning to change their behavior after about two or three months, your veterinarian may recommend seeking help from an animal behaviorist. This professional has training in animal behavior and learning and can help create a treatment plan that works for you and your dog.
Each dog is unique and may need a specific treatment or combination of treatments for their needs. The best thing you can do for your dog is to observe their behavior, be patient, and make an appointment with your vet when needed. Compulsive behaviors aren’t easy to deal with, but they are manageable over time.
