Around 25% of children are diagnosed with ADHD. The disorder can cause stress for both these children and their parents.
You might be surprised to know that dogs can suffer from ADHD as well. The challenges may not be the same as having a child with ADHD, but they can be very similar.
The good news is that dog owners can manage ADHD symptoms by taking the proper steps. They should be aware of the signs that their dog may be struggling with ADHD and know what measures they can take.
Can Dogs Be Diagnosed With ADHD?
A growing body of research indicates that dogs are capable of developing ADHD. In fact, this condition may be almost as common in dogs as in people.
According to the American Kennel Club, between 12% and 15% of dogs suffer from ADHD. The problem is that dogs don't get the same benefit of the doubt as people with this uncomfortable mental health disorder. When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, their pediatricians, mental health professionals, and educators collaborate to develop a treatment plan and experiment with medication that may be beneficial. Dogs aren't given the same level of empathy because most people don't recognize that they can develop the condition. People that have dogs with ADHD often consider them to be disobedient, rather than seeing how they can help.
People worried their dog may have ADHD should look for the following symptoms.
Unusually High Energy Levels
One of the most obvious signs that a dog has ADHD is that it is very hyperactive. Of course, ruling out other possible explanations for hyperactivity is important. For example, some dogs may appear to have excessive energy levels because they don't exercise enough or are given food that is too rich in glucose. Therefore, it is essential first to identify any lifestyle factors that may explain the dog's hyperactivity before concluding that it has ADHD. If there aren't any other potential explanations, then there is a strong possibility that the dog has this diagnosis.
Excessive Panting And Salivation
Dogs suffering from ADHD may also pant and salivate a lot more frequently. One reason they are more likely to paint, and drool is that they are more physically active than dogs without ADHD and need to cool their body down after engaging in a lot of rigorous exercise. They may also have greater anxiety symptoms and salivate to cope.
Fast Heart Rate
Hyperactivity is also associated with a higher heart rate. You can quickly feel your dog's heart rate by touching the rib cage. Of course, you want to try measuring its heart rate while it is resting, since all dogs will have a higher heart rate after running.
Unable To Focus On Training Or Follow Commands
One of the biggest reasons people are frustrated when their dogs have ADHD is that they will have difficulty learning new commands or following instructions. These dogs often get written off as being disobedient or unintelligent. However, they might learn to follow orders perfectly fine if their ADHD was treated.
Difficulty Adjusting To Their Environment
Dogs with ADHD may be less responsive to changes in their environment. For example, they may have a harder time keeping their enthusiasm in check when they go outside and are exposed to lots of new smells and sights. They may also become more agitated when new guests and other dogs are around.
Fidgeting Even When Resting
As stated above, dogs with ADHD are going to be more energetic and probably will exercise more. However, their high energy levels will also cause discomfort while they are trying to rest. They will probably fidget a lot while lying down and may have a hard time sleeping for extended periods.
Impulsiveness
Dogs with ADHD may be more likely to engage in impulsive, risky behavior. This can include biting, running away from their owners when going for a walk outside, tearing at the couch, or fighting with other dogs.
What Steps Can Dog Owners Take To Manage ADHD Symptoms?
ADHD can create a lot of issues for both dogs and their owners. Fortunately, there are a variety of things that pet owners can do to make the condition more manageable. Some of the steps include:
- Make sure the dog gets more exercise.
- Switch to dog food with less sugar.
- See if their vet can prescribe medication to counteract their ADHD symptoms.
- Try new supplements that can help reduce their hyperactivity.
Pet owners can do many things to alleviate the severity of ADHD.
What Are The Best Supplements For Dogs With ADHD?
A number of supplements have an excellent track record for helping dogs manage ADHD and other anxiety symptoms. Some of the best are listed below.
Pupper Canine Calming Soft Chew
Pupper Canine Calming Soft Chews are natural supplements designed to help dogs struggling with ADHD and other conditions that cause anxiety. This supplement is made with entirely natural ingredients, including l-theanine, magnesium citrate, chamomile, ashwagandha, lemon balm, passion flower, tryptophan, valerian root, melatonin and ascorbic acid. In addition to helping dogs struggling with ADHD, it can help those dealing with anxiety caused by separation anxiety, loud noises and difficulty acclimating to new environments.
This product is one of the most affordable anxiety supplements for dogs on the market. However, dog owners can still save 20% by subscribing to shipments. The product is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee on all unopened products.
Finn Calming Aid
Finn Calming Aid Is an excellent supplement to help dogs relax. Many dog owners use it to treat anxiety, ADHD, and various other mental health issues their dogs struggle with.
The primary ingredient in this supplement is chamomile. It also contains valerian root extract, CBD, and passion flower. Research has shown that these ingredients help induce relaxation in humans and appear to have the same effect on dogs.
In addition to its strong calming properties, this supplement is delicious tasting. It has a strong bacon flavor, so almost every dog will happily eat it. This is an essential benefit for people that own dogs that are reluctant to take traditional medication.
