OCD related to animal health/death

Trigger warning for animal death mentions and the discussion of medical issues This is my first time posting here so I apologize if I am not formatting it correctly. Does anyone else experience health anxiety related to a pet’s health? I have three cats and I’m always so worried about their health. Two of my cats have had to have surgery within the last few years due to problems with their teeth. One of them had to get 15 teeth removed, while the other recently lost both of his upper canine teeth (one fell out on its own, the other was removed surgically just over two weeks ago). We were told by the vet that the issues with their teeth is largely related to genetics, and that both cats are otherwise healthy. I get so anxious whenever one of my cats has to go to the vet, despite knowing that, logically, the vet will do everything they can to help them. I sweep up crumbs and hair and anything else on the floor all the time because I worry they will eat something they are not supposed to. I feel like I have to pet them each a certain number of times and tell them I love them before I leave for work everyday. I double and triple check doors to make sure they’re actually shut because I am afraid that my cats will leave the house somehow. If I wash my hands, I can’t pet my cats until my hands are dry or else I’ll somehow get residue from the soap on them and they’ll lick the soap and get sick, even if I know for a fact that there is no soap on my hands. I could go on and on. I love my pets so dearly. They make me so happy. I just want them to be okay. I’m just so afraid to lose them.

GuiguiWerewolf

Date posted: Yesterday

Hey there, welcome! I have similar thoughts and behaviors towards my 3 rats, I always check the water level in their bottle 3 or 4 times, make sure the cage is closed, before leaving to work. When one of my rats has fallen, I was making sure they had no injury and searching the same question online to reassure myself. The thing is, you and I can’t monitor our pets 24 hours per day, things happen, they'll get injuries because of their daily life and from common situations, like you and me! Pets can be fragile beings, but they are not made of sugar neither. Limit the quotas of compulsive petting, checking and reassuring, let the thoughts be, continue to take normal care of your cats without overwhelming yourself.

Lovenlemons

Date posted: Yesterday

Hi there! I deal with this exact same thing with my 2 dogs regarding worrying something will happen to them. I am constantly worried about their health, if they ate something they shouldn’t have, hurting themselves, escaping the house etc… I am actively addressing this in therapy so I don’t have any tips or advice. I just want you to know you’re not alone🙏🏼 I love what the commenter above said! Very helpful. Also- try not to judge yourself for your thoughts around this.

Amy B.

Date posted: 19h

My dog was diagnosed with diabetes a few months ago and so he gets insulin shots twice a day, is on prescription food and eye drops, and has a set exercise schedule for his walks. He's had lots of days he doesn't feel well, and he is 13 years old so age is slowing him down, too. My OCD has latched on to several things surrounding his health. I love my dog and want to help him have the best life I can, but it's hard to distiguish between OCD and reality and it makes it hard.

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