Can animals have obsessions?

Yes, without a doubt. Like Temple Grandin says in her book Animals in Translation, “All animals and people have the same core emotion systems in the brain. read more

Like Temple Grandin says in her book Animals in Translation, “All animals and people have the same core emotion systems in the brain.” Anyone who has owned pets from birds to dogs probably has encountered that animals can have obsessions with activities or objects. read more

Some people believe this sounds like an obsession that could be unhealthy for the person and pet alike. But many others say mind your own business, as long as there's no harm or neglect happening. To them, going to great lengths for their pet is completely rational, caring behavior. read more

Obsessions focusing on pets and animals incorporate all the common themes: contamination, checking, harm, scrupulosity, and sex. In this 3-part blog series, I discuss some of the common ways obsessions may target our lovable, snuggable friends. read more