Zesty Paws Calming Bites Peanut Butter Flavored Soft Chews Calming Supplement For Dogs
Zesty Paws Calming Bites Peanut Butter Flavored Soft Chews Calming Supplement for Dogs is an excellent line of supplements made with l-theanine, hemp seed, chamomile, Ashwagandha and two patented ingredients to promote relaxation. Customers can order them in either turkey or peanut butter flavors.
Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews For Dogs
Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews for Dogs is another anti-anxiety supplement that is made with chamomile, valerian root extract, and passion flower. It also has a slight trace of CBD oil, which can further induce relaxation.
This supplement comes with a delectable bacon flavor, which most dogs will love. Therefore, their owners won't have any difficulty getting them to consume them.
Advanced Calming Support Chews By Innovet
Advanced Calming Support Chews by Innovet is a line of entirely organic chew supplements formulated to help dogs struggling with anxiety issues, including ADHD. These supplements are made with ten natural ingredients, including organic hemp, ashwagandha, chamomile, and thiamine.
This supplement can help dogs that are struggling with both physical and mental stress. They are tested by third-party laboratories for safety and efficacy and are recommended by many leading veterinarians. They also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Anytime Calming Chews For Dogs By Reggie
Anytime calming chews for Dogs by Reggie is a very effective line of calming supplements for dogs made with entirely natural ingredients. The two most important ingredients are magnolia and phellodendron bark extracts and l-theanine. These ingredients are scientifically proven to help with relaxation, minimize anxiety and reduce the impact of stress and anxiety on the body. In addition, they do not cause drowsiness.
These supplements are made in the United States. The manufacturer uses the highest quality manufacturing processes and the finest ingredients to produce them. They are also backed by a money-back guarantee.
Calming By Pawfy
Calming by Pawfy is a package of two supplements designed to balance stress, minimize tension and relieve anxiety in dogs. This supplement has several powerful all natural ingredients, including passion flower powder, chamomile flower powder, ginger root powder, and l-tryptophan. They are also infused with a delicious turkey flavor that dogs can't resist.
These supplements are made in a GMP-certified facility in the United States. Pawfy also offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases. The products are reasonably priced, but customers can save up to 33% by subscribing to 30-day shipments.
Hemp Oil For Dogs – Calm By Honest Paws
Hemp Oil for Dogs – Calm by Honest Paws is a line of calming supplements that are advertised to help dogs struggling with PTSD. However, dogs with ADHD can also benefit from using it. This supplement is made with hemp oil and other entirely natural ingredients. However, the full ingredient list is unavailable on the Honest Paws website.
Customers can subscribe to monthly shipments and receive 15% off every order. All orders are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers also have the opportunity to earn more discounts by purchasing multiple products in bulk.
Ketona Daily Calming Chews With Hemp -- Natural Duck Flavor
Ketona Daily Calming Chews with Hemp -- Natural Duck Flavor is another powerful calming supplement made with hemp and other natural products. This supplement is effective for helping dogs affected by ADHD, stress caused by changes in weather patterns, travel, and separation anxiety.
This supplement is made with a number of organic ingredients designed to help with anxiety. The primary ingredients are hemp seed oil and hemp protein powder. In addition, the product also contains valerian root, l-tryptophan, and chamomile powder.
This product is supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers do not need to return the product if they are not satisfied with their purchase.
Ketona Daily Calming Chews with Hemp -- Natural Duck Flavor is cheaper than many other calming supplements on the market. Customers can still save 5% off their purchase by subscribing to 30-day shipments.
Holistapet CBD Calming Chews For Dogs
Holistapet CBD Calming Chews for Dogs is a popular line of soft chew supplements designed to help dogs by alleviating stress and anxiety. These supplements are made with 100% natural ingredients, such as CBD, L-tryptophan, and organic chamomile.
While these chews contain a strong dose of CBD, they do not contain any elements of THC. They are also made with cruelty-free manufacturing processes, which makes them the ethical choice for dog owners that care about animal rights issues. The supplement is also independently tested in third-party labs for safety and quality. Furthermore, it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Behavior Support
Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Behavior Support is a line of supplements designed to minimize the negative impact that stress has on dogs. These supplements can curb symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and motion sickness. They can also reduce aggression.
These chews are made with 100% organic ingredients, including ginger, chamomile, valerian root, and lemon balm. Since all of these ingredients are clinically proven to soothe and relax, dogs should feel calmer shortly after consuming the supplement.
Dr. Bill's offers free shipping on all orders over $49. All purchases are also backed by a money-back guarantee.
Take The Right Steps To Help Your Dog Cope With ADHD
Dogs are even more likely to have ADHD than people. Their symptoms can be distressing to both the dogs and their owners.
The good news is that there are many steps that people can take to help their dogs deal with ADHD. One of the most effective things people can do is ensure their dogs get enough exercise. They should also minimize the amount of carbohydrates that they feed them.
However, many great supplements can help dogs cope with ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Dog owners should be aware of these options and carefully inspect the products to ensure they are made with quality natural ingredients.
