This topic is undoubtedly very interesting and we can find very different opinions about it. It generates great debates between veterinarians and breeders when it comes to defining it and, for the owners, it is not completely clear.
In this article on our site we want to answer the most frequently asked question: Can a dog be autistic? Surely we will be questioned later, since that there are no great definitions in this regard but we will give the main ideas that are most proven.
Scientific studies on autism in dogs
There is a great debate about autism in dogs as we do not have conclusive results that can shed any light on the matter. Some studies suggest that the mirror neurons, found in the brains of dogs, could be the cause of the disease. It would be congenitally affected neurons, so the dog could be born with this condition but not acquire it in life. As it is such a rare condition, many veterinarians prefer to refer to it as a dysfunctional behavior
There are other authors who speak of idiopathic disease, of unknown cause, so it is very difficult to know where the problem comes from.
Finally, and to further confuse, it is said that it can be inherited from a relative who has been exposed to numerous toxins by a determined time. This may be due to unnecessary or large amounts of vaccinations and reinforces the theory that overvaccinating a dog can not only harm the animal in question, but also its descendants for years.
Sources: Dr. Nicholas Dodman for the "International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants" Conference, 2011.
Signs of Autism
Identifying a dog as autistic can be a great challenge, especially considering that it can be questioned by other veterinarians. However, we have a series of signs, especially behavioral, that can be linked to the disease. They are behavioral disorders, including actions that may be obsessive and/or compulsive.
Normally they are associated with behaviors related to human autism but let's differentiate them to understand them better. There are some disorders, such as the autistic spectrum, which is speech difficulty, that we will not find in animals.
The canine compulsive disorder, is very present in breeds such as German Shepherds and Dobermans, they are repetitive behaviors or stereotyped behaviors, such as chasing each other the tail, biting or licking certain parts of the body in an obsessive and repetitive way that, over time, become more and more intense and lasting.
The owner must be attentive to the evolution of these disorders, if they increase over the years or if they cause injuries to their dog, for example, mutilating their tail. He may also have bad interaction with other dogs (being too clumsy or having a lack of knowledge about social interaction) and even no interaction at all. This feeling of discomfort can be with other animals of the same or different species or even with their owners. It is not a trait that leads us directly to autism, but yes, it is a wake-up call for humans who live with the animal.
Also, in more marked cases, we can observe an animal that remains standing in one place, without any emotion. It is easier to detect in breeds that are normally very active and, in these cases, spend very long periods of time standing with a blank stare.
What I can do?
As we explained at the beginning of the article, it cannot be determined if autism really exists in dogs, which is why there is no treatment. However, owners who observe these behaviors in their dog, go to the veterinary or ethologist to try to find the cause that is causing this deviation in the dog's behavior.
There are various therapies, exercises or games that you can practice with your dog to delay the progress of this condition. They are animals that find it difficult to express their emotions, so they will need all the compassion and love of their owners, as well as the patience necessary to understand that it is a long process.
Another piece of advice we can offer is to try to maintain a very strict routine of walks, food and even playtime. The changes must be minimal, since what is most difficult for these dogs is adaptation. A marked routine will make you feel more secure since you know your environment and your family. Maintaining routines is very important.
Evidently we will withdraw any type of punishment, since it inhibits the dog's natural and exploratory behavior, which worsens its condition and we will allow it act freely (or as much as possible) both on walks and at home, allowing him to sniff, snoop and communicate with us if he wishes, but never forcing him into an interaction.
To improve sniffing we can do exercises such as searching, very popular in shelters and kennels, targeting and even offering motivating toys (with sound, with food, etc.).
But don't forget that in order to overcome the problem that is affecting your dog, the important thing will be to go to the specialist, because without therapy you won't there will be an improvement in their behavior.
