Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Do you need to chew? A case report on dogs’ behavioural needs
- Journal:
- Veterinary Record Case Reports
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Uccheddu, Stefania et al.
- Affiliation:
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory Padua Italy · Italy
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old chihuahua was showing repeated mounting behavior towards both familiar and unfamiliar people. After thorough physical exams and blood tests showed no health issues, the veterinarians suspected that this behavior might be a form of displacement behavior, which can happen for reasons not related to reproduction. They concluded that neutering the dog wouldn't solve the problem without a clear diagnosis. Instead, they recommended providing the dog with chewing activities to help meet its behavioral needs. This approach was considered more beneficial for the dog in this case.
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: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.822