Assisted Living: Dealing With Everyone's Emotions

Assisted Living: Dealing With Everyone's Emotions

Could Your Dog Have ADHD?

by Julia Gregory

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that's characterized by three main behavioral issues: attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Up to 11 percent of children between the ages of four and 17 have been diagnosed with it, and it's estimated that about four percent of adults have the disorder. Many pet owners joke that their dog might have ADHD, but is that possible?

The fact is that veterinarians do prescribe ADHD medications to dogs, including methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin, and the medications do improve the ADHD-like behavior of some dogs. The drugs haven't been approved by the FDA for use in pets, but it is legal for veterinarians to prescribe them for extra-label use. Giving your dog Ritalin may seem extreme; but if the dog's behavior issues are threatening its place in the home, it can be well worth it. Of course, medication is not the only option available for helping a pet that shows signs of ADHD.

High Energy vs. ADHD

Many dogs simply have high energy levels. Some breeds were selectively bred for high levels of alertness and energy, such as sporting breeds like the retrievers and herding breeds like border collies. Inadequate exercise and socialization can also create what appears to be a hyperactive dog.

A dog with signs of a canine form of ADHD:

- Displays frenetic activity. It's always go, go, go!

- Exhibits a high level of impulsive behavior.

- Has an abnormally short attention span even when treats are involved.

How to Tell if a Dog has ADHD

The Whole Dog Journal has published a fact sheet on how to conduct a 10-minute ADHD test on your dog. While a veterinarian can test an ADHD stimulant medication on your pet and observe whether it has a calming or stimulating response as one way to judge if the dog may have a canine form of ADHD, you can also do this at-home behavioral test. Essentially, you use a clicker and high-value treats to gauge your pet's attention span over the course of 10 minutes. If your dog, who hasn't eaten for at least four hours before the test, loses attention before the 10 minutes are up, he or she may have attention-deficit issues.

Other Causes of ADHD-like Symptoms

Thyroid problems and lead poisoning can also cause ADHD-like behavior in pets. It's a good idea to have your pet tested for thyroid imbalances and levels of lead in the blood to rule these out.

A 1971 study in puppies showed that dogs who don't receive enough social stimulation and exercise will overcompensate with hyperactivity when they're finally in a social setting. Unfortunately, this can often create a vicious cycle for the dog; the owner will limit the dog's social interactions further due to the dog's perceived bad behavior when in fact, what the dog needs is more social time, not less. Contact a company like All Pets Hospital Ltd for more information.


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About Me

Assisted Living: Dealing With Everyone's Emotions

The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.

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