- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Like humans, our furry pals can develop mental and cognitive conditions – from anxiety to dementia. Which may lead one to wonder: Can dogs have autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Around 2.2% of US adults (over 5.4 million people) have ASD. Some prevalent symptoms include engaging in repetitive behaviors or difficulty adapting to new environments and situations. These symptoms, when see in dogs, may lead to conclusions that dogs have autism but it’s not that simple. Dogs can display traits humans consider autistic, but there’s no recognized diagnosis of ASD in canines. Instead, symptoms similar to ASD are grouped under the term “canine dysfunctional behavior” (CDB).
Behaviors related to conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety also fall within the CDB realm. Another diagnosis under the CDB umbrella is canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), explains dog behaviorist Zoe Willingham. CCD is akin to “doggy dementia” and can involve many autistic-like behaviors. While OCD in dogs is relatively rare (affecting 2-3% of the canine population), CCD is more common, impacting 14-35% of dogs over eight years old.
Below, we dive deep into the difference between autism in humans and CDB in dogs, along with how to manage your canine’s neurodivergent behaviors.
Autism in Humans vs Dogs
ASD is a developmental and neurological disorder that exists on a “spectrum” – with symptoms related to behaviors, communication, and learning presenting at various levels of severity.
While there’s far more research into ASD in humans, some scientists have investigated autism-like behaviors in canines. For instance, one study assessed Bull Terriers who compulsively chased their tails, while another investigated autism-relevant social behaviors among poodles, such as preferences for interactions.
Due to symptom similarities, it’s unsurprising that pet parents might suspect their dog has ASD, says Dr. Danny Cox, Chief Veterinary Medical Officer at Petzey. However, it’s vital to understand that autism and CDB aren’t the same. “In people, autism is a brain development matter caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors,” he explains. Meanwhile, “CDB in dogs means they act strangely or out of character, usually due to genetics, health problems, or stressful things in their surroundings.”
If your dog displays abnormal behavior, see a vet so they can rule out any conditions that might be leading to such behaviors and provide an accurate diagnosis.
6 Potential Signs of Canine Dysfunctional Behavior
CDB behaviors can vary in form and severity. If your dog demonstrates one or more common CDB symptoms, don’t automatically assume they have the condition. Instead, see these signs as an opportunity to better understand your dog and their thinking or behavior patterns, and discuss with your vet whether any are cause for concern.
Antisocial behavior
Dogs are social creatures and most prefer prosocial experiences with humans and other dogs. However, they can engage in antisocial behaviors towards both humans and other canines, too. For instance, they might excessively bark, defecate where they’re not meant to, or frequently run away from their owner when out on walks.
If your dog struggles in scenarios such as being in crowded areas or facing boisterous canines at the dog park, Willingham says you may need to adapt your lifestyle and walks to their needs so they’re not exposed to upsetting social situations. For instance, you might take them to the park earlier in the day when it’s less busy, or politely request to another owner that they call their canine to heel if it approaches your dog while on a walk.
Obsessive-compulsive behavior
Canines can engage in obsessive behaviors such as repeated licking or chasing their tails. While repetitive behaviors can signal OCD, it can also be a sign of cognitive dysfunction in your dog. Engaging in repetitive behaviors can be distressing for the dog, as (unlike humans) they won’t be able to understand why they’re engaging in the behavior and how to stop. It can also be upsetting for pet parents to witness, especially if they feel unable to help. It’s important to obtain a diagnosis from a vet or canine behaviorist – not only to help minimize distress, but also avoid potential complications (such as infection from repeated skin licking).
Abnormal sensory responses
Some dogs with CDB have trouble processing sensory feedback, such as smell and taste. As a result, Willingham says they might pace and have anxiety. In these instances, she says to keep a routine for your dog and provide them with quiet spaces without too much sensory stimulation.
iStock/Chalabala
Environmental challenges
Your dog might feel overwhelmed by crowded spaces, forget to eat, or fail to indicate when they need to go out. Recognize if and when they need extra support in these activities; give them soothing hugs if they’re anxious, or guide them to their food bowl.
