Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 6/26/2008

Question
My pug has OCD, as far as licking.  She is really obsessed with metal.  Zippers,
cage, anything metal.  Is there something wrong with her?

Answer
Keri-

Did you have your pug diagnosed as OCD or does she just lick often?  If she has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, did the person that diagnosed her provide you with options for treatment?  There are behavior modifications and medications that can help her to reduce the obsession with licking.  The fact that she is obsessed with metal indicates that she may have pica - where an animal or person desires to eat food that is not a part of the diet our eats non food objects.  You dog may have pica because she has a nutritional deficiency; are you feeding her a diet high in nutrients?  Feeding animals a diet that is healthy is usually not difficult.  Talk with your veterinary health professional - they can recommend the best diet for your pet.  

More importantly, have her examined by your veterinarian.  She may be anemic and need iron supplements, or she may need other nutritional supplements.