Hyperkinesia is a disorder characterized by excessive activity, extreme restlessness, impulsiveness, and short attention span. In humans, especially children, it is now known as ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. Veterinarians continue to use the term hyperkinesia. Hyperkinesis can affect a dog’s ability to learn new behaviors. Dogs thus affected exhibit inattentiveness, restlessness, and are easily distracted. The syndrome appears to be caused by genetic and environmental factors.
Most owners are not aware of the disease. The condition is quite rare in dogs, and when diagnosed by a vet, medications, usually stimulants, may be prescribed to enhance the effects. Unfortunately, the popular use of the term to describe normal, but overly excited dogs has clouded the issue for owners and veterinarians alike. Dogs with extreme hyperkinesis that fail to improve their symptoms with drug therapy are often euthanized.
Truly hyperkinetic dogs exhibit many of the following symptoms:
- Nothing can be taught, not even in obedience school.
- saliva constantly
- Always excited or nervous
- He can’t sit still, not even for a minute.
- He never gets used to everyday situations.
- Chronically fast heart rate
Symptoms of hyperkinesis are usually exacerbated in dogs that are stressed by being in conditions of close confinement or on short leashes. Even with the clear presence of defining symptoms, it is difficult to treat the basic problem because there is often no clear reason, either physical or environmental, to explain the symptoms. Some truly hyperkinetic dogs do not respond to positive reinforcement, and tranquilizing drugs seem to have no positive effect. Truly hyperkinetic dogs can be vicious and have been known to bite owners and other dogs without provocation.
Don’t worry about your dog if he’s just hyperactive. This can be normal for some breeds and is typical of new puppies who are enthusiastic about everything. Just a simple wave will have them running in circles. Some dogs are just energetic and enjoy running, jumping, chewing, pulling and barking. Their enthusiasm is one of the things that makes us love them too.
True hyperkinetic dogs seldom have a rest period. They exhibit abnormal frenzied behavior and continue until they drop from exhaustion. Because symptoms also occur in simply hyperactive dogs, vets will usually require a trial trial of stimulants such as amphetamines or Ritalin, which are often prescribed for children with ADD.
If your dog is simply hyper, you can retrain and manage him with persistence and obedience training. Daily vigorous exercise will also help the hyperactive dog expend energy.