Can dogs smell ADHD

Can Dogs Suffer From ADHD-Like Behavior?

What do you do if your dog simply wont sit still or concentrate on tasks?

New research shows that owners of hyperactive or inattentive dogs can learn a lot from understanding ADHD in humans.

Not Just Disobedient: How Understanding ADHD Can Help Dog Owners

Once upon a time, children who struggled to sit still and concentrate were punished and even treated as less intelligent than their peers. Thankfully, society is evolving past those damaging days, as we come to understand more about ADHD. These days, we know that this very common condition, which affects up to 4% of adult Americans, has nothing to do with intelligence or goodness. We understand that its highly heritable but also affected by environmental factors, and can be managed through behavioral changes as well as medication.

As it turns out, all those things are also true of dogs. Studies show that 1215% 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. Now, a study from researchers at the University of Helsinki has identified some of the most common environmental factors influencing ADHD-like behaviors in dogs making it easier for dog owners to create the conditions for their dogs to flourish.

ADHD in Dogs: What Are the Risk Factors?

So what increases a dogs likelihood of displaying ADHD-like behaviors? The study found that age and sex played a role, with young, male dogs the most likely to display hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention mirroring the demographic breakdown of ADHD prevalence in humans.

Your dogs breed is also a crucial factor. Certain breeds of working dog, for instance, have been bred to be highly active which can leave them liable to hyperactivity and impulsivity, particularly if their lifestyles arent active enough. The study found that this was true of German Shepherd Dogs and Border Collies, as well as several breeds of terrier, including Russell Terriers and Cairn Terriers. On the other hand, certain dogs that are now bred primarily as companions, such as Chihuahuas and Rough Collies, display less hyperactivity because their breeding has favored calm dispositions but along with that breeding pattern, inattention has sometimes been enhanced.

Curiously, the study also found that if an owner had previously owned a dog (or several dogs), their dog was more likely to display ADHD-like behaviors. More research is needed to understand why this might be, but the researchers speculate that more experienced dog owners might select more challenging or active breeds of dog.

ADHD in Dogs: The Risk Factors You Can Control

But what about the environmental factors you can actually influence? How can you, as a dog owner, help to make sure your dog feels and behaves as calm, focused, and content as possible?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the recent study found that activity and company were extremely powerful factors in mitigating dogs hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Dogs who spent more time alone and who participated in fewer activities were more likely to display ADHD-like behaviors, and fearful dogs (who are often not as well socialized) were more likely to be hyperactive and/or impulsive, too.

Caring for a Hyperactive Dog: What Can You Do?

If your dog is showing signs of hyperactivity, the first thing to do is to take them to veterinarian to see if theyre suffering from the relatively rare behavioral disorder hyperkinesis. Hyperkinetic dogs have a difficult time settling and they appear to be aroused and distracted, oftentimes even in environments that are calm, notes Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch. Though this disorder is rare, if your dog is suffering from it, there are medications that can help.

Whether hyperkinesis is the problem or not, its essential to make sure that your dog is getting enough activity. Dr. Burch notes that often, dogs apparent behavioral problems are completely resolved with lifestyle changes to incorporate more attention and exercise.

So how can you tell if your dog isnt getting enough exercise? Some dogs will appear restless and may be hyper to release some energy, Dr. Burch observes but thats not the only sign. Not enough exercise can result in dogs who are depressed or agitated. A dog that lacks exercise, if on a regular diet can gain weight, and lose muscle tone, strength, and cardiovascular ability (e.g., gets out of breath easily).

If any of this sounds familiar, fear not: theres plenty you can do to give your dog the activity they need. Dog sports are a great way to make sure that your dog is stimulated mentally and physically and owners of the working-dog breeds most likely to display ADHD-like behaviors can select dog sports that stimulate their breed-specific capacities, such as Herding or Earthdog. But theres no need to restrict your activities to breed-specific sports. Active dogs can benefit from training and events of all types, notes Dr. Burch. Agility, dock diving, disc dog, and AKC FIT DOG walks will provide active dogs with the exercise they need to be calm.

What if your lifestyle makes it difficult to provide sufficient activity and attention? Dont underestimate the power of a brisk exercise session before work, which can significantly calm your pup before a day of solitude. Dr. Mary Burch also advises having a neighbor or dog walker drop in during the day or looking into doggy daycare options.

As we learn how to adapt modern lifestyles to accommodate and nurture neurodiversity among humans, theres also an opportunity to attune to our dogs varying mental and emotional makeup. With attention and care, dog owners can help pups of all kinds lead the happiest, most stable lives possible.

