What is a stereotypy in animals?

Especially in the zoo, in animal shelters or in small enclosures and not We can see that these are the stereotypes in animals:

These are repetitive actions that the animal carries out without a specific purpose , very clear examples they are the dogs that spin on themselves without stopping, rocking or barking.Sometimes it can be related to a mental problem although we usually talk about serious situations of stress that lead to stereotypy.

Do you want to know more things about it? Discover what a stereotypy is in animals and how or why it happens in this complete Animals and Pets Online article.

Why it happens?

As we have mentioned, stereotypes are repetitive movements that are consequences of stress and usually occur in animals that live in captivity such as shelter dogs, zoo animals etc.

The main reason for that happening is the inability to satisfy their natural behavior either due to lack of space, food, a drastic change in their life or poor physical activity.Stereotypes are clear examples of distress directly related to the five freedoms of animal welfare.

It is important to understand that once we offer an animal all those stimuli or factors that it requires, stereotypes can be reduced and even disappear.It will not always be so, it will depend of each case.

Stereotype examples

On the Internet we can observe a large number of videos that circulate in the humor sections in which we can observe stereotypes.It is normal that those who do not know what really happens in the animal find it interesting and funny but the Reality is nothing fun, it is an animal that suffers.

Do you think your dog or other nearby animals may be suffering from stereotypes? Next we will detail the most common stereotypes that we can find in animals:

• Biting the tail: It is the most common stereotype that dogs usually develop and consists of giving turns on themselves trying to bite the tail.

• Incessant barking: It is another clear example and very common in shelter dogs, they can spend long hours barking without purpose and without any stimulus provoke it.They can also cry.

• Self-directed or redirected aggression: In this case the animal harms itself, usually in paws and tail, sometimes it can also redirect the aggression against inanimate objects or people.

• Concrete repetitive movements: Walking from side to side, jumping, spinning on themselves etc.

• Hunting: Another example of stereotypes are those animals that hunt bugs, flies (even invisible animals) as well as the pursuit of lights.

• Licked ex Cessive: Sometimes it drifts even in bites.

What should we do if an animal undergoes a stereotypy?

We must understand that most of us (people without training) are not trained to offer adequate therapy to any animal, we could confuse the symptoms of a disease with a stereotypy or worse, not knowing how to treat it and make it worse the situation.For this reason it is essential to go to the specialists : the ethologists.

After observing the animal the ethologist will offer us a diagnosis in which he will rule out mental problems and/or physicists and to confirm the cause of the stereotypes: frustration, conflicts, aggressions, little space, separation anxiety or others.

Offer the right treatment

Any animal that suffers from stereotypes is communicating its discomfort to its exterior, for this reason it is essential to offer a fast and effective treatment before everything gets worse.Not all stereotypes can be solved.

Some options:

Although some of these options we can take them to After all, the truth is that in some cases we will have to resort to the help of a professional who is the one who will best understand the specific situation of the animal.

This article is purely informative, in Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any diagnosis.We invite you to that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case he presents any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is a stereotypy in animals? , we recommend that you enter our section on Mental Problems.