Is Your Dog Autistic
If you have wondered if your dog might be autistic, you arent alone. A variety of behavioral challenges exhibited by dogs may be interpreted by their guardians as a form of autism. Dr. Parthasarathy explains, When my clients ask me about whether their dogs are autistic, they are often referring to dogs that are not responsive to doing what they ask, and dogs that appear to become overstimulated in new environments, are performing repetitive behaviors or may be aggressive.
A medical condition is always a possible underlier when dogs experience severe behavioral issues like aggression or obsessive licking. Canine compulsive disorder is another possible explanation for your dogs challenges. At one time, dogs who exhibited repetitive, compulsive habits were thought to have obsessive-compulsive disorder , but experts in the animal behavior community have since identified the condition in dogs to be distinctly separate from that found in people.
Dogs who have anxiety disorders may exhibit symptoms that their owners interpret as autism and diagnose themselves. But in reality, anxiety in general can affect a dogs ability to learn, problem-solve, retain and recall information, describes Dr. Parthasarathy.
The Scientific Case For Autism
Current scientific study on dogs brains has concluded that autism can exist on a canine level. They believe the condition is due to a lack of mirroring neurons in the canine mind. It is also thought that the condition is rare, which may be why most veterinarians prefer to refer to the condition as a canine dysfunctional behavior as opposed to straight-up autism.
Studies also conclude that the condition is idiopathic, meaning its cause is unknown. It has also been determined that the condition is congenital, meaning that dogs are born with it and cannot develop it over time. This latter determination fuels the belief that the condition is something that a dog can inherit from a parent or other relative.
Furthermore, there have been studies that indicate that a dog can inherit autism if their parents have been exposed to different toxins. Studies also point to parents that received unnecessary vaccinations as a potential cause of the condition. These particular studies tie in with the prevailing notion that over-vaccinating a dog can be a dangerous practice.
Is Your Dog Autistic Possible Symptoms And Treatment
With the rise of autism in current times, do you find yourself wondering whether your dog could have autism?
Does it make you worry when you notice your canine companion unwilling to play, cuddle, or reluctant to do just about anything?
Veterinarians have been trying to figure out the occurrence of autism-like symptoms in puppies since 1966. In 2015, the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists presented a report on tail chasing behavior investigation in Bull Terriers and the possible link to autism in dogs.
Are you wondering if your pup is exhibiting signs and symptoms of autism? First thing you need to do is have him checked out by a vet.
In the study, 132 Bull Terries were observed for DNA analysis and specific traits 77 control and 55 tail chasing.
While not entirely definitive, the study indicated that tail chasing could represent a form of autism in dogs. Hence the research subtly suggests that autism could possibly occur in pups.
However, its crucial to acknowledge that our understanding of atypical and typical canine behavior is too limited to give us a definitive diagnosis in individual dogs. Hence, before proceeding to treat your dog for autism, make sure to rule out other conditions first.
For your canine companion to be cautiously diagnosed with autism, he should have exhibited some degree of impaired social interaction with people and other dogs and atypical repetitive behaviors.
Contents
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Autism After Birth
How To Treat A Potentially Autistic Dog
Regardless of whether canine autism is an actual ailment or if the condition is caused by some other illness or dysfunction, the important thing is that you give your dog the highest quality of life possible.
Youll need veterinary assistance for some treatments, but there are also a variety of steps you can take on your own.
Some of the best ways to treat a potentially autistic dog include:
In all cases, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for dogs that may be suffering from autism-like conditions. Youll want to tailor the treatment to your dogs specific challenges and help shield him from things that may trigger undesirable behaviors.
If you think your dog may be suffering from autism, contact your veterinarian or a behavioral specialist and have him evaluated.
Although you may not get a definitive answer, youll surely benefit from your vets opinion on the matter and any treatments he or she suggests.
With proper care and treatment, your dog will still enjoy a high quality of life!
Have you ever had to care for an autistic dog? Wed love to hear your experiences in the comment section below. Your story may even help someone else who is dealing with this challenge right now.
Like it? Share it!
Conditions In Dogs That Look Similar To Autism
Aside from canine behavioral disorder, there are other disorders in dogs that can produce similar clinical signs to autism in people. These include:
Canine anxiety: Dogs with this condition can exhibit compulsive behaviors such as compulsive chewing or spinning, hypersensitivity to sound and touch, and/or searching for familiar environments and avoiding play or eye contact.
Intracranial neurologic disease such as brain tumors or encephalitis: Dogs with these conditions can have abnormal episodes of staring off or circling behavior and have even been reported to have obsessive chewing behaviors.
Canine hypothyroidism: Dogs with this condition can have severe lethargy, which can make them seem aloof or lazy. Usually, this behavior is not paired with compulsive activities, though.
