HELSINKI, Finland (StudyFinds)— Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not something that just affects people — it may be a problem among our pets too. A new study reveals dogs can also develop a behavioral condition that resembles ADHD in humans.
Dogs with ADHD demonstrate exceptionally short attention spans and a high degree of impulsiveness that makes it impossible for them to focus on one task for long. They are easily distracted. In contrast, most of the high-energy dogs that clients bring to me will focus very quickly on the click-and-treat game.
Breed of the Dog
Dogs like Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Husky, and Terriers all are more susceptible to owner's complaints of hyperactivity.
They often can be fearful, clingy, and needy. Dogs with canine ADHD are hyperactive with short attention spans. They often can be fearful, clingy, and needy. As humans increasingly treat their dogs as family members, they discover more similarities between the behavior of dogs and young children.
Studies show that 12–15% of dogs exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity, and 20% exhibit inattention — and that those qualities are highly heritable but also influenced by environmental factors, just like they are in humans.
Can a Dog Have Autism? While some of these behaviors are unique to humans, researchers have found that, in fact, ASD can occur in dogs, but it's called canine dysfunctional behavior (CDB). Researchers believe that canine dysfunctional behavior is an idiopathic condition, meaning that the cause is unknown.
Unfortunately, just like humans, the study finds those with ADHD often develop other conditions such obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In dogs, this presents itself in behaviors like tail chasing, continuous licking surfaces or themselves, or staring at “nothing.”
Sit Command
Teach your dog how to sit and calm down when they are being hyperactive. Use treats as incentive, and gradually you will see the betterment in their behavior. Use this command whenever they are acting up to make them calm down.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were found to be the best characterized and also currently the most appropriate model of ADHD [45].
Signs that a Dog is Detecting ADHD
Dogs can use their sense of smell to detect an increase in sweat production. This tells your dog that you are active and getting anxious or fidgety. Your dog can provide help with this by being calm and consistent for you.
Dogs are good for children with ADHD and autism as sometimes it's just their presence that's needed to make everything okay. Children with autism, ADHD, or ADD can find socialising difficult, especially if they already feel isolated by their condition.
Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
It's more likely that your high energy dog isn't having his physical, mental, and social needs met on a daily basis. Dogs who have a hard time settling down might be operating under the influence of many factors, like breed drive, a lack of the right kind of stimulation, or a poor diet.
One of the most common reasons why dogs love to lick their owners is simply to show their affection. Since you're the one taking care of them, you're essentially their world! When dogs lick, pleasurable endorphins are released into their blood which makes them feel calm and comforted.
Aggression in dogs can be due to guarding territory, resources, or a family member; fear; frustration; prey drive; or pain. In all of these situations, a dog may be pushed too far and can transition quickly from reactive, fearful, or guarding behaviors to being aggressive.
With practice and consistency, it is 100% possible! The "place" behavior can be a wonderful replacement behavior for barking at the door, jumping on guests, or even nipping and biting!
Like with humans, the symptoms and severity of autism in dogs can vary widely from case to case. Some common signs of high-functioning autism in dogs include social withdrawal, unresponsiveness to people and surroundings, and hyperactivity or destructive behaviors.
The History of Bipolar Disorder
To date, no such disorder has been identified for dogs despite the fact that dogs can sometimes display what appear to be sudden mood changes. However, as veterinary experts have observed this is usually a reaction rather than a biochemical imbalance that can lead to these extremes.
But humans aren't the only ones whose mental health can be afflicted, and we now know mental disorders in dogs are a real issue. Our canine friends also show signs of distress caused by common conditions like OCD, depression, and anxiety.
Pets offer unconditional love and companionship. They can also teach kids a lot about responsibility and empathy. That can mean a lot for some kids with ADHD (also known as ADD), who may struggle with these skills.
Pets are a good option as a companion for adults and children with ADHD. They can love unconditionally, enjoy going with you everywhere, and socialize with other humans and other pets. Because of this, they are the perfect companions for individuals with ADHD.
With a dog, people with ADHD may feel more confident talking to new people and they will approached more because of the dog. Pets for people with ADHD, can make it easier to meet new people, socialize and get outside.