What is a hyperactive dog? When they’re zooming across the house, do you wonder whether they have a behavior disorder or just high energy levels? This is an important distinction, as the latter is a matter of the dog’s natural temperament, while the former is a clinical condition that needs a veterinarian‘s help.
Let’s look at hyperactivity and what you can do about it.
Can Dogs Exhibit Hyperactive Behavior?
When people say “hyperactive dogs,” what do they mean? A dog with a condition that needs medical attention or a dog breed that’s naturally physically active? Hyperactivity in dogs is a complicated issue. Dogs often exhibit an uncontrolled frenzy of jumping, wagging, wiggling, zooming mess. But it’s not necessarily a disorder. Dogs can experience emotional disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Clinical hyperactivity in dogs does exist, but it’s rare.
Unfortunately, some pet parents immediately equate high-energy behavior with disorder and want to change the dog’s very nature. For example, someone in our program had a high-energy dog bred for sports and performance. Unfortunately, the parents had her on two sedatives because they wanted a couch potato.
The Main Dog Hyperactivity Symptoms
A clinically hyperactive dog overreacts to usual smells, sights, and sounds. They cannot fully rest, even in a quiet, comfortable, familiar environment, so they remain agitated and maintain high heart rates.
Any drop of a pin will have this dog up and looking around, bouncing all over the place. The dog can’t pay attention or focus enough to learn. They behave in a disruptive manner.
Hyperactivity in dogs will show up as some of the following symptoms in excess:
- High energy;
- Inability to keep still;
- Short attention span;
- Constant attention-seeking;
- Impulsiveness;
- Aggression;
- Lack of socialization.
A truly hyperactive dog needs help from your veterinarian. They will examine the dog, provide a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan, possibly including medication.
What Causes Hyperactivity in Dogs?
Does a Dog’s Breed Matter?
It’s essential to choose a dog that will be compatible with your lifestyle. So, is a high-energy dog right for you?
High-energy dog breeds were bred to work—herding, policing, guarding, rescuing, racing, hunting, and pulling sleds. There are seemingly endless lists of high-energy dogs, so here are a few active breeds:
- Belgian Malinois;
- Border Collie;
- Dalmatian;
- German and Australian Shepherds;
- Jack Russell Terriers;
- Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, and Setters;
- Siberian Husky;
- Weimaraner.
Young Dogs
Puppies and young dogs have lots of energy to bounce around, play, and get into all kinds of mischief. They have a lot to learn and a lot to get excited about. This is when training in manners and acceptable behavior should begin. Otherwise, you can constantly expect an uncontrolled bundle of high-energy fur in your face.
Lack of Physical Exercise
All dogs need physical exercise. Unless they are ill, injured, or elderly, they need opportunities for physical activity throughout the day. This is particularly true for high-energy breeds. As natural predators, their prey drive involves running and chasing. Lack of physical activity will frustrate the dog, and unspent energy will build up. Hyperactivity in dogs often begins here.
Lack of Mental Stimulation
High-energy dog breeds also need mental challenges. If there is nothing to explore or figure out and no one to interact with, the dog will become bored, and all that energy will build until it explodes at the first opportunity.
Social and Environmental Factors
As with humans, a dog’s behavior, including hyperactivity, is heavily influenced by environmental factors. In an ideal environment, dogs’ basic needs are consistently met, which produces the best behavior. Environmental variables of significant influence include safety, food availability, shelter, places to explore and exercise, social interaction with people and other dogs, and mental stimulation. The dog is a member of your pack, with you as the clear leader, and they know what you expect of them. If any of these environmental variables are missing or inconsistent, there is a higher chance of behavioral problems as the dog tries to cope with the uncertainty.
Is Your Dog’s Diet to Blame?
Your dog’s food has a significant effect on their behavior. If their nutritional needs are not met, the body will have a hard time supporting good health and behavior. Inexpensive dog food lacks enough protein and is full of cheap carbohydrates, fillers, coloring, and sugar, which may be associated with hyperactivity in dogs.
Can Dogs Become Hyperactive after Neutering or Spaying?
The spay/neuter procedure can trigger hyperactivity in dogs. For example, the dog may become hyperactive when coming out of the anesthesia or due to pain or hormone changes. Also, the dog’s activity levels need to be lowered during the recovery time.
Curbing Your Dog’s Hyperactive Behavior
Help Your Dog Get Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Dogs are built to move! High-energy dogs need frequent walks and time to run and play with you or other dogs. Activities such as agility courses, swimming, chasing and fetching, tug of war, and jogging with you work well. If needed, consider a dog walker or daycare.
Frequent physical exercise also provides mental stimulation. There are things to sniff and learn about other dogs nearby. Toys and games provide obstacles to overcome and little problems to solve. Games that engage the nose to find hidden objects, treats, or people are great fun.
Introduce Your Dog to Healthier Foods
The best dog food is similar to what their body is designed to eat and digest. The primary element should be protein, preferably raw meat. There should also be a small number of vegetables and minimal carbohydrates.
Volhard Dog Nutrition offers a high-quality, dehydrated version of the natural food elements your dog needs. Our Natural Diet Foundation is simply mixed with raw meat and water for a balanced diet.
Introduce Training Sessions
Training sessions are a great way to use that energy, socialize your dog, and give them the skills to calm and control themselves. It is also mentally stimulating to learn new things. Training sessions will not unnaturally suppress your dog’s high energy. Instead, they will redirect it to more appropriate and socially acceptable behaviors. Your dog will know what you expect of them.
Reward Your Dog’s Behavior
Along with training, it is always important to reward your dog when they obey your commands to calm down or put themselves into a relaxed state. They will learn to save that energy for exercise and playtime.
A Parting Reminder
Hyperactivity in dogs may be an uncontrolled high energy level or a clinical disorder, although the latter is rare. In that case, get your dog to the veterinarian for the help they need.
You can also help your dog by giving them plenty of physical and mental activity and providing behavioral training. In addition, give them a high-quality diet to support their mental and physical health.
And before you even get a dog, think about your lifestyle and the kind of dog that will fit in. Your furry family member will thank you!