Discuss your dogs behavior with your veterinarian if you are concerned that your dog may have canine dysfunctional behavior or any of the above disorders. Your veterinarian may recommend some behavioral testing, bloodwork, and possibly advanced imaging of the brain .
Read Also: How Wide Is The Autism Spectrum
What To Do If You See Dog Autism Symptoms
If you see your dog exhibiting signs of autism, contact your vet first and foremost. This will help you deduce whether these symptoms of autism in your dog arent being confused with another condition such as anxiety disorder or canine compulsive disorder. Having a professional opinion can also help you chart a path of how to support your dogs well-being to the fullest, whether they have autism or not.
Autism Symptoms In Dogs
If you have ever asked yourself the does my dog have autism? question, it is because maybe your dog had some odd behavior that you noticed and thought it was strange. Even if the diagnosing and treating is very difficult, the best thing to do is, of course, take your dog to the vet.
You may suspect that your dog may have autism. In such a situation, it would be most logical to seek the professional advice of a veterinarian. You should not forget that many autism symptoms are also common in other disorders. Also, keep in mind that this topic still needs research, and some veterinarians cannot believe that dogs may also have autism. However, some dogs do not work normally and may have ASD symptoms or another disorder that requires veterinary care or behavioral intervention.
The subject of canine autism has always been polemical. This is still an issue that needs further research. While some scientists are skeptical about this, others believe that it is possible a dog may suffer from some form of autism. Autism in humans indicates the difficulty of dealing with daily interactions and general communication with other people. These symptoms begin in childhood and can become more serious as the individual ages. It is quite easy to diagnose autism even in children, but, as you can imagine, it is very difficult to determine autistic behavior in dogs.
Social
Behavioral
Mental
Physical
Sensorial
Recommended Reading: What Is A Dan Doctor For Autism
Howis Autism In Dogs Treated
Thedogs with the canine version of Autism responded very similarly tothe same medications used on people like serotonin-reuptakeinhibitors and anticonvulsant therapies.Many affected dogs also showed significant skin issues andgastrointestinal problems were often reported. Please, note that thestudy mentioned above only included Bull Terriers and other breedsare likely to feature different behaviors.
Ifyour dog has canine dysfunctional behavior and is not respondingtoo well to your training, it does not mean you are a bad trainer orowner. You just need to adapt to your dogs needs and nature. It isbest to talk to your veterinarian to identify what may be causingsevere reactions in your dog. Try to remove these triggers orminimize exposure to situations that your dog does not handle well.Dogs with anxiety react very well when they are wrapped in a blanketand hugged firmly. Others can be outfitted with a vest with softweights to simulate physical contact and make the dog feel protected.It is best to choose a route that has fewer people and animals whenyou take your dog out for a walk so you reduce the stress for yourdog.
Is Your Dog Autistic Watch Out For These Five Major Symptoms
If youve ever asked yourself the is my dog autistic? question, its because maybe your dog had some odd behavior that you noticed and thought it was strange. Even if the diagnosing and treating is very difficult, the best thing to do is, of course, take your dog to the vet. Still, you can stay alerted if you see things like these:
Recommended Reading: How To Get Autism Street Sign
Managing Autism In Dogs
Just like in humans, dogs are born with this condition, autism is also genetic in dogs and is embedded in their systems. It is incurable. However, some treatments can be used to alleviate symptoms.
It will be quite a challenging task for you when you need to work with dogs with autism. Because there are no quick answers to work with them. Despite this, people who live with these dogs always do their best or even more. Compassion for troubled dogs and dog owners is an important step in helping them.
You may think your dog may have autism. The most important thing you can do at this point is to love your dog. And you should devote yourself to finding a professional who can best meet your dogs needs. Be gentle to your dog and yourself. Because your environment will be tough enough. Just as we are better at accepting neurodiversity in humans, we hope that as a society we will grow to understand whether all dogs experience the world in the same way.
In addition, Also, as known, dogs are creatures that can be trained. They can be trained to do things that seem a bit heavier to them, such as pulling a loaded wagon, carrying a backpack filled with soft weights. Such activities can help dogs, just as they help the individual with autism.
Since When Do They Show The Symptoms
As said before, dogs cant get sick with autism, and theyre born with the condition. Therefore, they present the symptoms since they are puppies. As with human children, its essential to know if your dog has autism to begin treatment as fast as possible.
Its a condition, not a disease.
As said before, dogs are born with this condition, is genetic and built-in their systems. It cannot be cured. Nevertheless, it can be treated to palliate the symptoms.
Recommended Reading: How To Get A Autistic Child To Sleep
Treatment Of Canine Dysfunctional Behavior
There are treatments available to help those who suffer from autism manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Dog owners can work on training strategies, behavioral modification plans that will decrease anxious behaviors in dogs. They can also make sure their dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. There are many different ways to help with the symptoms of autism in dogs, but there is no cure for this disorder.
