Ocd In Dogs?

[dubbleyoo]

I have 2 dogs, Sparkles a 2.5 yr old maltese and Chilli, a 2 year old mini daschund. Chilli often licks Sparkles fur, it seems obsesive, her favourite spot is on Sparkles left side between her shoulder and hip. She has done this since a few days after I brought her home, at 9 weeks. At first I thought she was trying to get milk. Did she leave her mum too early? I keep Sparkles fur fairly short, otherwise it gets knots. I joke to family and friends that she has OCD, I was just wondering is it real? Thanks

[~Anne~]

Absolutely it is real.

It isn't neccessarily related to age of weaning either, moreso a personality/temp and environment reaction. Like a child sucking their thumb is comfroted by the action, many dogs who lick are comforted by the licking.

There are many reasons though. I have floor and clothing licker. He does it due to an OCD brought on by his illness. I have had several leg/paw lickers who did it initially possibly due to stress and who then developed a habit and need for it.

There are ways to stop it if it is causing issues.

[dubbleyoo]

So it may be a part of her personality? She did fret when away from Sparkles, eg will sit whining outside laundry when Sparkles is being bathed, sits and won't move if not walked near Sparkles.