Dogs and Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Compulsive behaviors in dogs, such as scratching, licking, and chewing, are common issues that can significantly impact their quality of life. These behaviors are often associated with underlying medical conditions, including allergic dermatitis, compulsive disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. This article explores various treatments and their efficacy in managing these behaviors in dogs.

Allergic Dermatitis and Self-Directed Behaviors

Allergic dermatitis is a prevalent condition in dogs that can lead to repetitive self-directed behaviors such as scratching, licking, and chewing. A study evaluated the efficacy of dextromethorphan in reducing these behaviors in dogs with chronic allergic dermatitis. The results indicated that dextromethorphan significantly reduced the percentage of time dogs spent on self-directed behaviors and improved dermatology scores1. This suggests that dextromethorphan may be a useful adjunct in managing self-directed behaviors associated with allergic dermatitis.

Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD)

Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD) is characterized by repetitive behaviors such as spinning and self-mutilation. Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, has been assessed for its efficacy in treating CCD. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, clomipramine was found to be effective in reducing the severity of compulsive behaviors, although it was not curative, indicating the need for ongoing behavior modification2. Another study compared the efficacy of clomipramine and fluoxetine in treating acral lick dermatitis, a form of CCD. Both drugs were effective, but fluoxetine showed a quicker recovery with fewer recurrences, while clomipramine had fewer side effects8.

Pruritogenic Substances and Pruritus

Pruritus, or itching, is a common reason for veterinary visits. A study investigated the pruritogenic effects of various substances, including histamine and serotonin, in healthy dogs. The results showed no significant increase in pruritic behavior after the injection of these substances, suggesting that other factors may contribute to pruritus in dogs4.

Nutritional Management

Nutritional interventions can also play a role in managing pruritic behaviors. A clinical trial evaluated a therapeutic food containing egg and phytonutrients in dogs with food allergies. The study found that the therapeutic food was well-accepted and efficacious in managing signs of adverse food reactions, comparable to a hydrolyzed protein diet6.

Neuropathic Pain and Scratching

Central neuropathic pain, such as that associated with syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, can lead to excessive scratching. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, was found to significantly reduce scratching episodes in affected dogs, with most owners reporting satisfactory quality of life despite some adverse effects like increased appetite and transient ataxia7.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and Excessive Licking

Excessive licking of surfaces (ELS) can be a sign of underlying gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. A study found that a significant proportion of dogs with ELS had GI abnormalities, and treatment of these conditions led to a reduction or resolution of the licking behavior in many cases10. This highlights the importance of considering GI disorders in the differential diagnosis of ELS.

Conclusion

Compulsive scratching, licking, and chewing in dogs can be managed through a combination of pharmacological treatments, nutritional interventions, and addressing underlying medical conditions. Dextromethorphan, clomipramine, fluoxetine, and pregabalin have shown efficacy in reducing these behaviors, while therapeutic diets can help manage food-related pruritus. Additionally, GI disorders should be considered when diagnosing and treating excessive licking behaviors. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and improve the quality of life for affected dogs.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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