Scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, together with colleagues from Bern, have discovered signs of "toy addiction" in dogs that resemble human addictions. The results of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
The experiment involved 105 pets of various genders, ages, and breeds. First, the dog was offered to choose a toy and play with it, and then the toy was hidden while attempts were made to redirect the dog's attention to the owner with a treat.
The behavior of the subjects was recorded on video, after which it was evaluated according to a number of criteria: how long the animal tried to obtain the toy, how it reacted to food and the owner's attention, and whether it was able to calm down when the toy disappeared from sight.
As a result, signs of addiction were found in about a third of the dogs. They continued to search for the toy and remained excited for a long time after it disappeared, ignoring food and the owner. These manifestations reminded researchers of the signs of behavioral addictions in humans, where an object or action acquires excessive significance and displaces other stimuli, such as gambling.
The scientists emphasized that not every fascination with toys can be considered a pathology. A strong motivation to play is characteristic of many active breeds and is often used in training. However, in some cases, this can develop into a form of compulsive behavior, where the dog loses control over itself and stops responding to external stimuli.
The researchers noted that such observations help to better understand not only the emotional states of animals but also the mechanisms of addiction formation in living beings in general. In their opinion, domestic dogs can become a natural model for studying behavioral addictions, opening up new opportunities for comparative psychology and veterinary behavioral medicine.
According to the scientists, the awareness that excessive fixation on a toy can be a symptom rather than just a temperament trait will allow owners to pay closer attention to their pets' emotional states and seek help from animal behavior specialists if necessary.
