Hyperactive, over-excited and jumping up and down. Dogs going crazy can be quite cute and funny to look at! But, if your hyper puppy leaves you exhausted every single day,  you might not see the fun anymore. Here are a few tips to calm your crazy friend.

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Causes of hyperactivity in dogs

There might be more reasons why dogs are hyperactive, such as biological factors like ADHS. The syndrome refers to a dysfunction of dopamine, where your dog never learned to relax. These dogs will develop a missing impulse control and some situations will favor a hyperactive behaviour, such as:

  • issues in behaviour
  • nutritional issues
  • not enough exercise

In general, there is no need to worry. An energetic dog is completely normal. Most dogs have a lot of steam to burn off and, therefore, they need daily activity. If your dog is bouncing off the walls it might just be a sign of happiness, excitement or maybe boredom and a lack of stimulation.

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In some cases, the energy reaches a this-drives-me-crazy-level which leaves many dog owners  frustrated and exhausted. Here we have a few simple techniques you can try at home to calm your hyperactive dog.

Hyperactive dog: does diet play a major role?

While a dog doesn’t necessarily become hyperactive due to diet reasons only, a certain type of diet or certain foods can play a role on your dog’s activity level. The chemical substances dopamine is decomposed in phenylalanine. Therefore, try to avoid feeding your dog too much chicken, turkey or wild meat, since these contain high amounts of phenylalanine.

Consider a phenylalanine-poor diet for your furry friend. Go for sheep, lamb or hot pork meat instead.

Can I treat my hyperactive dog with medicines?

Unfortunately, there are no medicines for handling ADHS. Should your dog suffer from this syndrome, there still are small help guidelines that you can use. Start with little things and incorporate them in your daily relationship with your dog. For example, try to avoid yelling to your dog, since this will make him even more agitated. As much as depending on you, show your dog a positive and calm behaviour and he will more than often try to imitate you.

What to do if your dog is hyperactive

  • Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise. Take daily walks with your pup and/or play outside to get him physically active as often as possible.
  • Mental stimulation can also keep your dog calm. Use puzzles, treat-release toys or outdoor activities that appeal to your dog’s natural instincts.
  • Try to give your dog a job. By giving your dog a job to do, you are removing his hyperactive behavior and are redirecting his energy elsewhere. Having a task to focus on can be a tremendous help.
  • Feed your dog a balanced diet. Food sensitivity can contribute to restless, hyperkinetic behavior. If you don’t know which food is best for your pet, it’s a great idea to ask the opinion of your vet!
  • Is your dog completely out of control? Then enroll your pup in an obedience class that helps your dog focus.
  • Neutering your dog may cause them to be less hyperactive

Have you already tried the above listed techniques? Do you still have an hyperactive dog who is out of control? Then it would be wise to make an appointment with your vet. It’s important to investigate potential underlying physical or emotional causes for your dog’s unwanted behavior.

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