Hyperactive Dog - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 4 August 2021
Update Date: 15 December 2024
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The Hyperactive Dog - Symptoms of Hyperactivity In Dogs
Video: The Hyperactive Dog - Symptoms of Hyperactivity In Dogs

Content

Many dog ​​handlers claim to be sure they are hyperactive. We often hear phrases such as "my dog ​​is never quiet", "my dog ​​is very agitated", "my dog ​​doesn't get tired". If you are going through the same thing, be aware that this it's not normal behavior and that must be handled by a professional!

Although hyperexcitability is common in puppies, hyperactivity (whether physiological or pathological) is not normal behavior in either adult puppies or puppies. This could be a sign that something is not right with the dog. In this article by PeritoAnimal we will talk about the hyperactive dog - symptoms, causes and treatment, for this common (but little talked about) problem.


Types of Hyperactivity in Dogs

Before we talk about the clinical signs and the treatment that we should apply in cases of hyperactivity, it is essential to understand that there are two types of hyperactivity in dogs:

  • Physiological Hyperactivity
  • pathological hyperactivity

It is very important to be clear that the physiological hyperactivity it can be learned by reinforcing a certain behavior. Another possibility is due to separation-related disorders, for example. On the other hand, the pathological hyperactivity, is caused by a change in dopamine in the brain and requires veterinary treatment. In this case, a canine educator will not be able to solve the problem, he must go to a specialist veterinarian.

Hyperactive Dog - Symptoms

As there are two different types of hyperactivity, we will explain the signs associated with each of them. Read carefully to try to understand if your dog is suffering from any of them (remember that the most common is physiological).


Physiological Hyperactivity

These are some of the most common signs in puppies, but the puppy with this problem does not always have all these signs:

  • Destructive behavior in the presence and/or absence of the tutor.
  • In moments of play, the dog is hyper-excited and sometimes loses control, and can even hurt unintentionally.
  • Lack inhibition of bite and other behaviors.
  • Dog constantly drawing attention of the tutor, crying, howling and destroying things.
  • Pervasive frustration (they don't meet their goals, usually because the tutors don't allow it).
  • They respond very excitedly to any new stimulus.
  • Usually have an alert attitude, but never manage to concentrate. When you order something like "sit", the dog hears what you said and looks at you but doesn't make the move, and may even do the opposite of what you asked.
  • light and short sleep with startles at the slightest noise.
  • don't learn what you teach him, due to the high level of stress, which is aggravated by lack of sleep.
  • May not properly control the sphincters, urinating anywhere without a reason or reason.

pathological hyperactivity

Now that you know some of the possible symptoms of physiological hyperactivity, it's time to compare them with the symptoms of pathological hyperactivity:


  • Activity level too high.
  • Inability to relax, which can affect the dog's normal sleep.
  • Exaggerated response to different stimuli.
  • Difficulty in learning, related to lack of sleep.
  • Possible aggressive or reactive behavior to different stimuli.
  • Barking or related behavior.
  • Possible stereotypies (repetitive movements without an apparent reason).
  • Elevated heart rate and respiratory rate.
  • excessive salivation.
  • High energy metabolism.
  • High body temperature.
  • Reduced urination.

Causes of Hyperactivity in Dogs

The causes of hyperactivity are specific and different in each case. We explain why this problem arises:

Physiological hyperactivity

The beginning of this behavior usually appears. by learning. The tutors positively reinforce certain effusiveness attitudes and the dog starts performing these behaviors more frequently. Examples are running around the house, barking when someone rings the doorbell, and playing wildly. Tutors are not aware that they are reinforcing a negative attitude until it is too late. When the dog is seeking attention from the family and the family pushes it away, it also reinforces the attention.

There are different causes for this behavior, such as the problems related to separation mentioned earlier. If you see the dog destroying things or behaving this way when you're not home, separation anxiety could be the cause.

There can be numerous reasons that give rise to hyperactivity in dogs. Don't forget that hyperactivity in puppies is normal and not a behavioral problem. However, you can always work on your relationship with your puppy, rewarding quiet behaviors that please you.

The pathological hyperactivity

Now that you know the causes that cause hyperactivity, it will be essential to understand what causes this behavioral problem to have a pathological rather than a physiological origin:

Pathological hyperactivity is an infrequent problem that occurs at an early age, when the dog is still a puppy. It is mainly caused by a alteration of dopaminergic pathways limbic system (between the frontal cortex and the midbrain). It can also affect the production of serotonin and norepinephrine. Although rare, it can also happen to dogs that ingest lead.

Hyperactivity diagnosis

Before starting a treatment, it is necessary to make sure that our dog suffers from hyperactivity. The veterinarian will probably rule out physiological hyperactivity using a methylphenidate test, a type of amphetamine. The administration of this substance can result in a very excited reaction from the dog (which rules out the pathological problem) or in a much calmer way (confirming that it is a pathological problem).

If the test is negative, we are probably facing a physiological problem, which generally affects dogs that have these characteristics (although there may be exceptions):

  • young male dogs
  • Dogs from more active breeds (Dalmatians, terriers...)
  • lack of animal welfare
  • Lack of environmental enrichment and mental stimulation
  • Premature weaning, which can lead to learning problems
  • Lack of social contact

Canine Hyperactivity Treatment

Dogs that suffer from pathological hyperactivity need to receive a pharmacological treatment that allows their bodies to function naturally. Within a few days a remarkable improvement in behavior can be observed.

If your dog suffers from physiological hyperactivity you should follow some of the directions we suggest. We do not recommend that you do it on your own, but that you resort to a professional, such as an ethologist (veterinarian specializing in animal behavior) to evaluate the case of your dog in particular and define the most suitable treatment for him.

We remind you that, to solve this problem of behavior, all the family at home must collaborate and help the animal. If there is no harmony and agreement between everyone, it is much more difficult to obtain good results and the dog's hyperactive behavior will persist:

  • Completely eliminate punishment, that is, scolding, assaulting or yelling at the dog. An animal suffering from stress has a hard time recovering. Take this point very seriously if you want your dog to improve his behavior.
  • Avoid reinforcing excitement ignoring excitable behaviors. Remember that it's not about "moving the dog away" if he asks us for attention. We must ignore him completely.
  • On the other hand, you should reinforce the calm, relaxed behaviors you observe in your dog. For example, reinforce when he is quiet in his bed or sunbathing on the terrace.
  • make a routine fixed tours, for example, at 9:00 am, 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Puppies need stability and routine walks are essential for them to improve. You should also work out a routine for meals, always at the same times. This factor prevents anticipatory excitement.
  • Basic obedience practice to stimulate your puppy and achieve a better response, both on the street and at home.
  • You must ensure that the pet has quality walks, allowing it to sniff, bond with other dogs, or walk freely (if you have a safe zone where it is allowed).
  • Improve the environment around the dog so he has more mobility or access to what he needs.
  • Offer the dog toys that promote calm and tranquility (such as kong or interactive toys).
  • Do exercises that allow him to expend excess energy.

These are the basic rules you can apply at home. Despite this, as explained above, not all cases will be resolved with this advice and, for this reason, it is essential to resort to a professional, an ethologist, a dog educator or a trainer.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.