PetStyle

Dogs that are neurotic display nervous behavior problems without having any physical problems that might cause them, such as a brain tumor or hydrocephalus. Basically, neurosis is where the dog has a nervous disorder that can be attributed to unresolved unconscious conflicts.

How to Tell if Your Dog Is Neurotic

Dogs are tested to see if they are neurotic through blood tests and urine analysis. These tests will show any chemical imbalances within the body and will even show whether the dog is suffering from severe environmental stressors. Generally, if the dog shows abnormal behavior and a nervous disposition, then it is likely that they do have the condition.

Other signs to look out for which could tell you that your dog is neurotic include:

• Dogs who are constantly anxious
• Dogs who respond overenthusiastically to objects or sounds
• Dogs who cannot learn any conditioned reflexes
• Dogs who seem to have the condition 'Hyperkinesis'
• Dogs who are fixated on certain things

All of the above are signs that your dog is neurotic.

If a dog is constantly anxious and does not respond to anything that is either rewarding or harmful, then the dog is extremely likely to have a neurotic condition. A dog that treats objects, sounds and touch in an overenthusiastic or aggressive way could also be neurotic. The dog's overly passive or active responses can be a sign of a lack of socializing when they were younger. If that is the case, the dog may be able to get overcome it eventually.

Some dogs simply cannot learn any conditioned reflexes. This means that they cannot do anything that refers to defending themselves or being social with other people and animals. In severe cases, the dog could also show signs of Hyperkinesis, including excessive salivation, and will have a really low urine output, too. 

Finally, a dog that is neurotic can appear to become fixated on something, which is known to many owners as being obsessive-compulsive. The good news is that it can be treated with drugs from the vet.

Neurotic dogs should be monitored and taken to the vet for advice on how to treat the problem. Sometimes there may be nothing that you can do to help the dog, but other times there may be medication that can help.
 
Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies