Many owners claim that their dogs are hyperactive. We often hear phrases like "my dog doesn't stop", "my dog never gets tired" or "my dog doesn't relax". If the same thing happens to you, you should know that this is not normal behavior and that it should be handled by a professional.
Although hyperexcitability is common in puppies, hyperactivity (whether physiological or pathological) is not normal behavior in adult dogs or puppies. This can be a warning sign to owners that something is wrong. In this article on our site we will talk about the hyperactive dog - causes, symptoms and treatment for this common (but undertreated) disease.
Types of hyperactivity in dogs
Before talking about the symptoms or the treatment that we should apply in cases of hyperactivity, it will be essential to understand that there are two types of hyperactivity in dogs:
- Physiological hyperactivity
- Pathological hyperactivity (hyperkinesis)
It is very important to be clear that physiological hyperactivity can be produced through learning (reinforcement of a behaviour/s) or well due to separation-related disorders, for example. However, hyperkinesis (due to pathological causes) is caused by an alteration of the dopamine pathways in the dog's brain, so veterinary treatment will be required. For this reason, hyperkinesis will not be solved with behavior guidelines that a canine educator can offer, we must go to a specialist.
Symptoms of hyperactivity in dogs
Because there are two types of hyperactivity, we will explain the symptoms separately for each of them, take note of both to know if your dog may be suffering from any of them, however, we will remember that the physiological is the most common.
Physiological hyperactivity
Below we will show you the most common symptoms in dogs, remember that you do not have to experience all the ones mentioned below:
- Destructive behavior in the presence and/or absence of the owner.
- During the game they are hyper-excitable and have no control, they can even inadvertently cause damage.
- Lack of inhibition of bite and other behaviors.
- Constant demands for attention towards the owner, including crying, whining, and howling or destructive behavior.
- Pervasive frustration (they fail to meet many of their goals, usually because the owner tries to prevent it).
- He responds excitably to any unusual stimulus for him.
- He usually has an alert attitude, but he can never concentrate. When given a command such as "sit down" he looks at the caller but fails to incorporate the movement, usually doing the opposite of what is commanded
- Brief, light sleep Starts at the slightest noise.
- He overreacts to the slightest change.
- Does not learn what he is taught due to his high level of stress, which is further aggravated by lack of sleep.
- He may not control his sphincters correctly, urinating anywhere, without a reason or reason in accordance with his canine habits, although this symptom does not always occur.
Pathological hyperactivity - Hyperkinesis
Now that you know the symptoms of physiological hyperactivity, it's time to compare them with the symptoms of pathological hyperactivity:
- Activity level too high.
- Inability to relax, which may affect the dog's normal sleep.
- Exaggerated response to different stimuli.
- Learning disability, again related to lack of sleep.
- Possible aggressive or reactive attitude to different stimuli.
- Occurrence of barking or related behaviors.
- Possible appearance of stereotypes (repetitive movements with no apparent purpose).
- Heart and respiratory rate increased.
- Excessive salivation.
- High energy metabolism.
- High body temperature.
- Reduced urination.
Causes of hyperactivity in dogs
The causes of hyperactivity are unique in each case, below we explain why it can occur:
Physiological hyperactivity
The beginning of this behavior is generally produced by learning The owners positively reinforce effusive attitudes in the dog, which begins to show them constantly, for example, running around the house, getting excited when someone rings the doorbell, or playing uncontrollably. Owners are not aware that they are reinforcing a negative attitude until it is too late. So, when the dog seeks attention from his family, they reject him, reinforcing the attention as well.
There are also various causes that can cause this behavior problem, such as the previously mentioned separation-related disorders. If we observe that our dog destroys or acts in this way when we leave home, we may have found the cause of the problem.
There can still be infinite reasons for hyperactivity in dogs, but don't forget that "hyperactivity" in puppies is something normal and that it is not a behavioral problem, however we can always work on relaxation or reward calm behaviors that we like.
Pathological hyperactivity - Hyperkinesis
Now that you know the causes of hyperactivity, it will be essential to understand what makes this behavioral problem pathological rather than physiological in origin:
Hyperkinesis is a rare disorder and occurs from an early stage, when the dog is still a puppy. It is mainly due to a alteration of the dopaminergic nerve pathways of the limbic system (between the midbrain and the frontal cortex). It can also affect serotonin and norepinephrine. Finally add that it can occur in dogs that have ingested lead, although it is rare.
Diagnosis of hyperactivity
Before starting a treatment, it is essential to ensure that our dog suffers from hyperactivity. It is highly advisable to first rule out hyperkinesis by performing a test with methylphenidate, a type of amphetamine. Before the application of this substance, the dog can react in an excitable way (in which case hyperkinesis is ruled out) or in a much calmer way (thus confirming that it is a pathological problem).
If the methylphenidate test is negative, we are probably facing a physiological problem, which generally affects dogs with these characteristics (although there may be exceptions):
- Young male dogs
- Dogs of active breeds (Dalmatians, terriers…)
- Lack of animal welfare
- Lack of environmental enrichment and mental stimulation
- Premature weaning, which implies a lack of learning
- Lack of social contact
Treatment of hyperactivity in dogs
Dogs suffering from hyperkinesis will need to receive a pharmaceutical treatment that allows your body to function normally. In a few days, a noticeable improvement in the dog's behavior will be observed.
However, if our dog suffers physiological hyperactivity you should follow some of the guidelines that we explain below. Of course, we do not recommend applying them yourself, but go to a professional who can evaluate your specific case.
Remember that in order to solve this behavior problem the whole family must collaborate to help the animal move forward because, otherwise, we will not achieve good results, but a return to the dog's hyperactive behavior:
- Totally eliminates positive punishment, that is, scolding, assaulting or yelling at him. A dog that is constantly under stress cannot recover, take this point very seriously if you want your dog to improve his behavior
- Avoid reinforcing arousal by ignoring excitable behaviors. Remember that it is not about "getting the dog away" if it demands attention, we must ignore it completely.
- On the other hand, we will reinforce the calm and relaxed behaviors that we observe in the dog, such as being calm in his bed or sunbathing on the terrace.
- Create a fixed routine of walks, for example, at 9:00, 15:00 and 21:00. Dogs need stability and the walking routine is essential for them to improve. We will also develop a meal routine, which will always be at the same times. This factor prevents anticipatory excitement (knowing something is happening).
- Practice basic obedience to stimulate your dog and achieve a better response, both outdoors and indoors.
- We will offer you quality walks, allowing you to sniff, interact with other dogs (whenever possible) or walk freely, without pulling on the leash.
- Improve the dog's environment so that it has more mobility or access.
- Offer him toys that promote calm and tranquility, like the kong, for example, although you can also provide him with bones to gnaw or toys interactive.
These are the basic guidelines that you can apply at home, however, and as we have explained, not all cases will succeed with these tips, so it is highly recommended to go to a professional figure for this, be it an ethologist, a canine educator or a trainer.
