NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/rec/pets/dogs/15382

Internet Message Format | 1992-12-21 | 1.6 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!network.ucsd.edu!news!nosc!baron!jadpc!jadpc2!f703.n202.z1.fidonet.org!ELAINE_GALLEGOS
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Distribution: world
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 92 14:23:00 -0800
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Help! Boredom sores caused by licking
Comment-To: [e-mail]
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
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  Compulsive licking is said to be similar to obsessive/compulsive
disorder in humans.
  The basis for the disorder is an instinctive need to groom.  This is
why in humans this condition so often includes excessive hand washing
or hair tugging.
  All animals have instinctive needs to groom.  Even insects such as
flies groom themselves.  These grooming urges are controled by brain
chemicals called neuro-transmitters.
  Helpful drugs for humans with OCD were discovered when experiments
with the new anti-depressant drugs were taking place.  These new drugs
stimulate the brain to be more receptive to neuro-transmitters.
Antidepressant drugs could be helpful for your dog.
  A similar treatment that you could try is to feed your dog deep
ocean fish, such as cod or sea bass.  The fish oils in these fish
stimulate the production of such brain chemicals as serotonin which is
a neuro-transmitter.  There are several other neuro-transmitters, but
you'd have to look up the exact names.
  If you try one of these treatments, let us know how thing turn out.
--- FMail 0.92
 * Origin: HILLCREST COMMUNITY BBS, SAN DIEGO: HST 619-291-0544 (1:202/703)