One the new research reveals that “Dogs that chase their
tails or runs after a car could be suffering from obsessive disorders”
Dogs that chase their tails or run after cars may suffer
from obsessive compulsive disorder, a study has suggested. The researchers said
that tail-chasing in dogs could be used as a model for studying the genetic
background of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans.
Tail chasing may also be influenced by environmental
factors such as diet and a mother’s care, researchers from the University of
Helsinki found.
The study found that tail-chasing is associated with
mental health issues, alongside behaviours such as being more timid and being
afraid of loud noises.
OCD in humans is characterised by recurrent, persistent
thoughts, and repetitive, ritualised behaviours, such as checking and
rechecking locks. The footballer David Beckham has admitted to having OCD,
which makes him to rearrange hotel rooms and line up cans of soft drinks to
make “everything perfect”.
The Finnish researchers surveyed the owners of 368 dogs
and collected DNA samples from 181 dogs from four breeds: bull terriers,
miniature bull terriers, German shepherds and Staffordshire bull terriers. The
owners filled out a questionnaire about their dogs’ stereotypical behaviour,
and the dogs were given a range of nutritional supplements.
The range of compulsive behaviour in dogs included
recurrently chasing lights or shadows, biting or licking their own flanks, or
pacing compulsively.
Many behaviours are specific to breeds, which suggests
the role of genes. Compulsive tail chasing, for instance, is most common in
bull terriers and German shepherds. The study, which examined dogs with
differing degrees of compulsive behaviour, showed that dogs that received
nutritional supplements, particularly vitamins and minerals, chased their tails
less than other dogs.
Dr Katriina Tiira, of the University of Helsinki, said:
“Our study does not prove an actual causal relationship between vitamins and
lessened tail chasing, but interestingly similar preliminary results have been
observed in human OCD.”
The study found that dogs that were neglected as puppies
or separated earlier from their mothers were more likely to show
obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers said this was the first time the
connection has been made with dogs.
Tail-chasing dogs also tended to be shyer and more afraid
of loud noises, while being less aggressive than the control group of dogs.
The amount of exercise the dogs were given or the number
of activities they engaged in did not appear to have a connection with tail
chasing.
The researchers said this could be a comfort to owners of
dogs with compulsive behaviours, because owners may blame themselves or the
dogs’ living environment.
Professor Hannes Lohi, a co-author of the study, which
was published in the journal PLoS ONE, said dogs may turn out to be of
significant use in investigating the causes of psychiatric diseases in humans.
“Different types of compulsive behaviour occur
simultaneously in humans suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder or other
diseases such as autism,” he said.
“[Dogs] share the same environment with humans, and as
large animals are physiologically close to humans. Furthermore, their strict
breed structure aids the identification of genes.”
The study is part of a larger DOGPSYCH project, funded by
the European Research Council, which investigates the genetic background of
anxiety disorders such as timidity, compulsive behaviour and sound sensitivity,
and their similarities with corresponding human diseases.
Like us in FB to get Updates:
www.facebook.com/psychtronics
Post a Comment