Can Dogs Have ADHD? Why Is Mine So Hyper?
Watching your buddy bouncing off the walls and wondering, can dogs have ADHD? Here's what's underlying these behaviors & how to manage them.
Maybe your pup seems stuck in endless zoomies, struggles to focus, or just has endless energy. So you really wouldn’t be the first to wonder, can dogs have ADHD? Let’s dig into this topic and figure out what’s underlying your buddy’s ADHD-like behaviors. (Plus where a GPS & Health tracker for dogs can help you manage them.)
Find out how your dog spends their time.
Read moreCan a dog have ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition primarily diagnosed in humans. It’s characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. But can dogs have ADHD? While dogs can certainly display similar behaviors, ADHD is not officially recognized as a condition in dogs.
Instead, what many pet parents interpret as ADHD may actually be hyperkinesis, an uncommon but real medical condition in dogs that shares traits with ADHD. More often, though, dogs with boundless energy are simply high-energy breeds or under-stimulated pets.
Hyperkinesis in dogs
Hyperkinesis is a rare but real medical condition in dogs that closely resembles ADHD in humans. Unlike simply being high-energy, hyperkinetic dogs show extreme impulsivity, an inability to relax even after exercise, and an exaggerated response to stimuli. Dogs with hyperkinesis often appear anxious, overly reactive, and struggle with attention span.
Your vet may diagnose hyperkinesis through behavioral assessments and response to stimulant medications. If your dog exhibits signs of hyperkinesis, they can help you figure out the best way to manage it.
Hyperkinesis vs. high energy: What’s the difference?
Not all high-energy dogs have hyperkinesis! Here’s how to tell them apart:
- High-energy dogs
Many breeds, especially working or sporting breeds like Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, or Jack Russell Terriers, are naturally active and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs may settle down after physical activity and training. - Hyperkinetic dogs
True hyperkinesis is rare and includes extreme impulsivity, an inability to calm down even after sufficient exercise, and an unusually short attention span. These dogs may also have an exaggerated response to stimuli (like excessive barking or jumping). A vet may diagnose this through behavioral assessments.
💡A GPS & Health tracker for dogs can help you monitor any signs of hyperactivity, excessive barking, or even an escape attempt from home – even while you’re not at home. We’ll cover it in detail a little further below.
What can cause ADHD-like behaviors in dogs?
If your dog exhibits signs of hyperactivity and ADHD-like behaviors, here are some possible causes:
- Breed traits
Some breeds are naturally high-energy and require more physical and mental stimulation than others. Border Collies and Terriers, for example, may be more prone to ADHD-like behaviors. - Lack of exercise
Dogs that don’t get enough daily exercise can become restless and exhibit hyperactive behaviors to burn off some pent-up energy. - Anxiety or stress
Fear or anxiety can manifest as excessive movement, pacing, or an inability to focus. Watch out for common stressors, like loud noises (including thunderstorms and fireworks) or even if you’ve left home (which could signal separation anxiety instead.) - Poor training
Dogs that haven’t learned impulse control may act in a hyperactive manner. You might think it’s “too early” to train a puppy if they’re under 6 months old, but it’s always better to start as early as possible. (So you avoid reinforcing any impulsive, excitable behavior by mistake.) Besides, it’s also smart to praise your puppy or adult dog when they ARE being quiet and well-behaved. This can help them understand your expectations better. - A lack of socialization
Dogs that haven’t been introduced to different people and places might bark excessively, pull against the leash, or even leap on other dogs or dog owners. It’s best to start introducing your puppy to different environments, people, and pets as early as possible (ideally after they’ve gotten all their vaccinations.) This can help them learn how to control their impulses and behave around others. - Diet
Certain ingredients, including excessive sugar or artificial additives, may contribute to hyperactive behavior in some dogs. Some dogs showing ADHD-like behaviors might benefit from a limited ingredient diet. But in general, a balanced diet that’s rich in nutrients can help your dog stay their healthiest.
Does my dog have ADHD?
Most likely not – but it’s understandable if their behaviors do come across like it! Just remember that puppies naturally have short attention spans, and some dogs are simply more energetic than others. But if you suspect it might be a more serious condition, it might turn up as:
- Constant movement, pacing, jumping around, or inability to relax
- Extreme difficulty focusing, especially during activities like training
- Excessive chewing
- Impulsivity, such as jumping up excessively or darting after stimuli
- Overreaction to noises, sights, or touch
- Excessive barking
- Lack of response to normal calming techniques
Don’t forget: ADHD in dogs isn’t a formal diagnosis. Rather, “canine ADHD” is more of a broad phrase including all the behaviors resembling ADHD that dogs might get up to. Only a vet can help you fully understand what’s underlying your buddy’s hyperactivity or inability to sit still.
How your vet can support you
If your dog’s behavior seems extreme, disruptive, or unmanageable despite training and adequate exercise, a vet visit is a good idea. They can rule out underlying medical issues, such as:
- Thyroid imbalances
- Neurological disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- True hyperkinesis (which may respond to medication or behavior modification)
A vet or animal behaviorist can help determine if your dog needs additional support beyond typical exercise and training. Like, for example, behavioral therapy or even medication to help your dog focus and control their impulses.
How to take care of your dog if they show ADHD-like behaviors
Whether your dog has true hyperkinesis or just a ton of energy, here are some ways to help:
- Don’t skip the workout
High-energy dogs need daily physical activity, such as long walks, runs, agility training, or fetch sessions. A well-exercised dog is less likely to have the energy to get up to any more mischief. Take turns walking them throughout the day with your family or housemates. Or get a dog walker to keep them exercised if you’re not at home during the day. - Train your dog’s brain
Puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience training keep their minds engaged. Staying mentally active is also a great way to prevent your dog from experiencing cognitive decline as they grow older. - Reinforce your dog’s “good” behaviors
Positive reinforcement training and consistency help teach focus and impulse control. Try out a fun, practical method like clicker training for a change. Your dog needs to learn from you what “good” behaviors get them attention, pats, and treats. (Not just behaviors that get them scolded or put in timeout.) - Follow a consistent routine
Regular schedules and designated rest times can help dogs learn to settle down. This also means feeding, playing, walking, and putting your dog to bed around the same times everyday.
How a GPS & Health Tracker for dogs can step in
If your dog exhibits ADHD-like behaviors, a GPS & Health Tracker can help you keep an eye on them even when you’re not around – or even pre-empt a hyperactive fit before it has a chance to arise. Strapped to your dog’s collar, your trusty Tractive device helps you:
- Prevent an escape attempt
Hyperactive dogs may be more prone to running off in excitement. With your Tractive device’s Live Tracking and Virtual Fences, you can set up safe zones and get instant escape alerts if your pup wanders too far. And even if they do, just hit “LIVE” on your mobile app to track their movements in real-time before they have a chance to run off too far. - Figure out if your dog’s barking more than usual
If your dog is barking excessively due to hyperactivity or anxiety, your tracker’s built-in Bark Detection can help you understand when and how often they vocalize. Even better, just switch on your Separation Anxiety monitor to alert you if your dog’s been pacing restlessly or behaving anxiously. So you can address triggers more effectively and adjust your dog’s environment accordingly.
- Monitor your dog’s activity levels
Dogs with boundless energy need proper exercise. With it’s built-in motion detector, Tractive’s Activity Tracking helps you figure out if your dog’s gotten enough activity for the day – or if there’s a spike or dip in their active minutes. (Which could signal hyperactivity, sickness, or even pain.) - Keep track of your dog’s sleep
Hyperactive dogs may struggle to settle down. With your tracker’s Sleep Monitoring, you can monitor your dog’s rest and sleep patterns, helping you figure out whether they’re truly resting or staying restless throughout the day.
So, can dogs have ADHD?
While dogs don’t get formally diagnosed with these human conditions, they can still exhibit hyperactive or neurodivergent-like behaviors. The key is understanding whether your dog simply has a high-energy personality or if there’s an underlying medical or behavioral concern. With the right balance of exercise, training, and mental stimulation, you can help your dog lead a happy and fulfilled life.
Don’t forget: a GPS & Health Tracker for dogs can help you keep an eye on and manage your buddy’s hyperactive tendencies – without you even being around. Whether you’re ensuring they get enough physical activity or tracking their stress levels, Tractive helps you stay one step ahead.
“Absolutely love this tracker…it gives great insights on (our dogs’) activity and sleep levels.
I’m comforted knowing that if they started acting strangely or the data shifted drastically that we could take them to vet potentially before we would notice something wrong.
Can’t recommend this tracker enough!“
– Eva, US (Source: Trustpilot)
Help your dog stay fit and healthy
Get a complete overview of how much exercise and rest they’re getting. Compare their activity to that of similar dogs. Set daily goals.
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
Read more:
