Adhd dog symptoms

Think Your Dog Has ADHD?

ADHD IN DOGS: OVERVIEW

1. Evaluate your dog carefully to determine if he is truly hyper-active, or just has a “normal” amount of high energy.

2. Seek veterinary assistance if he is truly hyperactive; you may need to use medication in conjunction with a positive behavior modification program.

3. Provide a structured environment and maximize his opportunities for exercise, training, and socialization. Feed your dog a good quality, low protein, non-allergenic, additive-free diet.

A disconcerting number of my clients preface the explanation of their dogs’ undesirable behaviors with the pronouncement, “He is really hyper!” The vast majority of the time, they have perfectly normal dogs. The explosion of apparently “hyper” dogs in our world can be traced to several factors:

• The popularity of breeds that are (when well-bred) genetically programmed to have enhanced environmental alertness, vigilance, and high activity levels. While high activity levels are distributed across all breeds (I am personally acquainted with a high-energy Basset Hound), they are especially prevalent in the sporting breeds (Labradors Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, etc.) and herding breeds (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, etc.).

• The puppy-milling and retail sale of those popular breeds that results in poorly bred, poorly socialized pups ending up in the hands of owners underprepared to care for and train them.

• Unreasonable expectations of dog behavior by owners who have a poor understanding of their dogs’ needs and behaviors, which results in…

• Lack of adequate exercise and socialization.

Dog ADHD: Overdiagnosed

That said, hyperactivity does exist in dogs. It is, however, greatly overdiagnosed. Hyperactivity, otherwise known as “hyperkinesis,” can be defined as dogs who display frenetic activity, abnormally short attention spans, and high impulsiveness. They can also demonstrate overbearing attention-seeking behavior. It is truly a canine form of Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder (ADHD). Like some children who are prescribed Ritalin or some other stimulant, it seems that some dogs who are truly hyperkinetic can benefit from the administration of stimulants to help them focus and pay attention.

What differentiates a normal, high-energy dog from one who has ADHD? 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. They are normal, active dogs who haven’t learned how to control their own behavior – but they can, if you show them how. In fact, owners are often amazed by the undivided attention their previously intractable canine companions will offer – as soon as we give the dogs a reason to focus; when we show them that focused attention makes good stuff happen. The truly hyperactive dog can’t focus even if she wants to; everything she encounters, regardless of how trivial or irrelevant, is given equal and minimal, active but fleeting interest.

Hyperactive dogs also tend to be especially sensitive to sudden environmental changes – overreacting to the presence of a strange person or animal, and apparently unable to adjust to the new stimulus. In addition, they seem to have an intolerance for boredom and an exaggerated need for novelty and variety. They don’t do well with repetitive tasks (such as basic obedience drills), but may excel in situations requiring creative solutions, such as the Border Collie who often must think for himself and make his own decisions about how to move the sheep.

Hyperactive dogs also are likely to get into everything (bored, looking for creative opportunity), can be destructive, and are often emotionally unstable. They can become almost unmanageable if physically restrained, and may exhibit uncontrollable rage-like aggression if frustrated.

Cause and Effects of Hyperactivity

Like so many other behaviors, hyperactivity is believed to result from a mix of genes and environment – nature versus nurture. Certainly, the high-energy breeds previously mentioned are more prone to develop true hyperactive behaviors, but a dog’s genes are just the canvas that his personality is painted on by life, training, and socialization experiences. Hyperactivity can be minimized or exacerbated from puppyhood on, depending on social and environmental factors.

Excitable dogs can often be identified early. They are frequently the puppies who continually bite at hands and fight any attempt to restrain or control them – not with just a mild struggle, but with violent resistance. An excitable puppy placed into a calm, structured environment, with an owner who provides adequate exercise, socialization, and training, has a good chance of growing up to be a well-behaved, albeit active, canine companion. In the wrong environment, this pup is a disaster.

Exposure to overly active and playful children can feed hyperactivity – just one of many reasons that interactions between children and dogs should be very closely supervised. Excitable children tend to do exactly the wrong things in response to an excitable puppy’s inappropriate behaviors – hitting back, restraining, running, or screaming – all of which are guaranteed to escalate the pup’s level of excitement. Even a pup with a moderate activity level can be induced into hyperactivity in the wrong environment.

As many trainers will testify, social isolation also makes a significant contribution to hyperactive behavior. We often encounter the conundrum of the owner who promises to bring Rex into the house as soon as Rex learns to be well-behaved, but Rex can’t learn to be well-behaved when he is experiencing the activity-increasing effects of social deprivation.

A 1961 study conducted by Waller and Fuller found that puppies raised in semi-isolation exhibited excessive social contact behavior when given limited access to other puppies. When kept with their litters, the number of social contacts reduced by 75 percent. One conclusion of this study is that dogs may possess a biological need for a certain minimum amount of daily social stimulation and activity, and if that need is not met, a dog compensates with excessive activity when placed in a social situation.

It is likely that the minimum amount of social stimulation needed varies from one dog to the next. When faced with a dog who has higher-than-anticipated social needs, some owners resort to routine isolation of the dog in order to deal with the unwanted behaviors. This results in inadequate attention, insufficient exercise, and excessive confinement, adding fuel to the fire and creating a vicious cycle. When the dog is released from his confinement his behavior is worse than ever, which results in more isolation, and further decline of behavior. His chances of ever becoming a housedog grow dimmer.

Some physiological conditions are believed to play a role in canine ADHD as well. In a study published in 1999 by Drs. Jean Dodds and Linda Aronson, in collaboration with Drs. Nicholas Dodman and Jean DeNapoli of Tufts University, 634 dogs were evaluated for thyroid dysfunction as it related to various behavior problems. Forty-two of those dogs were determined to be hyperactive; thirty-one percent of the hyperactive dogs (13) were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction.

Of 95 dogs in the study whose behavioral responses to thyroid therapy were evaluated, 81 dogs (85.3 percent) showed at least a 25 percent improvement in their behavior. Thirty-four of the dogs (35.6 percent) showed better than 75 percent improvement. Of 20 dogs treated with conventional methods and modification techniques over the same time period, only 11 (55 percent) improved by at least 25 percent.

Chronic lead poisoning is also a potential cause of hyperactivity in dogs. Two common sources are destructive chewing on old linoleum or on surfaces painted with lead-based paints.

There is also evidence to suggest that inadequate nutrition, especially early in life, may permanently affect activity levels throughout the remainder of a dog’s life. This means that the importance of proper nutrition during puppyhood cannot be overstated. Breeders must be sure that puppies in large litters or those born to mothers with insufficient milk receive adequate nutrition from other sources, and that the mother’s dietary intake can meet the demands of a nursing litter. It has been suggested that a diet high in protein, or containing elements to which a dog is allergic, may also contribute to hyperactive behavior.

Although the scientific jury is still out on the role that food additives and colorants play in hyperactive behavior, and, in fact, many studies have not found a direct correlation, a 1980 study did find a sharp decrease in hyperactive symptoms when dogs were put on a 28-day-additive free diet.

Working with “Normal” High-Energy Dogs

Say you determine that you have a high-energy dog, rather than a hyperactive one. That may be good news, but you still need to deal with your out-of-control canine. Here are some tips to help you turn your Wild Willy into a Gentle Bill:

Increase the Structure in Your Dog’s Environment

Teach him to “say please” (sit) to make good things happen. Have him sit for his dinner bowl. Have him sit for his leash to go for a walk. Have him sit to make the door to the backyard open. Have him sit to be petted, or get a cookie for coming back inside. (See “Why Force-Based Training Methods are Not Advocated,” August 2003.)

Exercise More with Your Dog

Whatever he gets now, give him more, and make it quality exercise. Tossing him out in the backyard is not quality exercise. Go out with him. Throw sticks, balls, play tug of war, get him to swim in the pond, take him to the dog park. And add structure to his exercise. Have him sit politely for you to throw the ball. Make sure he will “Give” you the tug toy when you ask him to. Have him sit before you open the gate into the park.

Increase Your Dog’s Socialization

If you’ve been leaving him outside because he’s too wild, grit your teeth and bring him in. Use leashes, tethers, crates, and baby gates as needed to preserve your sanity while integrating him into the family.

Step Up Your Dog’s Training

If you’ve already taken him to a basic training class, sign up for a Level 2. Or a tricks class, or agility – anything that will keep the two of you active and learning together. Keeping his brain occupied and busy is just as important as occupying his body.

