Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Why chewing helps with some dogs' unusual mounting behavior
By Uccheddu, Stefania et al.·Published in Veterinary Record Case Reports·2024·San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory Padua Italy, Italy·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Do you need to chew? A case report on dogs’ behavioural needs
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old Chihuahua was brought in for repeatedly mounting both familiar and unfamiliar people. After thorough physical and blood tests showed no issues, the veterinarian suspected this behavior was due to stress or anxiety rather than a reproductive problem. Instead of neutering, which wouldn't have addressed the underlying cause, the vet recommended providing the dog with more appropriate activities, like chewing, to help manage the behavior. This approach aimed to give the dog a better outlet for its energy and reduce the mounting episodes.
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Abstract
Abstract A 2‐year‐old chihuahua dog exhibited recurrent mounting episodes toward both known and unknown individuals. The findings from both the physical and blood tests were unremarkable. After ruling out other physical and psychological diseases, displacement behaviour was suspected. Occurrences of mounting behaviour might sometimes be due to conditions unrelated to reproduction. As such, neutering is only advised after a precise diagnosis, and would not have been helpful in this particular situation. Chewing was used as a major activity alternative to provide the dog with an adequate behavioural activity.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.822