You may find that your dog has certain repetitive behaviors or displays of anxiety or aggression as well as unusual reactions to sounds and other stimuli. In severe cases, a treatment called Applied Behavior Analysis may be recommended by your veterinarian in order to help manage symptoms of autism in dogs.
There are many different ways that vets can diagnose and treat canine autism, but there is no cure for this condition. The most common method of treatment for this disorder is the use of behavior modification drugs or medications to help with stress management and anxiety.
One drug that has been shown to be effective in treating both human and dog patients suffering from Autism is Clonazepam, which also goes by the trade name Klonopin.
Disclaimer: Dont use any medications or pills without your Vets permission. The above mentioned information are for educational purposes only.
Is My Dog Autistic
Weve determined that the answer to the question can a dog be autistic? is a tentative maybe. But regardless of whether we label it as canine autism, dysfunctional behaviour, or something else altogether, dogs can definitely display behaviours similar to the symptoms of autism in humans. These behaviours usually appear when your dog is a puppy and remain unchanged as they get older.
Read Also: Can Autism Run In The Family
Can Dogs Have Autism
As autism has become more widely diagnosed, there have been more resources dedicated to research and educationand, as a result, were getting a better understanding about this common condition and learning how to better support people on the spectrum.
But is it just humans on the autistic spectrum? Or can dogs have autism, too? As were getting a better understanding of autism, researchers are starting to explore whether autism is a strictly human diagnosisor if the diagnosis is just as relevant to dogs.
Can Dogs Have Autism Spectrum Disorder Or Other Special Needs
Autism spectrum disorder is only a recognized condition in humansthere has not been enough research on typical vs atypical dog behaviors to make the same diagnosis in dogs. However, dogs can present with many of the same symptoms as people with ASD, so the term canine dysfunctional behavior has been adopted in veterinary medicine.
In addition to CDB, some dogs exhibit similar behaviours to those seen in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder , and anxiety disorders in humans. These conditions may have overlapping features with CDB, which we will discuss later.
Read Also: Can Trauma During Pregnancy Cause Autism
Can A Dog Have Autism
While some of these behaviors are unique to humans, researchers have found that, in fact, ASD can occur in dogs, but its called canine dysfunctional behavior .
Researchers believe that canine dysfunctional behavior is an idiopathic condition, meaning that the cause is unknown. It appears to be congenital, so a dog is born with it. Studies suggest that dogs with this disorder lack certain neurons in their brain that are thought to help them learn social norms.
These neurons are called mirror neurons, as they help puppies and young dogs mirror the behaviors of older dogs in social situations. Without mirror neurons, a dog is unable to develop these social skills, similar to humans with ASD.
A Thought Experiment: Curing Autism In Those Who Have It Rather Than Prevention In The Future What Would People Be Like With Their Autism Removed
Id gather theyd feel something like how Jadzia Dax did when her Trill symbiont was temporarily removed.
When the symbiont is removed, its human host will be left feeling soulless, an empty shell of what was once a whole, dynamic person.
In the Star Trek universe, Trills are actually humanoids, and a small number are joined to a slug-like organism called a symbiont. But in common Trekkie talk, the symbiont is often called a Trill.
People who are joined to a symbiont have personalities that are composites of the host and the symbiont.
But if the symbiont has been in other hosts, the latest host acquires all the skills, personalities and memories of those previous hosts.
In one episode, the symbiont had to be removed from Jadzia. When a symbiont is removed, the host will die within several hours.
While Jadzia was lying in bed, after having the symbiont removed, she described how this felt.
I feel so empty, she said. She felt incomplete. She sounded lost and disenchanted, as though a huge part of her psyche what made her HER had been extracted. She felt like a vacant shell of what she had used to be.
Id imagine this is how I might feel if my autism were cured. Im not a person with autism. Im autistic.
Also Check: Why Is My Autistic Son So Angry
How Dog Autism Is Diagnosed
If you notice your pet exhibiting symptoms, its important to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. While there is currently no dog autism test or definitive way to diagnose autism in dogs, your vet can give you insights into what may be going on with your petand, more importantly, help you find ways to manage their symptoms and keep them happy and healthy.
Give your vet a rundown of your dogs daily routine, challenges, and any symptoms or worrisome behaviors you may have noticed. Once your vet has a clear picture of the different symptoms your dog is struggling with, they can help you come up with an action plan to better manage their symptoms and make sure your dog is as calm, happy, and stress-free as possible.
So, for example, if your dog has issues with repetitive behaviors, your vet can help you come up with strategies to redirect their behavior . If your dog struggles with fear of people or other dogs, you might want to avoid the dog park or take them on walks in less populated areas. While theres no cure for dog autism symptoms, you can set up their environment in a way that minimizes any potential triggerswhich will not only help your dog manage the way they interact with the world but will also keep your dogs stress levels as low as possible.