Conduct a 10-Minute ADHD Test for Your Dog

How can you tell if you have a “normal” high-energy dog or one with ADHD? The proof is in the Ritalin. Your veterinarian can administer a low dose of an appropriate amphetamine after measuring your dog’s respiration, heart rate, and reaction to restraint. Some 30-120 minutes after the amphetamine is given, most hyperkinetic dogs will show a marked decrease in excitement and activity level as well as a measurable drop in respiration and heart rate, and greater acceptance of restraint. A normal-but-active dog will have the opposite response, with an increase in excitement, activity, heart rate, and respiration, and a decreased tolerance of restraint.

First, however, you might want to try an ADHD experiment at home. Make sure your high-energy dog hasn‘t eaten for at least four hours. Take him out for a good hard romp in a safely enclosed area to take the edge off – don’t run him into exhaustion. Then leash your dog, grab your clicker and a treat bag full of very high value treats, and take him to a place with minimal distractions (indoors) for some clicker-testing fun:

1. “Supercharge” your clicker, using a very high rate of reinforcement and tiny treats for 1 minute (30-60 treats per minute). Click the clicker; and then feed the dog a smidgen of chicken for each click. Click, treat. Click, treat. Your dog doesn’t have to do anything but focus on you; don’t ask for sit, down, stay, or any other behavior. If he tries to jump on you, turn away, but keep clicking and giving him treats. Be sure to deliver the treats at his nose level so he doesn’t have to jump up to get them. If he’s grabby, toss the treats on the floor in front of him.

2. After 1 minute, reduce the rate of reinforcement to 15-30 clicks/treats per minute. Start moving the treat over his head to lure a sit. If he does sit, briefly increase the rate of reinforcement for three to four clicks, then slow down again. Do this for 2 minutes.

3. For the next 2 minutes, continue at a reinforcement rate of 10-20 clicks/treats per minute, but now, if he sits, click the clicker but hold off delivering the treat for 2 seconds at ﬁrst, gradually increasing the delay of the treat‘s delivery for up to 4 or 5 seconds.

4. For 2 more minutes, click and treat on a variable/random schedule of reinforcement. That is, vary the number of seconds between clicks and treats, sometimes doing several click/treats rapidly in a row (remember to treat aftereach click) sometimes pausing for 1 second, or 5, or 3, or 7, between clicks. Try to keep it random; we humans are very good at falling into patterns!

5. Now, stop clicking for 30 seconds.

6. After 30 seconds, click the clicker only if he looks at you. If he keeps looking at you, keep clicking, using the random reinforcement schedule in Step 4. If he looks away, stop clicking. If he looks back at you or looks in your general direction, click again. Do this for 2% minutes.

Time’s up – the test is over!

If your dog was willing to play this game with you for the entire 10 minutes with only occasional minor attention lapses, you probably have a normal high-energy dog. It‘s time to increase his exercise, socialization, and training programs.

If, however, you lost your dog’s attention totally somewhere between Steps 2 and 4, there’s a good chance you really do have a hyperkinetic dog. Time to call your vet to schedule that amphetamine test, and while you’re there, have a full thyroid panel done as well as a blood test for lead poisoning. Remember that thyroid results within the clinically normal-but-low range can be a contributing factor to behavior problems.

The ADHD Difference

What do you do if you conclude that your dog has ADHD? In some cases, these dogs exhibit behaviors that are so intrinsically driven by organic causes that behavior modification and positive training alone can’t help.

Fortunately, a high percentage of ADHD dogs can be helped with the judicious use of stimulants in combination with a behavior modification program. Hyperactive dogs tend to be very responsive to positive reinforcement shaping procedures in conjunction with brief time-out periods.

Think back to the results of your 10-minute ADHD test. At what step did you start to lose your dog? If he was with you through Step 2 and you lost him at 3, you know that he does well with a continuous schedule of reinforcement at a fairly high rate.

Go back to the step where he did well (Step 2), and work toward Step 3, breaking your “gradually” into even smaller increments – perhaps a half-second rather than a full second – so you don’t lose him with too big a leap.

