Sometimes, dogs exhibit quirky behaviors or tend to have social behaviors that might resemble neurodivergent traits in humans. This has led some pet parents to wonder if dogs can exhibit something close to autism or other neurodivergent disorders. Can dogs be neurodivergent? Here’s what to know:

Can Dogs Be Neurodivergent?

At this point, there is no way to formally diagnose a dog with a neurodivergent disorder, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, some researchers do assign certain traits of these disorders to dogs.

Behaviors such as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity are traits that can show up in both dogs and humans and are associated with ADHD. The problem is that a human brain is not the same as a dog’s brain, so the comparison is not fair.

Some studies have also found that dogs that have a lower level of serotonin or dopamine may exhibit more impulsive behavior, much like humans who have ADHD. Dopamine supports both humans’ and dogs’ ability to focus, and serotonin is essential for emotional regulation in humans and dogs.

Some dogs may also exhibit some behaviors that show them struggling to adapt to new environments and situations, or engage in much more repetitive behaviors. These symptoms can mimic signs of autism in humans, but does not necessarily mean dogs have autism like humans. When dogs exhibit these traits, it is often diagnosed or described as Canine Dysfunctional Behavior (CDB).

What Does Canine Neurodiversity Look Like?

There are some behaviors that dogs may exhibit that look similar to either Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD.

1. Social withdrawal
2. Reactivity or unpredictability
3. Environmental challenges
4. Obsessive-compulsive behavior

1. Social Withdrawal

Most dogs are very social creatures, but some dogs don’t like to make eye contact or like to interact directly with other animals or even their owners. Social interactions might be a challenge for some dogs, and they may prefer to be alone rather than socialize with other dogs. For some dogs, this can persist even when they have been properly socialized and trained.

2. Reactivity or Unpredictability

If you have a dog who overreacts to everything, you know how hard it is to calm a reactive dog. These dogs may also be extremely sensitive to stimuli such as sudden movement, bright lights, or loud noises they don’t expect. Sometimes these things can overwhelm them, so they withdraw to a safe space, or they overreact. These dogs may also have enough sensory sensitivity that they do not like to be touched or petted.

3. Environmental Challenges

Some dogs that exhibit canine neurodiversity might also have a bigger reaction to changes in any routines or surroundings. Most dogs prefer a consistent routine, but can still be flexible when things change. However, dogs that might be neurodivergent might have a much harder time adjusting to any changes.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

A dog that exhibits neurodivergent traits might also have some obsessive, repetitive behaviors, such as tail chasing, excessive chewing, licking, or pacing. While some of these are common dog behaviors, they can also be a sign of anxiety or stress when they become obsessive and repetitive, which could point to your dog possibly having some neurodivergent traits.

6 Tips For Managing Neurodiversity in Dogs

If you suspect your dog has some neurodiversity, they may benefit from certain treatment strategies. Here are a few tips for managing neurodiversity in dogs:

1. Talk to a vet and a behaviorist.
2. Consider medication.
3. Decrease stress.
4. Create safe spaces and avoid triggers.
5. Incorporate enrichment activities.
6. Be consistent and patient.

1. Talk to a Vet and a Behaviorist

The very first thing you should do if you suspect your dog has some traits of neurodivergency is to talk to your veterinarian or a dog behaviorist. These are trained professionals who know what signs and behaviors can signal neurodiversity. They’ll help you figure out how to work with your dog and develop a routine or schedule that works better for them.

A veterinarian or behaviorist can also help determine what might be influencing certain neurodivergent traits and behaviors. A vet might look at any underlying health issues, while a behaviorist might ask you to go over your dog’s daily routine to see if any environmental factors are a trigger.

2. Consider Medication

Because anxiety is often a part of neurodivergent traits, getting your dog on an anti-anxiety medication may be helpful. Anxiety may make some neurodivergent traits worse in dogs, which may lead to bad behavior. If this is the case, your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication such as diazepam.

There are a few ways to help a dog with anxiety, and medication is part of it. While this might not completely resolve the issue, it may help your dog experience a calmer life. If your dog feels more settled, you may be able to work on the residual neurodivergent behaviors.

3. Decrease Stress

While at first it might sound hard, helping your dog experience less stress is possible with some work and problem-solving. Certain activities can help lower stress, such as a calming walk or even doing a fun puzzle toy. These activities can take your dog’s mind off of other things and help release nervous energy. For some dogs, heartbeat toys have even been shown to help lower a dog’s stress level.

4. Create Safe Spaces and Avoid Triggers

Every dog, even neurotypical ones, needs a safe space to retreat to. Make sure your dog has a space of their own, where they feel safe and comfortable. This could be their crate, or it could be a designated area like a pet nook with a soft dog bed, a few blankets, and toys. If your dog seems triggered by loud noises, make sure their bed or crate is in a quiet area of the home, ideally away from a television.

5. Incorporate Enrichment Activities

Enrichment activities can help bring a withdrawn dog out of their shell. Using toys, like lick mats or other puzzle toys, can help increase endorphins in your dog’s brain. You can also try some popular indoor scent games for dogs.

When your dog is happy, they may be more outgoing. Having a few of these activities for your dog to do can help foster healthy stimulation, which may help your dog become more engaged in the world around them.

6. Be Consistent and Patient

One of the most important things you can do for a dog with neurodiversity is to be patient and to create a good daily routine for your dog if you don’t already have one in place. This is especially helpful for a dog that struggles with anxiety. Dogs like knowing what’s happening next, and sticking to a consistent routine can help alleviate a lot of anxiety.

You also need to be patient with your dog, especially during training and in new situations. Let your dog have more time to figure out a task or a game, and don’t expect an immediate reaction when you give them a command. They also need patience when encountering new situations. Sometimes this can look like stubbornness, but some dogs need just a little more time to process. Giving them that time can create a sense of security for them and build a bond with your dog.

So, can dogs be neurodivergent? The answer isn’t straightforward, but some dogs may have traits that mimic neurodiversity in humans and can be associated with their genetic makeup or gene mutations. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist.