Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found that about one-third of the 105 dogs studied displayed addiction-like tendencies toward their toys. That includes those balls, the stuffed squirrel that squeaks, and the rope you used to play tug-of-war with them.

In a series of tests detailed in Scientific Reports, researchers placed dogs in situations where their favorite toy was made inaccessible. They were placed on a high shelf, in a box, or behind a tantalizing food puzzle.

Some dogs completely ignored the snacks and instead fixated on the unreachable toy. A few even refused to calm down for 15 minutes after their beloved toy disappeared.

To see if this behavior matched how we define addiction in humans, scientists borrowed criteria like craving, loss of control, an

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