If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s possible your dog is exhibiting signs of being hyperkinetic.
Often times owners will hear that their dog is dealing with hyperactivity but in reality hyperactivity is a very rare condition in dogs. Instead they are most likely dealing with a hyperkinetic dog. Many owners are frustrated with their dogs thinking they are acting in spite and misbehaving, but in reality it is a good chance your pup is suffering from hyperkinesis and can not control their behavior. They just have much more energy than they know what to do with! No owner wants to see their furry friend suffering through that.
Hyperkinesis is one of the most common canine behavior problems and the number of cases is only going up. Hyperkinesis is usually diagnosed in dogs older than 3 and have left the “energetic puppy stage,” dogs who never received full training when they were younger, and working dog-owners who are not present during the day. Read below to learn more about how to handle hyperactivity in dogs.
Hyperkinesis comes with many different symptoms ranging from:
- Compulsive movements (e.g. chasing own tail, spinning in circles)
- Frantic abnormal behavior
- Restlessness
- Excess salivation
- Non-stop movement and panting
- Unfocused eyes
Watching our loveable canines go through this distress can be heartbreaking because they do not intentionally mean to be doing these acts and have a hard time controlling themselves.
The following are the the top eight breeds that experience these issues, though any dog may be susceptible to this disorder.