Keep your expectations low. Shape most of his behaviors in very tiny increments with a high rate of reinforcement. Keep your training session brief (five minutes, maximum), with a short time-out to calm him before you start another brief session.

Sample Task for ADHD Dogs

With many dogs, lure-shaping a down is a simple matter, accomplished in short order by moving the treat toward the floor and clicking the dog for following into a down position. We often have success in just three or four clicks, as we hold the treat at the dog’s nose and he focuses on it (click and treat), we move it halfway to the floor and he follows (click and treat), three-quarters of the way and his feet are sliding forward (click and treat), and he’s down (click and a jackpot of treats!).

In contrast, the hyperkinetic dog may require 20 or even 100 clicks, over several sessions, before you reach your final behavior goal. Teaching “Down” to this dog might require the following:

• The dog is sitting. You hold a treat in front of his nose and he focuses on it. Click and treat.

• He stays focused on the treat. Click and treat.

• Lower the treat a half-inch. His nose follows. Click and treat.

• He stays focused.

Click and treat.

• Lower the treat another half-inch. He follows. Click and treat.

• Lower another half-inch. He follows. Click and treat.

• He stays focused. Click and treat.

• Release him from the sit, tell him he’s a great dog, and both of you take a five-minute brain break.

• Start with the sit again. As soon as he focuses on the treat, click and treat.

• Lower the treat an inch. His nose follows. Click and treat.

• Lower the treat another inch. He follows. Click and treat.

• He stays focused. Click and treat.

• Lower the treat another inch. Click and treat.

• He stays focused. Click and treat.

• Lower the treat another inch. Click and treat.

• Take another brain break.

You get the idea: slow and steady. Anytime you increase the increment, say from 1 inch to 2 inches, make sure he stays with you. If you lose him between 1 and 2 inches, go from 1 inch to 1½ inches. Take frequent brain breaks, and don’t make your total session more than about 15 minutes. If you lose his attention a lot, you are expecting too much. Use smaller increments, a higher rate of reinforcement (click him often just for staying with the game), and more breaks.

You never know, with patience, in the right positive environment, your “hyper” pal may turn out to be a great agility, herding, tracking, or drug-sniffing dog!

Pat Miller, WDJ‘s Training Editor, is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, and president of the Board of Directors of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is also the author of The Power of Positive Dog Training, and Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog.

Can a Dog Have ADHD? Symptoms, Causes, Breeds & Treatment

A common complaint from new puppy parents is ‘my dog is so hyper – what can I do to help him calm down? Your new furry friend may be super active, have a very short attention span, and can’t seem to settle down no matter how many walks, runs, or hours of playtime they get.

This could simply be a sign of an active dog displaying normal playful behaviors OR it could signal a disorder that needs to be addressed for you all to live happily ever after. Animal experts may compare these behaviors to children who display signs of ADHD, otherwise known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But can dogs have ADHD?

The answer is more complex than you may think. While hyperactivity in dogs can be common, other ADHD-like behaviors may stem from a rare condition known as Hyperkinesis. Let’s break down the difference.

Is my dog just high energy? Or do they have Hyperkinesis?

It is not unusual for young puppies and certain dog breeds (think Border Collies, German Shepherds, Sheepdogs, etc.) to exhibit incredibly high activity levels. This in and of itself is not a cause for concern and could just be a sign that they are a normal, busy dog.

Before adopting a dog, it’s important to be realistic about how much energy and time you are able to commit to your potential new pet. Dogs require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy!

It takes time for puppies and newly adopted pet dogs to understand the rules of the household. They are curious and eager … sometimes a little bit too curious and eager! But as these adorable pups get older, they undergo physical and mental changes. You can expect to see a decrease in their excitable behavior, especially if they have been provided with a structured environment and training. If their behavior does not subside with age, it may be time to seek guidance from your vet to rule out any underlying behavioral or medical issues.

One possible culprit of this hyperactivity could be Hyperkinesis – it is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder where a dog responds excessively to environmental stimulus, in a way that is not in line with their age and stimulation level. Some of these symptoms may lead dog owners to wonder if their dog can have ADHD.

What dog breeds are prone to ADHD-like behavior?

Your dog’s age, breed, and gender can all be contributing factors for dogs who display ADHD-like behaviors. Certain breeds may show a particular disposition to these traits simply because of the physical nature of their breed.

Take Border Collies, Retrievers, Labs, Siberian Huskies, and Terriers for example. These busy dogs were originally bred to be working dogs who were traditionally very physically active and given ample opportunity to burn off excess energy. Ensuring your dog receives adequate mental and physical stimulation is important for their well-being and physical health. As the old saying goes, a tired dog is a happy dog!

Hyperactive tendencies were reported to be more common in male dogs and young dogs, particularly those who are left in social isolation and on their own for extended periods of time. Without enough attention from their people, dogs may act out of frustration and stress.

Other triggers for excitable dogs may be a result of living in a home with highly active and excitable individuals (often children fall into this category!). Young children may not know how to respond to a dog’s unexpected behavior and excitability, and their responses may in fact escalate and reinforce the dog’s impulsivity. Dogs pick up on their people’s energy, so do your best to remain calm and cool, and reward likewise behavior in your dog.

How can you tell if your dog has ADHD or Hyperkinesis?

So now that you know the difference between a high-energy, active pup and true Hyperkinesis, here’s a list of signs that can help you pinpoint where your dog’s behavior sits.

Common signs and/or causes of Hyperkinesis include:

Frenetic activity
Panting
Salivation
Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
Difficulty with training
Inability to acclimate to environmental stimuli

How does canine Hyperactivity in dogs differ from ADHD in humans?

ADHD in people is more commonly associated with young children and adults who may have trouble paying attention, and who experience hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. It can also impact a person’s ability to show self-discipline and can lead to the potential for perceived behavioral or social challenges, such as difficulty recognizing social cues. Just like a child, a puppy will need structure to thrive and develop into a happy, well-adjusted member of the family. New pet parents also need to develop training skills and confidence to lead their new dog. If a dog senses your anxiety, it may only reinforce their hyperactive behavior.

Diagnosing Hyperkinesis at your vet

Before jumping to conclusions about ADHD-like symptoms in dogs, ask yourself these questions:

Is my dog a typical high-energy breed?
Does my dog get sufficient exercise?
Does my dog get enough enrichment activities to challenge her mind?
Have I invested sufficient time to properly train my dog?
Is my dog responding accordingly to the stimulation of the given situation? Or is their response way out of proportion?

If your dog is well exercised and stimulated and the ADHD-like behavior persists, it may be a good time to have your vet assess the situation – after all, the only way to diagnose any condition with certainty is by visiting your vet. If your vet suspects Hyperkinesis, they will perform a test in their clinic that will involve the use of a stimulant. The vet will administer the stimulant and monitor your dog’s heart and respiratory rate as well as any changes in their behavior. If your dog has Hyperkinesis, the vet would be able to determine this based on their response to the stimulant.

Although ADHD-like symptoms are common, true Hyperkinesis is a very rare diagnosis.

What else could be at play? Recognizing Canine Compulsive Disorder

In recent years, veterinary professionals have also recognized a similar disorder known as Canine Compulsive Disorder or CCD. In humans, this condition is known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD.

CCD is a condition where a dog exhibits extreme repetitive tasks such as chasing their tail, sucking their flanks, spinning, or excessive barking. This may seem like common behavior for a young active dog and would potentially only be classified as CCD if it continues to a point where the animal cannot control or stop the repetitive behavior.

Certain breeds such as Dobermans, Bull Terriers, and German Shepherds have been shown to have a genetic link to this condition, but like ADHD, these symptoms could also be triggered by a lack of physical activity, anxiety, and frustration from their owner’s lack of attention.

This condition requires testing with your vet to confirm and may be treated with medication and behavior modification training. In addition to your regular vet – pet owners may also want to speak with a veterinary behaviorist for further direction on how to identify the compulsive activities and find ways to redirect these energies.

How do you treat a dog with Hyperactivity/Hyperkinesis?

There is no one size fits all solution for working with a hyperactive dog. Your vet will likely evaluate the situation based on a number of factors about your dog, and may make suggestions ranging from lifestyle adjustments to specialized training measures to potential medication options. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet if you suspect your dog has a medical or behavioral condition to confirm the diagnosis and get a treatment plan based on your dog’s unique needs.

Can dogs have ADHD medication?

