WELLNESS AUTHOR
Aja Webber
WHAT’S THE HYPE? n Most puppies are hyper and constantly running
around, but there may be an underlying condition for some. Here are some things to know if you think your dog might have ADHD or OCD.
P
uppies and dogs all have different personalities, and some are naturally more hyper and quirky than others. It’s fairly normal for dogs to run around and play all day, but there are some behaviors that may signify your dog has an underlying mental condition. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are conditions that affect humans and usually require therapy and medication, but they can also occur in dogs. Things like tail chasing and pacing are common in dogs, but when these behaviors become obsessive, they could interfere with your pup’s quality of life. Before we dive into the signs to look for and treatment options for dogs with OCD and ADHD, we must first understand these disorders and why they occur in dogs.
MARCH 2022
Where do OCD and ADHD stem from?
Just like with humans, ADHD and OCD can stem from a variety of factors. While some might experience these conditions from birth, others develop symptoms over time. Because dogs can’t talk, it’s much harder to figure out why they develop these disorders, but studies have shown that environmental factors and genetics play a role. Krista Sirois is a veterinarian who specializes in behavioral and psychological disorders at PAZ
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