Introduction
If your dog has ever seemed unable to sit still—bolting after squirrels, forgetting commands, or barking at everything—you’re not alone. Many owners wonder if their pets might have something like “ADHD.” Now, new research shows that some dogs really do struggle with attention and hyperactivity, and there’s a way to spot it.
This article will help you understand the signs of canine ADHD-like behavior, what it means for your dog, and the first steps you can take at home to support them.
Research Background
Researchers wanted to know: Can dogs have their own version of ADHD? And if so, how can owners and vets tell which dogs need extra help? Just like in people, attention and hyperactivity issues can cause real challenges for some dogs—and their families.
Study Details
Here’s how the study worked:
- Surveyed 1,872 dog owners from a wide range of breeds and backgrounds.
- Used detailed questionnaires about dogs’ behavior at home and in other settings.
- Developed a new two-part rating scale: one for “inattention,” and one for “hyperactivity/impulsivity.”
- Checked if symptoms were consistent in different places (like home and outdoors).
Key Findings
Primary Results
About 6.2% of dogs scored in the severe range for inattention or hyperactivity—so while most dogs aren’t affected, a small group really struggles (study). Even more specifically, 4.2% of dogs were identified as “at-risk” for ADHD-like impairment, meaning their attention and activity levels were so extreme, it caused problems in everyday life.
Imagine your dog is like Max, a 3-year-old border collie who just can’t settle down. No matter how much exercise he gets, he’s always jumping, barking, and never seems to hear you calling his name. According to the new scale, Max’s behavior would stand out as a candidate for extra support.
Secondary Findings
The study also found that these attention and hyperactivity problems don’t just show up in one situation. Dogs with severe symptoms tend to act the same way in different settings—at home, in the yard, or on walks. This pattern helps vets and trainers know which dogs might need more than just basic obedience training.
A few caveats: The research relied on owner reports, so it’s possible some behaviors were over- or under-reported. And while the rating scale is promising, it hasn’t been tested over time or linked to brain changes yet.
Implications for Pet Owners
What This Means for You
If your dog’s super-high energy and distractibility are making daily life tough, this research shows you’re not imagining things. You can use these insights to spot patterns in your dog’s behavior, track them over time, and decide whether more help is needed.
Let’s say you notice your dog, Luna, ignores your calls, jumps on guests, and can’t focus during training—whether at home or at the park. By keeping notes (even just on your phone), you can start to see if these behaviors are consistent and severe. Most dogs will have a wild day now and then, but if it’s happening every day, your dog may be in that “at-risk” 4%.
What to expect: After you try tracking symptoms and adding some basic changes (see checklist below), you should see some improvement within 2–3 weeks. If things don’t get better, it may be time to ask your vet about a behavior consult.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
If your dog’s hyperactivity or inattention is causing safety issues—like darting into roads, knocking people over, or not responding to recall—or if you see sudden changes in behavior, reach out to your veterinarian. They can help rule out medical causes (like thyroid problems or pain) and suggest tailored behavior plans.
Vet tip: Never punish a dog for being distracted or overactive. Instead, reward calm moments and use positive training. Sudden punishments can make anxiety and impulsivity worse.
Study Limitations
It’s important to know this tool is new and based mostly on owner reports. The researchers haven’t followed dogs long-term, and they haven’t linked the symptoms to brain changes, so we’re still learning. For now, think of the rating scale as a helpful guide—not a final diagnosis.
Bottom Line
A small percentage of dogs really do show ADHD-like behaviors, and a new rating scale can help you notice if your dog is at risk. With a little tracking and some positive changes, you can make life easier for both you and your energetic pup. If you’re worried, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice—you’re your dog’s best advocate!
Quick Action Checklist
- Track your dog’s behaviors: Note when and where your dog seems most distracted or hyperactive (use a phone app or notebook).
- Try short, focused training sessions: Aim for 5–10 minutes, 3–4 times a week. For best results, use high-value treats such as chicken jerky for dogs to reward attention and progress.
- Increase exercise: Add an extra walk or play session (15–30 minutes, 1–2 miles or 1.5–3 km). Feeding a high-quality, energy-supporting diet like Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Dry Dog Food can help sustain your dog’s focus and stamina during activity.
- Reward calm and focused moments: Use treats or praise when your dog settles or pays attention.
- Limit overstimulation: Create a quiet space for your dog to relax away from noise and activity. A balanced, natural diet such as Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food may help support calm, consistent energy.
- Consult your veterinarian if safety or severe disruption occurs: Especially if you notice sudden changes.
Recommended Products
Based on the research findings discussed in this article, we’ve carefully selected these top-rated products to help you implement positive strategies for dogs with ADHD-like behaviors. These products are chosen for their quality, customer satisfaction, and alignment with the scientific evidence presented.
Dog Treats, Chicken Jerky for Dogs, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breast
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
DIAMOND NATURALS Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon
Evanger's Organics Turkey with Potato & Carrots Dinner for Dogs
Disclosure: We only recommend research-based products that support your pet’s health. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you—helping us fund our mission to provide cutting-edge research to all pet lovers.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.
You have the power to help your dog thrive—even the super-energetic ones!
