The Daily Dot
Man warns of playing games with mirrors after "breaking" best friend's dog
"This will literally give your dog a mental disorder."
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Viral Warning: How Playing With Laser Pointers and Reflections Can Harm Your Dog's Mental Health
Los Angeles, CA – A recent viral video shared by TikTok user Nick Norcia has brought to light a critical warning for dog owners regarding the seemingly innocent act of playing with reflections or laser pointers. Norcia candidly shared his experience, detailing how he inadvertently caused a mental disorder in his friend's dog by engaging in such play. Approximately two years ago, Norcia noticed his friend's white Golden Retriever enjoyed chasing reflections. He began playing a game of 'fetch' using a mirror, unaware of the potential long-term consequences. "I thought I was being a cute, innocent boy with the dog," Norcia stated in his video. However, he soon received numerous warnings from veterinarians and dog behaviorists, who explained that this activity could induce a serious mental disorder in canines. Norcia revealed that two years later, the dog still exhibits obsessive behavior, constantly searching for reflections. This condition, often referred to as 'laser pointer syndrome' or 'light chasing OCD,' can lead to chronic frustration, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors in dogs, as they are unable to 'catch' the light. Experts in the comments section of Norcia's video corroborated this, with one behaviorist noting that it can cause dogs to develop OCD behaviors of searching for lights for their entire lives. Veterinarians and dog trainers emphasize that while seemingly harmless, playing with light reflections or laser pointers can be detrimental to a dog's mental well-being, potentially leading to a compulsive disorder. This video serves as an important public service announcement, urging pet owners to avoid such activities to protect their dogs from developing these challenging conditions.