Can Dogs Have ADHD? (Symptoms & Signs Of ADHD In Dogs)

Dogs can experience symptoms of a condition that resembles ADHD. A study undertaken in Finland showed that for some dogs, low levels of fatty acids in their blood - could reveal that they have what we humans know as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

Dogs with suspected ADHD also show some of the same chemical markers as humans with ADHD.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects attention and hyperactivity. It also impacts the ability to concentrate, show self-discipline, control impulses and pay attention and leads to behaviour issues and some social awkwardness in certain situations.

The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

Has it been proven that dogs can have ADHD?

According to Stanley Coren, the recent consensus among researchers is that dogs, especially those who appear to be consistently out of control, might be suffering from ADHD.

This is supported by the fact that dogs have the same chemical markers as human sufferers do, such as low blood phospholipid levels.

A study by Veterinary Medicine Open Journal says:

The behavioural disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically associated with human children, but its clinical manifestation in dogs has recently been investigated indicating that certain gene variants (e.g., the DRD4 gene) contribute to its expression.

On balance, it would be accurate to say that dogs can suffer from a condition that is - at least - very similar to ADHD which is more commonly recognised in humans.

What is hyperkinesis and is it the same as ADHD?

Hyperkinesis in dogs is rare. If you have a dog that appears to act in what is commonly called a hyper-active way, the chances are it is NOT hyperkinesis.

However, learning to understand more about this condition can help dog owners identify the signs and in this article, we start out by looking at a case study where drugs were used as a treatment plan for hyperkinesis.

You should always seek veterinary and/or professional dog training advice if you have concerns about your dogs behaviour or any sudden changes in their personality.

Canine Hyperkinesis: A case study of drug treatment

The first controlled studies of hyperkinesis in dogs were an outgrowth of a long-term attempt to develop animal models of psychopathology.

Dogs were chosen for these studies for several reasons, primarily because there were many carefully bred animals available. This allowed an evaluation of genetic strains in certain breeds.

Also, dogs are the only domestic animal with a variety of emotional responses comparable to those seen in people: they worry about things not essential to their survival.

In studies designed to evaluate responses to stress, some dogs did not respond to Pavlovian conditioning. Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and tranquillizers were all tried, but nothing worked.

Typically such dogs would be eliminated from the study, but because the researchers were interested in the interaction of genetics and psychological environment, they were curious about dogs that appeared unwilling to be studied.

Eventually, the researcher decided they were dealing with the equivalent of hyperkinetic children. On that basis, amphetamines were given, and the tentative diagnosis proved correct.

The first model of hyperkinesis in a dog was Jackson, a Cocker-Beagle mix whose usual response to any approach was to snap, snarl, growl or, if possible, bite. Many experienced, gentle dog handlers were bitten until eventually laboratory personnel refused to approach the dog.

Jackson responded the same to other dogs. He viciously attacked any dog without hesitation, even friendly and docile animals. He refused to submit to Pavlovian conditioning and destroyed laboratory equipment in his rages.

Because depressants were not effective against Jacksons abnormally hyperactive and vicious behaviour, it was suspected that hyperkinesis may have been involved. On this assumption, the dog was given amphetamine orally.

Within 2 hours, Jacksons personality changed to complete docility. He whimpered as if he wanted to be petted. When petting was stopped, he begged for more.

He became nonviolent, even submissive, toward the same dog he had attacked earlier. Jackson appeared to be perplexed and unsure of what to do.

When placed in the Pavlovian experimental stand after medication, Jackson responded normally and learned rapidly, indicating that his previous failure was not a result of mental retardation, but rather a secondary effect of his behaviour problem.

After 6 weeks of drug-facilitated psychosocial therapy, medication could be withdrawn without the reappearance of aggression, but hyperkinesis reappeared in low-threat situations.

Aggression was apparently trained out by the drug-facilitated social interaction and conditioning experiments, indicating that what is learned under the influence of amphetamines is retained later.

After 2 more months of psycho-social therapy using amphetamines, Jacksons non-medicated hyperkinesis was also reduced.

Because he was between 1 1/2 and 2 years old at the time of the experiments, maturation could have been associated with the cure; however, 6 older hyperkinetic dogs did not outgrow their abnormal behaviour patterns.

An insight into Hyperkinesis in dogs

Hyperkinesis is a disorder characterized by excessive activity, extreme restlessness, impulsivity, and a short attention span. In humans, especially children, it is now referred to as ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. Veterinarians continue to use the term hyperkinesis.

