Over the past decade, awareness and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans have increased significantly. This rise in diagnosis has led to a surge in research surrounding the disorder and raised questions in the veterinary world about whether dogs can have autism. The concept of autism in dogs is a relatively new area of study, but certain behaviors in them closely resembles those seen in autistic humans. However, it’s important to note that some conditions in dogs may be mistaken for autism, including canine anxiety, brain tumors, or hyperthyroidism. These conditions can show similar outward signs, making it crucial to observe your dog’s behavior carefully and consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
Can Dogs Be Autistic?
In humans, autism is a developmental disability. But what is it in dogs? Symptoms of autism in humans include difficulty relating to others, high levels of anxiety, repetitive behaviors (often referred to as “stimming”), and more. When we observe similar behaviors in dogs, it can be tempting to conclude that they are autistic.
However, it’s important to understand that autism, as it’s defined in humans, is unique to humans. Most veterinarians avoid using the term “autism” when describing canine behavior. Instead, they refer to a condition known as canine dysfunctional behavior (CDB), which shares some similarities with autism but is distinct in its own right. It concludes that human autistic features that your dog shows may not be because of autism, but rather it could be another disorder.
The exact cause of CDB is still unknown, but it appears to be linked to a lack of mirror neurons in the brain. Mirror neurons are crucial for learning social skills by mimicking the behaviors of others. In dogs with CDB, we can see that there is a bit of an impairment in the learning process, particularly in social situations with other dogs. While this condition is rare in dogs, it is more commonly observed in certain breeds. Dogs with CDB are typically born with the condition, and signs often become apparent during puppyhood rather than later in life.
Traits of a Dog With Autism
So, what are the traits or symptoms of an autistic dog? You might suspect that your dog has canine dysfunctional behavior if they display these aspects.
Repetitive Behavior
Dogs with CDB often engage in repetitive actions, such as chasing their tail for long periods. While tail chasing can be normal, dogs with CDB can’t seem to stop or may spin in place. This behavior may be a form of “stimming,” similar to what is observed in autistic humans, where repetitive movements help to calm them down. Dogs with anxiety disorders may also exhibit this behavior.
Obsessive Chewing
Autistic dogs may display obsessive chewing behavior. In some cases, these dogs may even develop complex compulsions, such as lining up their toys in a specific order. It’s just similar to chewing in an aggressive manner.
Lack of Response to Interaction
Autistic dogs may seem disinterested in interactions with humans or other dogs. They might ignore you during walks, playtime, or even feeding time. These dogs may also avoid eye contact, which is also a common trait in autistic humans.
Lack of Normal Emotional Expression
Dogs with Canine Dysfunctional Behavior might not display typical signs of emotion. For example, they may not wag their tails when happy or put their ears back when upset.
Trance States
Some dogs with CDB may enter a “trance” state, where they stare off into space for an extended period. This behavior could also be indicative of a neurological disorder, not that of autistic behavior.
Inappropriate Reaction to Stimuli
Autistic dogs may react inappropriately to touch, such as yelping when touched gently, or they might react aggressively. They may also be hypersensitive to noise, reacting strongly to sounds that wouldn’t normally bother other dogs.
Avoiding New Situations
Dogs with CDB may prefer to avoid new situations or stimuli, retreating to a quiet space like a closet, under the bed, or their crate if they become overwhelmed.
These behaviors are not entirely different from those seen in humans with autism. Autistic dogs avoid eye contact, and overreact to stimuli, and desire to retreat to a safe space. All these behaviors you can observe in both autistic children and adults. If your dog is exhibiting these traits, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog is becoming increasingly lethargic, as this could be a sign of hypothyroidism or another serious condition.
Risk Factors for Autism in Dogs
As with any condition, certain factors can increase the risk of a dog developing CDB. Most autistic dogs are male, and certain breeds are more susceptible than others. For example, bull terriers are particularly prone to developing CDB. A study by Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist at Tufts University, found that up to 85% of bull terriers in any given litter exhibit compulsive tail-chasing behavior, a hallmark of CDB. Many of these dogs also suffer from gastrointestinal issues and skin conditions, which have been linked to autism in humans. Additionally, miniature poodles have also been found to exhibit autism-like behavior.
Ongoing studies are likely to identify other breeds at high risk for these behaviors. Researchers have even identified biomarkers that are elevated in both children with autism spectrum disorder and dogs with canine behavioral dysfunction.
How You Can Help Your Autistic Dog
Just as with human autism, there is no cure for canine dysfunctional behavior. The impact of CDB can vary greatly from one dog to another. Some dogs may only display mild repetitive behaviors and be hyperactive or destructive when stressed, while others may have more profound social difficulties that make them challenging to train.
Be Patient
It’s essential to be patient with your dog.They may take longer to learn commands. They hardly give you attention. Hence, you may need to modify how you communicate with them to get their attention and always understand their situation when you interact with them.
Medication
If your dog’s compulsive behaviors become problematic or if they start to display aggression, consult your veterinarian about possible medications. Calming supplements may also be beneficial in certain situations, such as trips to the vet or during fireworks. It soothes them and keep inactive mildly. Finding a vet who offers house calls or grooming services that come to your home can be helpful as well.
Place and Perspective
An autistic dog needs a comfortable, low-stress environment. A properly sized crate can serve as a safe space, especially if it’s covered with a blanket to create a darker, more comfortable area. Keep the crate in a quiet part of the house, away from loud noises and strange smells. Provide your dog with a weighted blanket designed for dogs, as human versions can be too heavy, particularly for smaller breeds.
Some autistic dogs are hypersensitive to touch, so be mindful of how you pet them. Avoid letting strangers pet your dog, and consider using a pressure wrap to provide gentle reassurance when your dog is stressed.
Plan Ahead
You may avoid taking your dog to crowded places like dog parks or busy city streets if they find these environments overwhelming. Your dog may benefit from having a routine, such as walking at the same time and to the same location each day to get away from their consistent environment . Always use positive reinforcement training methods, otherwise punishing an autistic dog can cause them to withdraw or exhibit destructive behavior.
Working with a behaviorist can help you and your dog navigate the challenges of CDB. While autistic dogs may need extra care and understanding, they can still be wonderful companions when given the right support. By creating a nurturing environment and using patience and love, you can help your dog thrive despite their unique challenges.
