While it’s rare to find Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) in dogs, it does happen. This behavior often manifests itself in behavioral issues where the dog is focused on a particular object, whether it’s a part of their own body or an inanimate/animate object.
One example of this is tail chasing. When a dog is young, tail chasing is usually just a sign of immaturity and the dogs outgrow the behavior. However in older dogs it can be a sign of boredom, anxiety, play, or a sign of a neurological problem. (cited from Allexperts.com) According to Jill Connor, PhD, OCD in dogs is usually a problem that develops through emotional or psychological trauma, neglect and abuse.
A study recently published in the March 2009 issue of Journal of Small Animal Practice showed a possible link of tail chasing to high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is also found in humans with similar OCD type of disorders. This finding may help develop diets to help reduce the behavior in dogs. However, if it’s mild, it may just be an indication that your dog is bored and needs more exercise, day care or stimulation of some sort.
OCD usually manifests in other symptons other than tail chasing. If your dog has a fear or shadows or chases and barks at them, has unusual avoidance behaviors or is scared of seemingly normal things then it may need professional help. Recently it’s been found with some dogs that playing with a laser pointer can lead to an obsession with shadows, so it’s best to avoid using those in play. Once a dog develops OCD it can be very difficult to break the behavior.
If you notice your dog starting to obsesses distract them and re-direct them to a different activity. Make a noise, call her name then re-direct the behavior. It generally doesn’t take a dog very long to forget what she or he was doing. Have them play with a ball instead or do a sit or down, then reward and praise him or her. Jill Connor suggests using a leash to restrain the dog if the distraction/re-direct doesn’t work. Leashing them can calm the dog and interrupt the behavior. However if it gets worse, always consult a veterinarian and ask for a neurological evaluation.