Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that causes unwanted recurring thoughts, emotions, or obsessions which can lead to repetitive and compulsive behaviors. OCD affects not only humans but also other animals including dogs and cats. Recently, one heartbreaking TikTok video was posted to the account @zeek.and.oakley. The video shows one German Shepherd named Oakley, and what her life with OCD looks like.
@zeek.and.oakley When Oakley was younger, my boyfriend thought it was super cute to have Oakley chase laser pointers like a cat. From this, she developed OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder). Granted, she lives an extremely loving and happy life, but with this disorder comes frustration due to her always trying to catch things that she never can. No matter the amount of mental stimulation she recieves, she always obsesses and fixates on shadows, lights, and sometimes even nothing. Just trying to spread awareness, please stop with the laser pointers on your pups. It may seem like cute and harmless fun, but this isn’t something they can just grow out of. #fyp #foryou #gsd #germanshepherd #dog #dogsoftiktok #ocd #dogswithocd
♬ what was I made for? – Instrumental – Wheeler
When dogs suffer from OCD, it is also commonly called Canine Compulsive Disorder. This issue can manifest as repetitive and obsessive behaviors including obsessive licking, flank sucking, pacing, tail chasing, rhythmic barking, and more. In Oakley’s case, the German Shepherd is obsessed with shadows and lights. She spends her days fixated on them, and will sometimes even attempt to chase or catch things that are not there.
Oakley’s OCD was triggered as a puppy. A caption on the video shares that, when Oakley was young, the poster’s “boyfriend thought it was super cute to have Oakley chase laser pointers like a cat. From this, she developed OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder).” Although the behavior seemed cute and harmless at the time, OCD is not “something they can just grow out of.” The TikTok video pleads with viewers to avoid playing with laser pointers with their dogs, as it can cause lasting issues.
Although Oakley’s story is heartbreaking, the post reassures concerned viewers that the German Shepherd “lives an extremely loving and happy life”. However, she requires constant distraction and stimulation. Ultimately, Oakley’s fixations mean that she experiences a high amount of “frustration due to her always trying to catch things that she never can.”
Comments on the video shared other TikTok users’ own stories of living with dogs with OCD. User janina wrote “Thanks for spreading awareness! My brother & uncle did this to one of the dogs we’ve had. He spent even his last day chasing shadows & lights.” Another user, Mason & Nova, wrote “We made the exact same mistake with our Border Collie. If only I knew what I knew now back then. It breaks my heart all the time”.
Other comments thanked the poster for sharing Oakley’s story and revealed how it had changed their behavior with their own pups. “I had no idea this was a thing- and stopped the laser with my 4-month-old puppy,” said Heather. Caroline also shared that the TikTok video had stopped her from using a laser with her puppy. “I’m so glad people are making these videos, I was about to get my puppy a laser,” she commented.
Laser pointers have been specifically identified as alarming potential causes of OCD in dogs. The canine mental health disorder is even sometimes referred to as Laser Pointer Syndrome. Laser pointers can become a source of frustration for animals, as they attempt to catch something which is not there. This frustration can lead to anxiety and obsessive behaviors. Instead, experts recommend playing games where there is a concrete object for your dog to capture or discover. These could include fetch, wand toys, and hide and seek using treats.
We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!
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