| Hyperkinesis is a disorder characterized by excessive | | | | in conditions of close confinement or short-leash |
| activity, extreme restlessness, impulsivity, and a short | | | | tethering. Even with the clear presence of defining |
| attention span. In humans, especially children, it is now | | | | symptoms, it is difficult to treat the basic problem |
| referred to as ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. | | | | because there is often no clear reason, either physical |
| Veterinarians continue to use the term hyperkinesis. | | | | or environmental, to explain the symptoms. Some truly |
| Hyperkinesis can affect a dog's ability to learn new | | | | hyperkinetic dogs do not respond to positive |
| behaviors. Dogs so afflicted exhibit inattention, | | | | reinforcement, and tranquilizing drugs seem to have no |
| restlessness, and are easily distracted. The syndrome | | | | positive effect. Truly hyperkinetic dogs can be vicious, |
| seems to be caused by both genetic and | | | | and are known to bite owners and other dogs without |
| environmental factors. | | | | provocation. |
| Most owners are not aware of the disease. The | | | | Don't be worried about your dog if she is simply |
| condition is quite rare in dogs, and when diagnosed by | | | | hyperactive. This can be normal for some breeds, and |
| a veterinarian, medications, usually stimulants, can be | | | | is typical with new puppies who display enthusiasm for |
| prescribed to ameliorate the effects. Unfortunately, the | | | | everything. Just a simple hello will have them running in |
| popular use of the term to describe normal, but overly | | | | circles. Some dogs are simply energetic and enjoy |
| excited dogs, has clouded the issue for both owners | | | | running, jumping, chewing, pulling, and barking. Their |
| and veterinarians. Dogs with extreme hyperkinesis that | | | | enthusiasm is one of the things that endear them too |
| cannot have their symptoms improved with drug | | | | us. |
| therapy, are often euthanized. | | | | True hyperkinetic dogs seldom have a rest period. |
| Truly hyperkinetic dogs exhibit many of the following | | | | They exhibit abnormal frantic behavior, and continue it |
| symptoms: | | | | until they drop from exhaustion. Because the |
| - Cannot be taught anything, even in obedience school | | | | symptoms are also exhibited in simply overactive dogs, |
| - Salivates constantly | | | | veterinarians will usually require a test trial with |
| - Always excited or nervous | | | | stimulants like amphetamines or Ritalin, which is often |
| - Cannot sit still, even for a minute | | | | prescribed for children with ADD. |
| - Never becomes accustomed to everyday situations | | | | If your dog is simply overactive, they can be retrained |
| - Chronically rapid heart rate | | | | and managed with persistence and obedience training. |
| The symptoms of hyperkinesis are usually | | | | Vigorous daily exercise will also help the overactive |
| exacerbated in dogs that are stressed by being kept | | | | dog to expend energy. |