🐶 Dogs show addiction to toys, similar to human substance addictions

Our canine companions may share certain behavioral vulnerabilities with us. A recent study examined the relationships some dogs develop with their toys, revealing troubling similarities to mechanisms observed in humans.

Researchers identified typical symptoms of human behavioral addictions from existing scientific literature. These manifestations include irresistible cravings and marked difficulty in interrupting or controlling a particular behavior. The team then compared these criteria with the attitudes of 105 dogs, all described by their owners as particularly motivated by playing with toys. Each animal was able to choose their favorite toy at the beginning of the tests.


The canine sample showed interesting diversity with ages ranging from 12 months to 10 years. The most represented breeds were the Malinois (18 individuals), Border Collie (9 individuals), and Labrador Retriever (9 individuals). Scientists supplemented their observations with detailed questionnaires about the dogs' daily behaviors toward their toys, allowing for an in-depth analysis of play habits.

The results revealed that 33 dogs exhibited behaviors suggesting addiction. These animals showed excessive fixation on their toy, displaying disinterest in alternatives such as food or interactions with their owner. When their toy became inaccessible, they made persistent efforts to retrieve it and took more than 15 minutes to calm down after all toys were removed.

The authors emphasize that these observations open important perspectives for understanding animal welfare. They indicate that additional investigations are needed to determine the underlying causes of this excessive engagement with toys and assess its potential consequences on the quality of life of the affected dogs.

Behavioral addictions in animals

Behavioral addictions are not limited to the human species. In domestic animals, these disorders manifest as repetitive and compulsive behaviors that disrupt the individual's normal functioning. Unlike substance-related dependencies, these addictions are based on activities that activate the brain's reward circuits.

The underlying neurological mechanisms involve the dopaminergic system, responsible for the sensation of pleasure. When a behavior provides intense satisfaction, the brain may come to seek it excessively, to the detriment of other essential activities. This compulsive search persists even when the behavior no longer provides apparent benefit.

In dogs, these manifestations can take various forms: obsessive play with objects, incessant tail chasing, or excessive licking. Recognizing these disorders allows for better care of affected animals and improvement of their quality of life.

Owners can observe certain warning signs such as difficulty diverting the animal's attention from its favorite activity, or agitation when prevented from engaging in it. Early intervention can help rebalance these problematic behaviors.