What Is a Stereotypy in Dogs?

Stereotypies, in a nutshell, are repetitive behaviors that always happen the same way and serve no function. An unfortunately well-known example is that of a lion pacing back and forth endlessly, alone inside a small cage.

These behaviors indicate a lack of wellbeing. They're mainly seen in captive animals, but can also be identified in companion dogs. Below, we'll look at how they show up in this species and what needs to be done to address them.

How Can I Identify Canine Stereotypy?

Stereotypies are more common in dogs that have gone through psychologically difficult situations. For example, those that have been abandoned, mistreated, or lack normal socialization or contact with other dogs or people. Dogs that spend years in kennels, stay tied up, or live alone on a property carry a higher risk of showing stereotypies.

Destroying objects, showing aggression, or eliminating indoors aren't stereotypies, although they are behavioral problems. The term stereotypy is reserved for behaviors involving repetition that's always the same and serves no goal. Going back to the lion, pacing is normal, but it becomes a stereotypy when it repeats for hours, always the same, with no reason.

Sometimes they're compared to obsessive-compulsive disorder. They're the response to prolonged stress causing frustration and inescapable conflict. This is how displacement behaviors start. They're due to contradictory impulses the dog feels at the same time. They eventually turn into stereotypies, reinforced because they provide relief.

Behaviors That Are Stereotypies

There are lots of behaviors identified as stereotypies that can appear in dogs of any age, whether male or female. Dogs that have gone through situations like the abuse or lack of socialization mentioned are more likely to have them.

It's also been determined that some of these behaviors affect certain breeds more. These are well-known breeds such as the German Shepherd, Labrador, Shar Pei, or Standard Schnauzer. These are examples of the most common stereotypies:

• Tail biting: the game of biting and chasing one's own tail, moving in circles, can be seen in many dogs, but it won't turn into a stereotypy in all of them. When it does, the animal can end up biting itself to the point of mutilating its tail.
• Compulsive licking: mainly focused on the limbs and normally in the same spot, which can end up causing wounds. Either way, before diagnosing stereotypy, a dermatological problem needs to be ruled out.
• "Catching bugs": the dog stares at a fixed point as if it were an insect it lunges to catch, though all it manages to do is bite at the air. Another version is trying to catch lights.
• Pacing: this is like the case of the lion in the cage. The dog walks back and forth or in circles. Sometimes the pacing is also accompanied by monotonous barking.
• Attacks: the dog may act as if some part of its body, especially its paws or tail, were an enemy, which is why it attacks it. This unpredictable aggression can also be directed at objects.

Causes of Stereotypies in Dogs

Although we usually link them to psychological problems, the truth is some organic problems can have stereotypies as a symptom. In fact, there are numerous possibilities.

Hence the importance of always seeing the vet first. So, different diseases are mentioned as causes. These are hydrocephalus, intracranial tumors, tail fractures, hormone-related conditions, dermatitis, some allergies such as to food or fleas, distemper, or eye disorders.

On the other hand, when the cause isn't organic, it's attributed to a stress problem, as explained. This is due to a lack of wellbeing caused by the conditions the dog lives in.

Stereotypies Are Concerning

Any behavior like the ones described requires checking with a professional. First, we need to see the vet so they can examine the dog. This is to rule out any physical problem. It's a good idea to do a general check-up including a neurological exam, bloodwork, and a dermatological exam, if applicable.

If it's confirmed the dog is healthy, a behavioral problem can be considered. In that case, the dog will be referred to an ethologist or canine behavior expert. For treatment purposes, it's important to make sure it's actually a stereotypy, since there are some behaviors that could be confused with it.

Treatment involves treating the cause, if organic, or examining the dog's living conditions to introduce the necessary changes. Establishing schedules and routines helps, since predictability calms dogs down. Medication may be needed. Not punishing the dog, exercising it, training it, and stimulating it are essential elements.

Bibliography

Signes Llopis, Miguel Ángel. 2011. Estereotipias en el Canis familiaris. Portal Veterinaria.