When dealing with ADHD-like behaviors in your dog, medication is typically not the first step in the treatment process. Holistic changes in diet, environmental enrichment, exercise, and training can go a long way in addressing hyperactive behavior problems.

If your vet has diagnosed a true case of Hyperkinesis, medication may be part of your treatment plan. If prescribed, it should always be monitored as per the daily dosage provided by your vet and safely stored to prevent excessive intake that could lead to accidental pet poisoning. As with any medication, it’s important to keep bottles sealed and out of reach of your pet, especially if they have a nose for trouble!

Can dog training help with ADHD or Hyperkinesis?

Whether your dog truly has Hyperkinesis or is just an incredibly high-energy companion, here are some tips to improve their behavior and quality of life:

Create a routine – be available daily for structured walks and outdoor play
Increase training measures or get training with your dog – teach him to wait for his food or sit when you get the leash out prior to your walk
Reinforce good behaviors – like giving him a treat for coming when called or sitting when told to do so
Get out and exercise with your dog – throw the ball or sticks around, take him to the dog park and let him socialize with other dogs and play to get out that excess energy
Invest in an advanced training program – advanced training can teach both you and your dog the best way to monitor and respond to their hyperactive behavior
Don’t encourage excited behavior upon greeting – if you pet your dog while he is actively jumping up on you and acting hyper, he may see this as positive reinforcement or a reward. Best to ignore him upon entry until he calms down, and then address him with positivity when he does
Provide mental stimulation too – introduce toys and puzzles that encourage chewing and mental stimulation

What about their dietary needs?

Dogs thrive on routine so being fed at or around the same time daily is a good habit to adopt. A dog’s diet affects their total well-being and it’s best to choose good quality pet food that is balanced and low in additives and fillers. While some articles suggest modifying your dog’s diet as a natural treatment for ADHD, studies are inconclusive about how effective it may be. Whenever making changes to your pet’s diet, it’s good practice to consult with your vet for their expert advice.

Most of all – be patient & understanding

Our pets give us so much joy, but in return require attention, socialization, and love. For those pets that have special needs like hyperactivity or hyperkinesis, they will need you to pay a little bit of extra attention to their training, exercise, and comfort to help them to succeed in becoming a loving, happy member of your household. It is important to be committed to finding the time, patience, and creativity to address those needs. If you need help working through some of your pet’s behaviors, don’t be afraid to reach out to your vet for direction.

Are Hyperactive dogs more likely to escape?

Hyperactive dogs have an abundance of energy, and their impulsivity may lead to an elevated risk of escaping from your yard or enclosures. For this reason, make sure you register your pet’s microchip on our Customer Portal. For added care and support, you may choose one of our Pet Protection Membership Plans that best suits your needs. This coverage may be the difference between lost and found and provides pet parents with 24/7 lost pet protection.

Interested in learning more about dogs and their behavior? Check out these blog posts:

5 Ways to Step Up Your Dog Walking Game
Benefits of Training Your Pet
Pro Tips: How to Bond with Your Dog
How old is my dog?

Veterinarians found a human mental disorder in dogs

Dogs can suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Finnish veterinarians have found. The manifestations of the syndrome are not much different from human ones, and, like in humans, are also associated with obsessive-compulsive disorders and other mental problems. Scientists hope that further research will find a way to make life easier for these dogs, as well as provide an opportunity to use them as model animals for the study of ADHD.

Dogs, like people, are prone to mental disorders - depression, increased anxiety, neuroses, phobias. Some of them also display behaviors very similar to ADHD, Finnish veterinarians at the University of Helsinki have found. They told about this in an article in the journal Translational Psychiatry .

ADHD is a behavioral disorder that interferes with concentration, interferes with impulsive control, and leads to hyperactivity. It is present in 3-5% of people, diagnosed mainly in boys.

Researchers collected data on 10,000 dogs of various breeds by asking their owners questions based on ADHD symptoms in humans.

It turned out that hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are more common in young dogs and males. In humans, these symptoms are also observed mainly in children and men, the researchers note.

"Dogs have a lot in common with humans, including physiological characteristics and the same habitat," said Dr. Sini Sulkama, co-author of the study. In addition, ADHD-like behavior occurs in dogs.”