Hyperkinesis can affect a dogs ability to learn new behaviours. Dogs so afflicted exhibit inattention and restlessness, and are easily distracted. The syndrome seems to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors.

Most owners are not aware of the disease. The condition is quite rare in dogs, and when diagnosed by a veterinarian, medications, usually stimulants, can be prescribed to ameliorate the effects.

Unfortunately, the popular use of the term to describe normal, but overly excited dogs, has clouded the issue for both owners and veterinarians. Dogs with extreme hyperkinesis that cannot have their symptoms improved with drug therapy are often euthanized.

Hyperkinetic dogs exhibit many of the following symptoms

• Cannot be taught anything, even in obedience school
• Salivates constantly
• Always excited or nervous
• Cannot sit still, even for a minute
• Never becomes accustomed to everyday situations
• Chronically rapid heart rate

The symptoms of hyperkinesis are usually exacerbated in dogs that are stressed by being kept in conditions of close confinement or short-leash tethering.

Even with the clear presence of defining symptoms, it is difficult to treat the basic problem because there is often no clear reason, either physical or environmental, to explain the symptoms.

Some truly hyperkinetic dogs do not respond to positive reinforcement, and tranquillizing drugs seem to have no positive effect. Truly hyperkinetic dogs can be vicious and are known to bite owners and other dogs without provocation.

Dont be worried about your dog if she is simply hyperactive. This can be normal for some breeds and is typical with new puppies who display enthusiasm for everything.

Just a simple hello will have them running in circles. Some dogs are simply energetic and enjoy running, jumping, chewing, pulling, and barking. Their enthusiasm is one of the things that endear them to us.

True hyperkinetic dogs seldom have a rest period. They exhibit abnormal frantic behaviour and continue it until they drop from exhaustion.

Because the symptoms are also exhibited in simply overactive dogs, veterinarians will usually require a test trial with stimulants like amphetamines or Ritalin, which is often prescribed for children with ADD.

If your dog is simply overactive, they can be retrained and managed with persistence and obedience training. Vigorous daily exercise will also help the overactive dog to expend energy.

How a dogs blood could reveal if they have ADHD

The study formed part of a larger behavioural research project and was run by Professor Hannes Lohi's research group at the University of Helsinki and the Folkhlsan Research Centre.

The project paid specific attention to the impact and well-being of dogs in connection with some of the most common behavioural problems that dogs suffer from, such as general fearfulness, sensitivity to noise as well as hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Professor Lohi explains, "Behaviour and behavioural disorders often develop as a combination of hereditary and environmental factors, which makes studying them challenging".

"Metabolomics or the study of the metabolism provides us with new clues on the biological issues underpinning behavioural disorders while promoting genetic research."

He added, "At the moment, metabolomics research in dogs is rare. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine new approaches and attain information on any metabolic abnormalities associated with hyperactivity in dogs."

ADHD reveals similar results in both dogs & human

The project worked with German Shepherds and discovered that the blood metabolites in hyperactive and normally behaved German Shepherds revealed a significant link.

Specifically, those who were hyperactive and impulsive had low levels of fatty acids (lower blood phospholipid levels) in the blood.

Jenni Puurunen, a doctoral student says, We knew to expect this discovery from research on the human side, as several studies have recorded lower blood lipid and fatty acid levels in ADHD patients than in control groups."

She continued, "However, the causal relationship is not clear and requires further studies. Our discovery supports the existing belief that human and canine diseases are similar, which suggests dogs can serve as excellent models for human illnesses."

Could a dogs age impact their behaviour?

According to Jenni, their study revealed that it has little impact.

She says, It is significant that a dogs age, sex, or fasting had little impact on the link between behaviour and metabolites. We also controlled for dietary changes by feeding all dogs the same food for two weeks before testing.

Could intestinal health affect a dogs behaviour?

A piece of important information revealed in the study was the correlation between hyperactivity and tryptophan metabolites.

Tryptophan metabolites are solely produced when intestinal bacteria process the tryptophan from the food.

This information was confirmed by the differences in the bacteria found in the gut of hyperactive versus normally behaved dogs.

This information finds a very significant link between the brain and the intestines in dogs.

A globally unique study of dog behaviour is underway as part of a more detailed canine behaviour project.

Important note about ADHD and dogs

Some people might make the case that all dogs have symptoms that look like ADHD just because a dog displays certain behaviours that are associated with ADHD.

Remember, it might just be a case of a dog being a dog.