Beyond an abuse of language, hyperactivity in dogs is a real behavioral disorder, also known as Hs-Ha syndrome, for HyperSensitivity-HyperActivity.

Particularly difficult to manage for dog parents, this behavioral disorder can, despite everything, be controlled using sedatives against the dog’s hyperactivity.

Herbal sedatives, soothing grandmother’s remedy, natural treatment to calm hyperactivity in dogs… If you want to know about natural sedatives to better manage this disorder, this article is for you.

 

Hyperactive Dog: Understanding This Behavioral Disorder

Before giving a sedative to a hyperactive dog, it is important to understand what hyperactivity is in dogs. Indeed, it is only by understanding the problem your pet is suffering from that you will be able to act appropriately, and choose, or not, to use a sedative against the dog’s hyperactivity. Here is a short presentation of this behavioral disorder.

The more scientists research dog behavior, the more they find similarities between the behavior of our four-legged friends and that of children.

In fact, while most research has focused on the mental abilities shared by children and dogs, we are now discovering that they also share some behavioral disorders.

One of these is precisely the HS-HA syndrome in dogs which can be compared to hyperactivity disorder in children (ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ).

ADHD is a behavioral disorder that has been extensively studied in humans, and children in particular. Symptoms in children typically involve hyperactivity, attention deficit, impulsivity, socially aloof behavior, and sometimes aggression, although it is not necessary for a single individual to have all of these symptoms at once. ADHD significantly reduces each individual’s ability to learn, especially in educational settings, and to live harmoniously with others.

The recent consensus among researchers is that dogs, especially those who seem constantly out of control, may suffer from a form of ADHD, or hyperactivity.

In dogs, symptoms of HS-HA can also include fear and sensitivity to noise, which, coupled with impulsivity and hyperactivity, can be a nightmare for their owners.

Part of the predisposition to hyperactivity syndrome appears to be genetic, as data shows that certain breeds, such as German Shepherds, appear to be more likely to experience this problem.

 

Hyperactive Dog: Symptoms

If you suspect your dog is hyperactive, it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms before giving him a hyperactive dog sedative.

As mentioned, the hyperactive dog shares some symptoms with ADHD children. Here are the most common signs of hyperactivity in dogs:

• Hustle
• Inability to calm down
• Inability to concentrate
• Excitement
• Uncontrollable gestures
• Extreme sensitivity to all noises and movements
• Sleeping troubles
• Impulsiveness
• Failure to comply with prohibitions
• Inability to respond to simple commands and therefore to be trained
• Obsessive behavior (around games or food)
• Excessive barking
• Aggressiveness
• Constant attention seeking

If your dog is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian before attempting to self-medicate with a natural calming agent for hyperactive dogs.

 

Hyperactive Dog: The Causes

Like so many other behaviors, hyperactivity results from a mix of genes and environment.

A dog’s genes are in fact only the foundation on which his personality will be created. His life experiences, the exercises you make him do and the way you socialize him will also play a huge role in his future behavior.

Therefore, hyperactivity can be minimized by controlling social and environmental factors, without necessarily resorting to sedatives for hyperactive dogs.

1. Genetics

When it comes to understanding hyperactivity in dogs, genetics plays an undeniable role. This hereditary component may explain why some dogs are naturally more prone to hyperactivity and impulsivity than others.

Studies show that certain dog breeds, due to their genetic makeup, are more likely to exhibit signs of hyperactivity. For example, breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier and the German Shepherd , known for their energy and stamina, often display high levels of activity and impulsivity.

Hyperactivity in dogs is also ingrained in their DNA. Traits such as excitability, impulsivity, and boundless energy can be passed down from generation to generation .

2. The environment

Hyperactive dogs can be identified early. They are often puppies who continually bite at their paws and fight any attempt to restrain or control them – not just with a light struggle, but with violent resistance.

That said, a hyperactive puppy placed in a calm, structured environment , with an owner who provides adequate stimulation, exercise, socialization, and training, has a good chance of becoming a very enjoyable, albeit active, canine companion.

In the wrong environment, however, this puppy will be a disaster.

3. Socialization

Exposure to overactive children can fuel a dog’s hyperactivity – one of the many reasons why interactions between children and dogs should be closely supervised.

In fact, restless children tend to do exactly the opposite of what should be done when faced with hyperactive behavior.

Hitting, holding, running or yelling; all of these are sure to increase the dog’s excitement level. And eventually even a dog with a moderate level of agitation can tip over into hyperactivity in the wrong environment.

As many trainers attest, social isolation also contributes significantly to hyperactive behavior.

A 1961 study by Waller and Fuller found that puppies raised in semi-isolation exhibited excessive social behavior when given limited access to other puppies 2 .

This study reveals in particular that dogs need a minimum amount of daily social stimulation and activity, and if this need is not met, they will compensate by excessive behavior when placed in a social situation.

 

What are the risks if I do nothing about my hyperactive dog?

If your dog has been diagnosed with hyperactivity, it is essential to learn how to manage this syndrome with calming gestures, natural remedies or drug treatments if the veterinarian recommends them. Failure to control the situation puts the dog and you at risk.

Poorly managed hyperactivity can indeed:

• Encourage aggressive, domineering behavior, even biting if the dog feels in danger or is frustrated.
• Frustration and agitation can also cause him to injure himself in a sudden, uncontrolled movement.
• Lead to destructive behavior and excessive barking.
• Create a high level of anxiety in the dog who is just as overwhelmed by his energy as you are.

 

How to differentiate a high-energy dog ​​from a hyperactive dog?

Is your dog restless? Before you give him a sedative for hyperactive dogs, here’s how to tell the difference between hyperactivity and over-energy.

The ability to be attentive

Dogs with hyperactivity have an exceptionally short attention span and a high degree of impulsivity that makes it difficult for them to focus on a task for long. In short, they are easily distracted.

On the other hand, most dogs who simply have a lot of energy will very quickly focus on games that bring them a reward .

These are normal dogs who simply haven’t learned how to control their own energy – but they can, if you show them how. So much so, that owners are often amazed at how attentive their dogs can be when given a good reason to focus.

The truly hyperactive dog cannot concentrate even if he wants to. And even if he is offered all the treats in the world, he will not concentrate any more on what is asked of him.

The relationship to changes

While all dogs enjoy routine, hyperactive dogs tend to be particularly sensitive to sudden environmental changes – overreacting to the presence of an unfamiliar person or animal, for example.

They are unable to adapt to a new stimulus without reacting in an extreme way.

The reaction to learning

Unlike a normal dog, a hyperactive dog does not tolerate repetitive tasks (such as basic obedience exercises).

Often emotionally unstable, he can be destructive, unmanageable, and aggressive if he feels physically restricted or frustrated.

A hyperactive dog will therefore not tolerate being forced during your training attempts.

No matter what you try to teach him, his behavior will remain the same.