Overgrooming

Overgrooming refers to excessive grooming that surpasses normal self-care and results in hair loss, skin lesions, or wounds. It is most commonly discussed in companion animals, especially cats and dogs, but similar patterns can occur in other species and, in humans, may describe compulsive grooming behaviors.

In animals, signs include persistent licking, biting, scratching, rubbing, or chewing at a body area. Lesions may include alopecia, redness, hot spots, dermatitis, or ulcers. Causes are multifactorial and include itch or pain from parasites (fleas, mites), allergies (food or environmental), dermatitis, hormonal or metabolic disorders, and chronic pain. Behavioral contributors include stress, boredom, confinement, separation anxiety, and compulsive grooming.

Diagnosis requires veterinary evaluation to distinguish medical from behavioral causes. It typically involves history, physical examination, skin tests or cytology, parasite screening, allergy testing, blood work, and sometimes imaging. Differential diagnoses include dermatologic disease with secondary self-trauma and dermatophytosis.

Management targets both the underlying condition and the behavior. Medical treatment addresses parasites, infections, allergies, or endocrine issues. Environmental enrichment, consistent routines, and stress reduction are central. Behavioral modification, topical therapies, barrier methods (e.g., collars), and, when appropriate, short-term anti-anxiety medications may be used under veterinary supervision. Prognosis improves with early diagnosis and comprehensive care; relapse is common if stressors persist.