Yes, dogs can exhibit behaviors similar to ADHD, often referred to as canine ADHD or ADHD-like syndrome. Dogs with this condition may show symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, fearfulness, noise sensitivity, and poor social skills. This condition is sometimes called hyperkinesis in dogs and is more commonly observed in certain breeds like terriers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and others bred for work or high activity levels. Research indicates that canine ADHD-like behavior can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors such as breed predisposition, age (more common in young dogs), sex (more prevalent in males), exercise levels, time spent alone, and previous dog ownership by the caregiver. Although dogs cannot be diagnosed with ADHD exactly as humans are, validated questionnaires and behavioral observations are used to identify ADHD-like symptoms. Treatment may involve behavior modification, environmental enrichment, and sometimes medication to improve the quality of life for dogs and their owners. Thus, while dogs do not have ADHD in the formal clinical sense used in humans, they can show a comparable set of behaviors that are recognized as ADHD-like and require management accordingly.
