Why your dog might have OCD
IT IS not just humans who are growing increasingly anxious in the modern world – our dogs are too.
Almost three-quarters of dogs are suffering anxiety and behavioural problems, research has found.
These include being scared of strangers, noise and shiny floors, and showing traits similar to those of people with OCD.
German shepherds are the most likely to display compulsive behaviours, from excessive drinking to pacing, which may be a side effect of the sharp minds which make them such good police dogs. Border collies also demonstrate compulsive staring and snap at invisible flies when stressed.
Study author Milla Salonen, of the University of Helsinki, said: ‘It may be that dogs resemble us, and so as we become more anxious, they pick this up themselves.’
THESE days we are painfully aware of the toll pollution takes on our health — but what about our furry friends?
After all, they share our world and the impure air we breathe; and there’s growing evidence they’re just as affected by harmful toxins as we are — maybe even more so.
As they stroll along traffic- clogged roads (roughly at exhaust level) on their daily walk, dogs risk inhaling noxious fumes; as do cats playing hideandseek under parked cars. But whether rural or urban, all pets face risks; particularly if they’re older, or have underlying health problems.
Clare Knottenbelt, director of the hawk & Dove Veterinary Cancer Referrals in Stirlingshire, says: ‘There is increasing evidence that the risk of a pet developing cancer and other health issues may be, in part, related to exposure to environmental pollutants.
‘Being exposed to pesticides can increase the risk of bladder cancer in dog breeds with a predisposition to it. It is also likely that household pollutants may have some role in the development of cancer in some pets, too.’
FELINES IN THE FIRING LINE
OUR feline friends are particularly exposed to pollutants at home as they spend more time indoors than dogs, and groom themselves repeatedly. Cats are efficient at mopping up hazardous dust from electrical equipment and soot from open fires in their fur — which they then wash, ingesting toxins.
Danielle Gunn-Moore, professor of feline medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, in Edinburgh, explains: ‘ In a big referral hospital, we see the catastrophic consequences of our cats’ exposure to pollution outside, but also inside the home, as owners unwittingly introduce pollutants, such as the flame-retardants in furniture.’
The first case of feline hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) was recorded in 1979. Now, one in 50 cats develops the condition. Typical symptoms include weight loss and increased appetite. A recent U.S. study has found that cats spending too much time on upholstered furniture face dangers.
As humans, we’re exposed, too, but their habit of cat-napping on sofas and their grooming rituals put cats on the battlefront.
‘Cats absorb the flame retardants on the furniture through their paws, which they then lick’, says Danielle. ‘ Owners need to be aware of the risks.’ Also avoid giving your feline friend too much canned fish (particularly products with BPA preservatives in the lining), advises Danielle. ‘Some contain a lot of iodine, which can be involved in hyperthyroidism.’ Conditions such as asthma can develop for several reasons, such as pollution. ‘As in the case of people, it seems sensible to consider that pollution may have serious implications on the health and well-being of our pets’, says Dr Sarah Caney of Vet Professionals. ‘In some situations, such as cats suffering from asthma, the impact can be acute and potentially life-threatening.
‘If I’m treating a cat with respiratory problems, I would have a conversation with the owner about how pollution and other environmental factors (such as soot from open fires) could be contributing to the problem.
‘We know there’s a link between air pollution and Alzheimer’s in humans, and in time we’ll probably learn that the connection applies to cats, too.’
HOW PETS FACE PASSIVE SMOKING
IF YOU’RE a pet lover — and a smoker — the findings of a study by Glasgow University into how our four- legged friends are impacted by passive smoking should encourage you to quit.
Clare Knottenbelt was the university’s professor of small animal medicine and oncology during the study.
She says: ‘Exposure to passive smoke in the home has been shown to increase the risk of a variety of cancers, including nasal tumours and lymphoma (a cancer of white blood cells) which is challenging to treat.
‘We don’t know yet what impact that third-hand smoke — the oxidised pollutants from tobacco smoke that remain on surfaces and in soft furnishings for years — has on our pets. There’s concern that these pollutants are even more carcinogenic than second-hand smoke.’
Smoking around birds, guinea pigs, fish and rats should be avoided, warns PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan: ‘They have extremely sensitive respiratory tracts so find cigarette smoke very distressing. Toxins in it can also dissolve into fish tanks.’
If you own a budgie or a parrot, beware non-stick pans, too. The risk comes from the fumes caused by overheating the pan. These are noxious to pet birds so either use cast iron instead or ventilate your kitchen and ensure you don’t overheat them.
While the available evidence is small compared to human-based findings, it’s clear our pets are suffering as a result of modern life.
Clare Knottenbelt says: ‘We know more are developing skin allergies and that one in three dogs will develop cancer, partly because of pollution. Pets really are the sentinels to what’s going on.’