Behavior resembling human ADHD seen in dogs

Date:
October 15, 2021
Source:
University of Helsinki
Summary:
A study involving some 11,000 dogs demonstrated that the gender,
age and breed of the dog, as well as any behavioral problems and
certain environmental factors, are connected to hyperactive and
impulsive behavior and inattention (ADHD).



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
"Our findings can help to better identify, understand and treat canine hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Moreover, they indicated
similarity with human ADHD, consolidating the role of dogs in ADHD-related research," says Professor Hannes Lohi, head of a canine gene research
group at the University of Helsinki.


========================================================================== "Dogs share many similarities with humans, including physiological traits
and the same environment. In addition, ADHD-like behaviour naturally
occurs in dogs. This makes dogs an interesting model for investigating
ADHD in humans," says doctoral researcher Sini Sulkama.

Professor Lohi's research group collected data on more than 11,000
dogs by conducting an extensive behavioural survey. Hyperactivity,
impulsivity and inattention were examined using questions based on a
survey utilised in human ADHD research. The goal of the study was to
identify environmental factors underlying canine ADHD-like behaviour
and potential links to other behavioural traits.

The dog's age and gender as well as the owner's experience of dogs make
a difference "We found that hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention
were more common in young dogs and male dogs. Corresponding observations relating to age and gender in connection with ADHD have been made in
humans too," says Jenni Puurunen, PhD.

Dogs who spent more time alone at home daily were more hyperactive,
impulsive and inattentive than dogs who spent less time on their own.



==========================================================================
"As social animals, dogs can get frustrated and stressed when they
are alone, which can be released as hyperactivity, impulsivity and
inattention. It may be that dogs who spend longer periods in solitude
also get less exercise and attention from their owners," Sulkama muses.

The researchers discovered a new link between hyperactivity and
impulsivity, and the owner's experience with dogs, as the two traits
were more common in dogs who were not their owners' first dogs. The
causality of this phenomenon remains unclear.

"People may pick as their first dog a less active individual that better matches the idea of a pet dog, whereas more active and challenging dogs
can be chosen after gaining more experience with dogs," explains Sulkama.

Significant differences between breeds Breeding has had a
significant effect on the breed-specific behaviour of different dog
breeds. Differences between breeds can also indicate genes underlying
the relevant traits.

"Hyperactivity and impulsivity on the one hand, and good concentration
on the other, are common in breeds bred for work, such as the German
Shepherd and Border Collie. In contrast, a more calm disposition is
considered a benefit in breeds that are popular as pets or show dogs,
such as the Chihuahua, Long- Haired Collie and Poodle, making them easier companions in everyday life. Then again, the ability to concentrate has
not been considered as important a trait in these breeds as in working
breeds, which is why inattention can be more common among pet dogs,"
Professor Lohi says.

Link to other behavioural problems The study confirmed previously observed interesting links between hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention,
and obsessive-compulsive behaviour, aggressiveness and fearfulness. ADHD
is also often associated with other mental disorders and illnesses. For example, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often occurs in conjunction
with ADHD. In dogs, OCD-like obsessive-compulsive behaviour can appear
as, among other things, tail chasing, continuous licking of surfaces or themselves, or staring at 'nothing'.

"The findings suggest that the same brain regions and neurobiological
pathways regulate activity, impulsivity and concentration in both humans
and dogs. This strengthens the promise that dogs show as a model species
in the study of ADHD.

In other words, the results can both make it easier to identify and treat canine impulsivity and inattention as well as promote ADHD research,"
Sulkama sums up.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Helsinki. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Sini Sulkama, Jenni Puurunen, Milla Salonen, Salla Mikkola,
Emma Hakanen,
Ce'sar Araujo, Hannes Lohi. Canine hyperactivity, impulsivity, and
inattention share similar demographic risk factors and behavioural
comorbidities with human ADHD. Translational Psychiatry, 2021; 11
(1) DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01626-x ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211015184215.htm

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