Destructive Dog Behavior

  • Behavior that causes damage to an owner’s home or belongings.
  • Primary destructive behavior is normal behavior that includes exploratory and play-based behavior.
  • Secondary destructive behavior is a clinical sign of another behavior condition.

 

SYSTEMS AFFECTED

  • Gastrointestinal—damage to teeth; vomiting and diarrhea, obstruction if ingested.
  • Musculoskeletal—traumatic damage caused by scratching or chewing.
  • Ingestion of toxic material could affect any organ system.

 

SIGNALMENT

  • Any breed or gender.
  • Primary destructive behavior is seen in dogs < 1 year of age.
  • Secondary destructive behavior can be seen at any age.

 

SIGNS

Primary Destructive Behavior

  • Initially occurs in the presence or absence of the owner.
  • Not preceded by a specific environmental trigger.
  • Absence of anxiety or aggression.

 

Secondary Destructive Behavior

  • Attention-seeking behavior—destructive behavior in the presence of the owner.
  • Separation-related anxiety—destructive behavior consistently occurs in the absence of the owner, and rarely in the presence of the owner; target items may include personal belongings, furniture, or points of egress.
  • Storm phobia, noise phobia—destructive behavior and/or anxiety-related behavior in response to stimuli whether or not the owner is present. Intensity may be greater during the owner’s absence.
  • Territorial aggression—arousal is observed in presence of the owner; destructive behavior is intermittent based on the presence of triggers; window frames and doorways are damaged.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

  • Primary destructive behavior represents normal behavior; inadequate supervision and insufficient access to appropriate outlets may affect destructive behavior.
  • Owner scolding, leading to either fear or attention-seeking.
  • Risk factors for anxiety-based conditions are not clearly identified.
  • Territorial aggression may have genetic and learned components.

 

DIAGNOSIS

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

  • Identify pathologic conditions.
  • If pica accompanies destructive chewing—rule out conditions affecting digestion, absorption, polyphagia, and appetite, including recent diet change.
  • If licking surfaces, rule out upper GI disease.
  • For sudden onset in a mature pet with no notable environmental changes—rule out medical conditions.
  • For age-related onset, rule out cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

 

CBC/BIOCHEMISTRY/URINALYSIS

Usually normal

 

OTHER LABORATORY TESTS

As indicated to rule out medical conditions.

 

IMAGING

May be indicated if there is a sudden onset in a mature pet.

 

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

Physical examination with attention to the GI tract.

 

TREATMENT

Treat the underlying disease.

 

PRIMARY DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR

  • Supervise, confine or dog proof until appropriate behavior has been established.
  • Assure access to acceptable chew toys.
  • Reward appropriate behavior—select toys that dispense food or can be stuffed with food.
  • Interrupt inappropriate behavior, apply non-toxic bitter-tasting products, then offer appropriate activity.
  • Provide adequate interactive play.
  • Use caution in applying any form of punishment. Any correction must be applied humanely, without causing pain or fear that could trigger anxiety or aggression.

 

SECONDARY DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR

  • Attention-seeking—provide owner-initiated interactions; teach sit for all interactions.
  • Compulsive disorder—reduce sources of anxiety; offer interactive play and appropriate chew items; prevent access to target items.
  • Separation-related anxiety—behavior modification; punishment is contraindicated.
  • Noise phobia—behavior modification; reduce access to triggers.
  • Territorial aggression—behavior modification, prevents access to doors and windows.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

AGE-RELATED FACTORS

Age of onset may aid in diagnosis.

 

PREGNANCY/FERTILITY/BREEDING

Periparturient destructive behavior (nesting).

 

ABBREVIATIONS

SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

TCA = tricyclic antidepressant

 

Visit your veterinarian as early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment are essential.

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