2025-11-19 10:04:24
Your dog could be autistic.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Boyd, an animal scientist at Nottingham Trent University, there is growing evidence that indicates pooches can have the same kinds of brain differences seen in autistic and ADHD humans.
She explained: “Some dogs might be very much like the neurotypical human, whereas other dogs might be more neurodivergent and be more like someone with autism or ADHD.”
At present, vets lump these behaviours under the catch-all label Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour (CDB), because diagnosing a human condition in an animal that can’t speak “is a really difficult thing,” Dr. Boyd admitted.
However, she said research is now forcing scientists to take seriously the idea that animals “experience the world differently because of diversity in how their brains function”.
Key behaviours that could indicate your dog is on the spectrum include poor impulse control, hypervigilance, and hyperfocus.
In humans, ADHD is linked to imbalances in serotonin and dopamine, and studies show impulsive dogs often have the same neurotransmitter issues.
Dr. Boyd said: “An easy one that I will always pick up on is hypervigilance or hyperfocus … traits that mimic some forms of ADHD or autism.”
Other dogs display strikingly human-like autistic tendencies, such as extreme sensitivity to noise, social withdrawal, and difficulty bonding.
Scientists have even identified a mutation in the Shank3 gene – a well-known autism gene in humans – in certain beagles.
These dogs show reduced signalling in brain regions linked to attention and struggle to synchronise their behaviour with humans, a social process known as neural coupling.
Crucially, Dr. Boyd stressed that canine neurodivergence, like human neurodivergence, exists on a broad spectrum.
She said: “It’s maybe less about saying whether your dog is neurodivergent, and more about recognising that we have neurodiversity.”
Dr. Boyd has advised any owners who are worried that their furry friend might be autistic to visit a vet.
She said: “They should absolutely be seeking a veterinary check-up and working with a fully qualified behaviourist or trainer.”
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