STEREOTYPIC ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

stereotype

• Abnormal repetitive behavior in animals

• Caused by frustration from lack of natural behavior patterns, impaired brain function, or repeated attempts to cope with problems

• Specific biological causes are often unavailable or puzzling

STEREOTYPIC ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (CONTINUED)

• When stereotypic behavior persists regardless of environment → diagnosed as Compulsive Disorder (CD)

• CD occurs in many species and is a common behavioral diagnosis

• Many recurring themes seen in caged animals

• Less noticeable: pacing, chewing

• Frantic: twirling, flipping, weaving

• Variable expression: cage biting, cage climbing, restlessness

CANINE STEREOTYPIES – BREED-SPECIFIC Miniature Schnauzers

Checking hindquarters, fly-chasing, stargazing

 CANINE STEREOTYPIES – BREED-SPECIFIC Doberman Pinscher

Flank sucking

 CANINE STEREOTYPIES – BREED-SPECIFIC Bull Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers

Spinning

 CANINE STEREOTYPIES – BREED-SPECIFIC German Shepherd

Tail chasing

CANINE STEREOTYPIES – KENNEL BEHAVIORS

• Kennel jumping, circling, pacing

• May indicate poor welfare or chronic stress

• Housing deficits causing frustration (constantly caged)

• Repetitive behavior may occur with or without a stimulus

• Example: kennel jumping when handler walks by with leash/food dish vs. jumping for no reason

• Can be a result of reinforcement (food, attention)

CANINE STEREOTYPIES – TAIL BITING/CHASING

• Can range from an occasional quick chase to obsessive spinning

• If occasional and not causing injury → likely harmless

• If obsessive → may indicate an underlying health or behavioral issue

FELINE STEREOTYPIES – OVERVIEW

• Often expressed as out-of-context or irrelevant behavioral responses

• Usually triggered by anxiety or social conflict

• Example: unable to fight or flee → grooms instead (displacement behavior)

• Displacement behavior can become a habit in any stressful situation = stereotypy

• Repetitive actions release endorphins (alleviate pain or discomfort)

FELINE STEREOTYPIES – SKIN/FUR SUCKING

• Often seen in oriental breeds (Siamese, Sphynx)

• Possible genetic component

• Possible link to early weaning

• If it progresses to ingestion (pica) → can lead to medical problems

FELINE STEREOTYPIES – PSYCHOGENIC ALOPECIA

• Defined as: physical illness believed to arise from emotional or mental stressors

• Target areas: lower abdomen, back of legs, lower back, front legs

• Severe cases: cat will pluck out large patches of hair

FELINE STEREOTYPIES – DIAGNOSIS

• Must determine if behavior is a medical issue OR a true Compulsive Disorder (CD)

• Rule out the same causes as in dogs

STEREOTYPIES – CAUSE 1: BOREDOM

• Pets may chase tails or chew legs due to boredom

• May be left alone too long or lack mental/physical stimulation

• Management: increase daily walks, add physical and mental games (fetch, cat toys, brain puzzles)

• If behavior is obsessive and repetitive → may have become a stereotypy

STEREOTYPIES – CAUSE 2: PLAYFULNESS

• Puppies/kittens explore the world with their mouths

• May see their tail as a fun toy to chase

• Likely to grow out of this behavior with age

STEREOTYPIES – CAUSE 3: ATTENTION SEEKING

• Pet may have learned which behaviors get a reaction from owner

• Any attention (even reprimanding) can reinforce the behavior

• Owners should set aside daily time for play and interaction with their pet

STEREOTYPIES – CAUSE 4: ANXIETY

STEREOTYPIES – CAUSE 4: ANXIETY

• Repetitive behaviors can be a symptom of anxiety and serve as self-comfort

• Common causes of anxiety in dogs/cats:

  • Separation anxiety

  • Fear of loud noises (fireworks)

  • Fear of new experiences (new walks, strangers)

  • Small living areas (kennel, crate)

  • Complex social interactions with other pets

  • Lack of socialization opportunities

  • Previous frightening experiences

  • Age-related anxiety/disorientation

• Animals experiencing these anxieties are more likely to develop coping stereotypies

STEREOTYPIES – CAUSE 5: MEDICAL REASON

• Always rule out medical issues before assuming behavioral cause

• Obsessive behavior may be linked to neurological conditions (e.g., seizures)

• Can indicate orthopaedic or muscular pain

• Example: tail chasing in dogs could be caused by fleas, anal gland issues, or parasites

• Recommended: full physical exam to rule out medical causes

STEREOTYPIES – CAUSE 6: PAIN

• Pain or general illness can cause stereotypical behaviors to develop

• Repetitive actions release endorphins → relieve pain or discomfort

• Always recommend a full physical exam to rule out pain