Does My Cat or Dog Have ADHD?

Most dogs and cats get the zoomies every now and then. And it’s absolutely normal to have trouble keeping their attention at times. But have you ever wondered if your pet could have ADHD?

Pets can suffer from many of the same mental health issues as humans. For example, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have all been recorded in dogs and cats. Some veterinary psychologists also believe that dogs and cats can have developmental disabilities like autism, and yes, even ADHD.

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, learn how ADHD may affect cats and dogs and what you can do if your pet may be struggling with symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
 

What Exactly Is ADHD?

In humans with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) the frontal lobe of the brain develops more slowly than in those without ADHD. Humans with ADHD are also believed to have a dysfunction in the way their brain produces or utilizes serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters responsible for emotions and attention regulation.

People with ADHD tend to have trouble completing tasks and staying organized at work or school. They can, conversely, hyperfocus on tasks that interest them. Difficulty with focusing and regulating emotions can also affect socializing and day-to-day life outside of work and school.

Until now, there’s been little to no research on ADHD in animals. Pets have been observed to show ADHD-like behaviors, but these symptoms are usually attributed to other factors.
 

Has ADHD Been Researched in Dogs and Cats?

From a 2023 research study conducted at Rof Codina Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Spain, dogs that showed symptoms of ADHD had lower blood concentrations of serotonin and dopamine, an indicator also seen in human patients diagnosed with ADHD.

Even so, this study only included 58 dogs. More research is needed to confirm the link between serotonin and dopamine and ADHD, as well as how an ADHD-like disorder may manifest in dogs.

And while there’s been little research to date on the existence of ADHD in dogs, there’s no evidence of a feline equivalent disorder in cats.
 

Do Vets Diagnose Pets With ADHD?

Veterinarians are divided on whether pets can be diagnosed with ADHD. Those that do believe the disorder affects pets report just a handful of cases throughout their career.

Dogs are, in rare cases, diagnosed with hyperkinetic disorder. Hyperkinetic disorder diagnosed in dogs is not quite the same as ADHD, as the diagnosis only describes hyperactivity, without the inclusion of other ADHD symptoms like inattentiveness.

Like humans with ADHD, dogs diagnosed with hyperkinesis reportedly respond well to stimulant medications. Stimulants cause hyperactivity in typical humans and dogs, but in those with ADHD or hyperkinesis, stimulants like methylphenidate (name brand Ritalin) actually have been shown to have a calming effect. Keep in mind that medications should only be given as prescribed by your veterinarian.
 

How Are ADHD Symptoms Treated in Pets?

ADHD-like symptoms are nonspecific, and in pets, have been linked to any number of underlying health issues, from hormonal fluctuations, dietary deficiencies, hyperthyroidism (more common in cats), and even adverse reactions to substances like lead and food additives.

Symptoms like hyperactivity are seen most often in young pets that have not yet been spayed or neutered, suggesting that these behaviors may resolve as your pet gets older, or after they are fixed.

Unusual and uncontrollable behavior in your pet should be brought up with your veterinarian. While it’s highly unlikely that your pet will be diagnosed with ADHD, your vet can rule out an underlying health issue and suggest ways to get your pet’s behavior under control. If your pet also has symptoms of anxiety, they may recommend medication.

ADHD medications, which are typically stimulants, are not officially approved for use in pets and can be dangerous, even fatally toxic to dogs and cats. Never give your pet medication that is not prescribed for them.
 

Caring for A Pet With ADHD-Like Symptoms

If you feel that your pet struggles with symptoms of ADHD, and you’ve taken them to your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues, they will need your support when it comes to training, care, and day-to-day life.

ADHD or not, all dogs and cats deserve patience and understanding, especially when it comes to behavioral training. If you find that your pet has a short attention span, it’s crucial to work around that, using fun training games and high-energy activities to keep their focus.

For pets that seem high-strung, hyperactive, and easily bored, exercise and mental stimulation are especially important. Humans with ADHD, as well as pets with ADHD-like symptoms, tend to be highly creative, and learn quickly when a lesson catches their interest. When you learn to work with your pet’s unique mind, rather than try to work against it, they truly can thrive with symptoms of ADHD.