The Neurotic Dog

A neurosis in dogs is generally defined as a nervous disorder that has no sign of disease of the central nervous system.  Psychoneurosis is described as an emotional maladaptation caused by unconscious conflicts, and may also be used to describe the condition of many so-called neurotic dogs.  In order to identify a neurotic dog, he must have some defective nervous behavioral functions, but no physical injury or disease.   

The diagnosis for your dog is sometimes done through a neurological examination.  A Urine and blood test will be done that can often indicate internal chemical imbalances, which are of an organic cause.  It may also determine that the dog may be suffering from severe environmental stressors.  The combination of observed behavioral information and physical examinations might suggest a neuroses or the basis for a psychosis.  For practical purposes, a dog may be considered neurotic if he shows signs of a functional nervous disorder combined with behavior that is both abnormal and maladaptive for dogs in general. 

But how can you tell if your dog is suffering from this functional nervous disorder?  The following descriptions may help:

* The dog that constantly barks at known people or animals that are known by the animal to be neither harmful nor rewarding.  These dogs are almost always in a state of anxiety.

* The dog that reacts to sounds, objects, touches, movements and even odors with exaggerated active or passive defensive responses.  These dogs often lack adequate early social experience.

* The dog that fails to retain, or even develop, voluntary or involuntary conditioned reflexes.  This is where a dog fails to form or retain learned associations involving defense and social behaviors.

* The dog that displays hyperkinesis.  Signs include excessive salivation, abnormally low urine output, elevated pulse and respiration, and increased energy levels.  

* Displays fixations on objects or toys, exhibiting some sort of ritualized, repetitive behavior.  This can be compared to an Obsessive-Compulsive individual and is also the current diagnostic label of choice.  While it can be treated with drugs, careful diagnosis shows that these dogs are suffering from frustration due to a lack of function in their lives.