In life, more and more people label themselves obsessive-compulsive disorder or Virgo. They arrange everything neatly and live a very delicate life. Even the poached eggs in the morning must be in the shape of a heart. Of course, this type of perfectionist is not really obsessive-compulsive.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disease, a mental disorder, and a type of anxiety disorder. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are trapped in repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are meaningless and frustrating but cannot escape them. If the thing that scares them has only a 0.000...1 chance of happening, they will take repeated actions to ensure 100% safety. For example, repeated washing of hands, checking of doors and windows, delusions of being victimized, etc. These phenomena make them fall into endless panic.

There is a very typical case of obsessive-compulsive disorder abroad. A newly married young girl washed her clothes 15 times a day, washed her hair 72 times, and washed her hands 200 times. The stress caused her symptoms to relapse, and all disturbing thoughts made her Facing collapse.

In fact, this type of disease is not only seen in humans. Any thinking animal may suffer from mental loss of control. Science historian Laurel Braitman wrote a book called "Animals Are Crazy Too," in which he analyzed case studies of idiosyncratic animal behaviors from around the world to prove that non-human creatures can also suffer from emotional health problems.

The origin of Braitman's research is Oliver, a dog she adopted. Oliver once chewed through the screen window and jumped from the fourth floor, but miraculously survived, but this was also the beginning of his lifelong struggle with mental illness.

Oliver will whine when she goes out, run back and forth anxiously, tear up cardboard boxes frantically, swat invisible flies back and forth, and lick her tail repeatedly until it bleeds. The symptoms accelerated over time, and he began chewing the base of his tail until he made a hole the size of a tennis ball. Although Braitman tried to modify his behavior and train him to help him control his anxiety, he failed and he ended his life in pain.

In addition, there is John the gorilla who died of loneliness.

A parrot that can’t stop plucking its feathers

A dog that repeatedly chases its tail

The polar bear swimming like crazy every day

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in cats and dogs can also manifest itself through a series of repetitive behaviors, such as licking their fur, which is common in cats. They use their tongues to keep their bodies clean. However, if their fur begins to fall out in large patches, this is not normal behavior and may even be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder. For cats and dogs with OCD, hurting themselves is the first step in relieving their psychological pain.

What are the specific symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

· Running around the house for no reason

· Excessive grooming, licking, and chewing fur

· Eating or chewing inedible items

· Chasing, attacking or self-mutilating the tail and any part of the body

· A fixed call, a call that repeats and sounds exactly the same, predictable

What are the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder in cats and dogs?

In addition to mental disorders, compulsive behaviors are caused by excessive stress and anxiety caused by environmental factors. In families with multiple pets, behaviors similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder are very common. They will intimidate and argue with each other over territorial issues, and some cats and dogs will gradually develop obsessive-compulsive disorder. Even when its behavior is reprimanded by its owner, this symptom will begin to intensify. They will regard the owner's attention as their own reward and begin to increase and exaggerate some abnormal behaviors. And through repeated actions it becomes a compulsive behavior. When these negative emotions cannot be appeased, they can develop into obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How to diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder in cats and dogs?

The diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder must first exclude any potential medical causes and treat it through professional diagnostic work. Many neurological and skin conditions can also cause itching and pain, which are similar to some of the symptoms of OCD. Nervous system diagnosis can be made through CT examination and MRI. In addition, self-harm or hair loss may also be caused by parasites, allergies or other skin problems.

Once medical causes have been ruled out, a diagnosis of the dog's or cat's behavior is needed. Also included are blood analysis, blood cell count and urinalysis. Your veterinarian will help diagnose OCD based on their health problems and history of behavior, as well as test results.

How to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder in cats and dogs?

When cats and dogs are diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, doctors may recommend medications or natural therapies to help them reduce or suppress symptoms, such as tryptophan, theanine, vitamins and herbs, depending on the severity of their obsessive-compulsive disorder. In addition, cats and dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder are extremely sensitive to behavioral reprimands and environmental changes, and we cannot change them through punishment. Here are some behavioral modifications you can try to help them:

· Try to reduce environmental stress, such as loud noises or other things that can scare cats and dogs

· Provide a comfortable place for cats and dogs to rest and sleep

· Increase the time you spend interacting with them. You can try using food.games to increase their interest

· Train cats and dogs and teach them some basic commands, such as come when called, jump, find hidden food, etc., to help them fight obsessive-compulsive behaviors

· Ignore its compulsive behavior, reward and praise it more, and prepare some interesting toys of different natures, shapes, and sizes

· Try not to move food bowls, toilets and sleeping areas, keep them in fixed locations and keep them clean

Obsessive-compulsive disorder will not disappear completely with early diagnosis or short-term drug treatment, but you can reduce their psychological pressure and dependence on compulsive behaviors through efforts and companionship. Although this is more like a long battle, I believe it will definitely feel your dedication and unreserved love. I also hope that everyone can spread the word and help them completely get rid of this dark shadow.