Other manifestations of ADHD in dogs included inability to calm down, inattention, and incessant barking or whining.

Dogs that were alone at home daily had more ADHD symptoms than dogs that spent more time with their owners or other animals.

“As social animals, dogs can become irritated and stressed when left alone, which can manifest as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Maybe dogs that spend more time alone don't get enough attention from their owners,” Sulkama said.

The frequency of symptoms also depended on the breed of the dog.

Breeds bred for work, such as the German Shepherd and the Border Collie, showed higher levels of ADHD-like behavior. Dogs popular as companions or as show breeds, such as the Chihuahua, Rough Collie, and Poodle, were calmer and less prone to impulsiveness.

Selective breeding has significantly influenced the specific behavior of various dog breeds, scientists explain. Differences between breeds may indicate the genes underlying the respective traits.

"Hyperactivity and impulsivity on the one hand, and good concentration on the other, are characteristic of working breeds," says Professor Hannes Lohey, lead author of the study. - On the contrary, a calmer disposition is considered an advantage of breeds popular as house or show dogs, which makes them good companions in everyday life. On the other hand, attention span is not considered as important a trait in these breeds as it is in working breeds, so inattention may be more common among domestic dogs.”

In addition, scientists have found a link between ADHD-like behavior in dogs and other mental problems such as obsessive-compulsive behavior, aggressiveness, and fearfulness.

In dogs, obsessive-compulsive behaviors include running after one's own tail, constantly licking surfaces or oneself, or staring into space. People with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, the authors emphasize.

The likelihood of ADHD-like behavior was also affected by whether the owner had a dog first or had dogs before. In the second case, the symptoms were more common. The reason for this is still unclear.

“People may choose a less active first dog that better fits the idea of a domestic dog, while more active and difficult to train dogs may attract the attention of a more experienced owner,” suggests Sulkama.

The results suggest that the same brain regions and neurobiological pathways regulate activity, impulsivity and attention span in both humans and dogs, the researchers conclude. Further study of these features will not only provide insight into how to deal with ADHD-prone dogs, but also provide an opportunity to use them as animal models for studying ADHD in humans.

ETU "LETI" scientists taught AI to detect the degree of hyperactivity in dogs from video

A machine learning model allows you to determine the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in dogs based on the analysis of their behavior recorded on video.

10/05/2021 1724

Researchers from St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" together with scientists from the University of Haifa (Israel) and the University of Newcastle (UK) have developed a machine learning model to determine the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in dogs based on the analysis of their behavior recorded on video.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental disorder that can manifest itself in humans and animals from an early age. Among the symptoms of the syndrome, depending on the degree of its severity, difficulties in concentrating attention, perceiving information, hyperactivity and poorly controlled impulsivity are usually distinguished. Although ADHD is now treatable and not considered a disease in many parts of the world, people and animals affected by the syndrome can be dangerous to themselves and others.

Previously, scientists from St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI", together with researchers from Israel, Great Britain and France, trained a neural network model to determine whether dogs have ADHD or not from video recordings. The new algorithm makes it possible to obtain a more accurate assessment of the condition of a sick animal. The research results are published in the scientific journal Animals.

“We came up with a new method for classifying hyperactive states in dogs based on video analysis. Now our machine learning model is can not only detect ADHD, but also determine the degree of its manifestation with high accuracy. This is important for more effective treatment of the disease ", - says the project manager, associate professor of the Department of Automation and Control Processes of St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" Dmitry Ilyich Kaplun .

Scientists used video recordings from veterinary clinics that recorded the activity of dogs with ADHD to train a neural network model. The experiments took place in a room specially marked out according to the coordinate system. Thanks to this, the trajectories of the movement of dogs in various situations were automatically lined up. Then, based on the collected statistics, artificial intelligence identified patterns and made a conclusion about the degree of hyperactivity of the animal.

“Our solution can be used in rapidly developing telemedicine, including veterinary medicine. And here the main task of the developed system is to help the doctor diagnose the degree of ADHD faster and more accurately. The accuracy of determining the severity of the syndrome with our model is about 81%.
Associate Professor of the Department of APU Dmitry Ilyich Kaplun

Now scientists are working to improve the accuracy of diagnosing ADHD conditions and the ability to detect its symptoms at an early stage.

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