Unusual behaviour in which we generally laugh and think as an act of dogs to make us happy. Sometimes questions come to our mind: Can a dog have tourettes?
In this post, I will discuss what is tourette syndrome and can a dog have tourettes and also what are the symptoms of TS.
I will discuss what are the root causes and when to visit a vet doctor to know the root cause and eliminate any underlying medical issue in them.
What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s syndrome is a condition involving the nervous system, it is expressed by involuntary and sudden movements, twitches or make sounds which they do repeatedly.
These actions are not under control of the person and are called tics.
Based on how long tics last for, type of tics he has it came to be diagnosed for tourette’s or any other disorder.
The vocal (in relation to making sounds) or motor (movements of body parts) tics of tourette’s syndrome comes and go after time.
There are 3 types of tics: motor tics, vocal tics and complex tics ( involving different body parts). Tics frequency, severity, location and how long it will last vary.
Can Dogs Have Tourettes?
Yes dogs can have tourette’s but it is rarely observed or seen in them. Tourette’s syndrome is caused by an anomaly in basal ganglia in the brain.
The basal ganglia is a group of subcortical nuclei primarily responsible for motor control, motor learning, executive functions, emotions and behaviours.
Symptoms of Tourettes in Dogs?
There is no cure available for Tourette’s syndrome but treatments are available. Most dogs do not require treatments if tourtess is not causing difficulty.
Tics get controlled by dogs when they become adults, if not they require veterinary assistance.
Tics are sudden, brief involuntary movements, sounds which they do repeatedly are most common signs of tourette’s syndrome.
Symptoms of simple motor tics in dogs are nose nose twitching, mouth movements, eye blinking, head jerking.
Symptoms of complex motor tics in dogs are chasing its tails until it gets exhausted, touching or smelling objects.
Symptoms of simple vocal tics in dogs are grunting, coughing, barking and complex vocal tics are repeatedly barking without any cause.
In addition tics in dogs can:
- Worsen if the dog is stressed, anxious, tired, excited or ill.
- Vary in type, frequency and severity.
- Worsen in dog’s puppyhood and teenhood and improve in adulthood.
- Can occur to dogs in sleep.
- And change over time.
Dogs will likely experience an uncomfortable body sensation (premonitory urge) such as tension, itch or a tingle before the onset of motor tics.
By expressing tics dogs feel relieved.
When to Visit a Veterinarian
Generally tourettes syndrome lasts for a few weeks or months and goes away itself.
But whenever you notice the symptoms of tics which are mentioned above it is important to know the root cause and rule out any serious medical issue in your lovely pooch.