Tiredness/unusual lack of activity
CDB-related conditions, such as anxiety and CCD, can lead to changes in sleep patterns and roaming at night, leaving your dog tired or lethargic during the day. “Restrict where they can roam and make sure they have lots of comfy spaces to relax,” Willingham advises.
Reactivity or unpredictability
Certain situations may cause your dog to over-respond or act out of character. For instance, your canine might start loudly vocalizing when it sees another dog or start showing signs of anxiety (such as quickly looking around them and scanning the area). Understandably, being negatively overstimulated can be stressful for your canine – so, if possible, Willingham states it’s better to avoid these situations in the first place.
Causes of Canine Dysfunctional Behavior
Experts aren’t 100% certain what causes ASD in humans – although it’s believed to be due to genetics and environmental factors.
The potential triggers for CDB-related conditions are much broader – and “can come from genetics, traumatic experiences, stress from their surroundings, or health problems,” Dr. Cox says. There are a couple more in-depth theories – although “scientists are still figuring all this out, so we don’t know for sure yet.”
- Mirror neurons. One theory suggests CDB arises due to a lack of “mirror neurons.” “[These neurons] are like special brain cells that work when a dog does something or sees another do the same thing,” Dr. Cox explains. “These cells are important for understanding feelings and copying others’ actions.” Therefore, a deficiency may lead to communication and socialization issues.
- Hormonal imbalances. Another theory proposes that certain hormones and neurotransmitters may influence autism-like behaviors. One study found Bull Terriers who engaged in repetitive actions had higher amounts of a neurotransmitter called neurotensin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) than Bull Terriers who did not. Interestingly, children with ASD also had higher CRH and neurotensin levels.
iStock/sestovic
Vaccines do not cause CDB
Vaccinations protect dogs from life-threatening diseases, such as rabies and canine parvovirus. While they can come with side effects, Dr. Cox asserts vaccines don’t cause canine dysfunctional behavior.
“Vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy,” he states. “[They] can have temporary and mild side effects, but there’s no established link between vaccination and the development of behavioral conditions like CDB.”
How To Manage Canine Dysfunctional Behavior
While some CDB-related behaviors can’t be cured, especially if they’re due to cognitive dysfunction. The good news is they can all typically be controlled and managed through various approaches.
Talk to a vet and a behaviorist
The first avenue pet parents should take is contacting a vet or behaviorist. They’ll assess your dog’s behaviors and consider what could be influencing them, such as underlying health problems and environmental triggers.
Medication
Anxiety can fuel some neurodivergent traits in dogs, then these behaviors cause stress. This creates a vicious and repetitive cycle. If necessary, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications such as clomipramine and diazepam.
Decrease stress
Lowering your pup’s stress levels might be easier than expected; taking your dog on decompression walks, offering them puzzle toys, and providing a heartbeat toy buddy are all beneficial.
Create safe spaces and avoid triggers
Give your canine a cozy and safe space they can retreat to – such as a calming dog bed or crate. If things such as loud noises trigger your dog, keep their bed or crate in a quieter, TV-free room.
iStock/miodrag ignjatovic
Enrichment activities
If your dog appears withdrawn, Willingham says enrichment activities can help increase endorphins (the “pleasure” chemical). “Snuffle mats and lick mats are great stimulation and easy for your dog to achieve,” she suggests.
Positive reinforcement training
Similar to enrichment activities, Willingham explains that positive reinforcement training keeps the reward circuits functioning in the brain. Try teaching them to high-five or to go through a dog tunnel.
Be consistent and patient
Willingham says patience is key, especially for dogs with CCD. “Allow more time to do tasks with your dog and give them lots of time to react to what you’re asking them to do,” she adds.
Takeaway
Despite involving similar symptoms, ASD and CDB are two separate conditions with differing causes. Projecting a diagnosis of a human condition onto your dog will only prove unhelpful when working to better understand and care for your canine. Research is ongoing to understand how CDB is present in dogs and what causes it. Until we have more information about autism-like behaviors in dogs, grappling with the symptoms can be challenging for you and your pet.
However, an accepting and supportive environment allows those within the human autism community to thrive – and, similarly, with plenty of encouragement and the correct behavior interventions, CDB is a hurdle that you and your dog can overcome together.
