• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Could my dog have canine autism?

Posted February 20, 2022

 
Confused pug tilts his head. Puppies and dogs that exhibit signs and symptoms of canine autism tend to be aloof and interact less with their people.
Puppies and dogs that exhibit signs and symptoms of canine autism tend to be aloof and interact less with their people.

Most veterinarians choose not to diagnose dogs with canine autism, even though dogs exhibit the same signs and symptoms as humans on the autism spectrum.

Instead, veterinarians prefer to refer to the condition as dysfunctional canine behavior.

This behavior is rare in puppies and dogs. It is believed to be idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown.

Some vets theorize the condition is congenital and inherited from a parent or relative.

Veterinarians believe a lack of mirroring neurons in the dog’s brain causes dog autism. Mirroring neurons mirror the behavior of others, thereby teaching an animal how to behave and relate to other dogs.

A dog that lacks properly working neurons rarely interacts with other people or dogs, which causes a lack of empathy.

Lately, some dog owners have been reluctant to get their dogs vaccinated over concerns the shots could cause autism.

Dog owners don’t need to worry. Canine Autism isn’t caused by vaccines, just as vaccines don’t cause autism in humans.

Poor socialization skills a trait of dogs with canine autism

Man holds nervous corgi. Studies show owners stress dogs.
Most dogs diagnosed with canine autism are reactive and often lack socialization skills. Reactive animals often inherit an anxiety disorder.

The most common traits of dogs with autism include anxiety and poor socialization skills.

Most dogs diagnosed with canine autism are reactive and often lack socialization skills. Reactive animals often inherit an anxiety disorder.

Puppies lacking socialization skills generally were removed from their mother and siblings during a vital developmental period.

They become reactive because they don’t know how to cope.

For example, reactive puppies or dogs who experience sensory avoidance find it emotionally painful to have their owners touch them.

Dog autism symptoms 

Most puppies and dogs diagnosed with canine autism are reactive and often lack socialization skills. Reactive animals often inherit an anxiety disorder.
Most puppies and dogs diagnosed with canine autism are reactive and often lack socialization skills.

Puppies with canine autism show little interest in interacting with their mother or siblings. They also show little interest in playing or eating.

Other canine dysfunctional behaviors to watch for include:

  • Avoidance/Withdrawal: Avoiding any new experience or situation, retreating to a distance where they feel safe.
  • Dysfunctional Interactions: Minimal interaction with other dogs and people, including their owner. That means the dog has little or no interest in daily activities such as feeding, playing, walking, or socializing.
  • Trance State: Appear to be in a daze, blankly staring at floor, wall, or an object. While dogs with canine autism tend to be still, dogs with canine ADHD tend to be hyper. ADHD in dogs causes dogs to be fearful, clingy, and needy.
  • Restrictive Behavior: Avoiding anything new, including people, places, and things.
  • Unable to Communicate: Flat personality. Cannot communicate normal feelings such as happiness, curiosity, silliness, fear, playfulness, or anger.

    More canine autism traits

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Dog Compulsive Disorder: Compulsive, repetitive actions. For example, walks around the borders of a room.
  • Lethargic: Appears sluggish but lacks interest in participating in any activities, even in high-energy breeds.
  • Compulsive Organization: The dog organizes toys or treats by size, color, or shape.
  • Lack of Eye Contact: The dog does not make eye contact with people, including the owner or other dogs. Lack of eye contact can keep the dog from bonding with its owners because dogs tend to bond with their owners through eye contact.
  • Inability to Cope with Unexpected Stimuli: Over-reaction to loud or unexpected noises.

Help your autistic dog

Happy dog on a hike with his owner. Pet foster parents help dogs feel loved and cared for, even if it is temporary until they find their forever home.
Keep communication simple. Use one word whenever possible. Don’t overwhelm the dog. 

While there’s no treatment for dogs with autism, there are things owners can do to help their dogs.

Fear is a huge part of survival. For dogs suffering from canine autism, survival is paramount.

Dogs have learned to survive by association, both good and bad. The dog stores visual, audio, and scent associations in memory and learns to respond accordingly.

When working with dogs with autism, just like children with autism, you will need to be patient and take time to train your dog to help him be successful. Autism Parenting Magazine has supplementary articles that support the positive benefits of children with autism working alongside dogs.

To help relieve your dog’s anxieties, you can:

  • Help them adapt to new situations slowly, gently, and with as few demands as possible. Do not baby them! That only reinforces their primary sense that there is something to fear.
  • Be consistent.
  • Establish and stick to routines and schedules. Typically puppies and dogs feel secure and thrive in established routines and schedules. Puppies and dogs with dysfunctional behaviors especially need that security.
  • Keep things as simple and familiar as much as possible. Reactive dogs struggle with sudden changes of residences, owners, food, furniture, or playmates. With food choice, it may not be quite as simple as for those with other types of diseases, like how switching between recommended food for dogs with anal gland problems may go smoothly. It may be harder to introduce a new or different type or brand of food to reactive dogs.
  • Keep communication simple. Use one word whenever possible. Don’t overwhelm the dog. Dogs with canine autism don’t care what you think.
  • Consider dog boarding as a safe place for dogs to stay when owners need to be away or need an occasional break. 

Bottom line

Can dogs have autism? The simple answer is yes; dogs can exhibit canine autism symptoms. 

But that doesn’t mean those dogs can’t become pets. Puppies and dogs that exhibit signs and symptoms of canine autism tend to be aloof. So don’t expect licking, serious tail wags, or cuddles. Your dog won’t gaze into your eyes or try to catch your attention. 

They may recoil from your touch, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t important to them. The dog most likely is content and appreciates the home you provide.

It is also good to note that autism might not be the only dysfunctional condition that dogs can have. Some symptoms could be a sign of Down syndrome. But don’t worry, as this does not mean that your dog is any lesser than other dogs. You can learn more about dogs with Down syndrome here, and you’ll be able to understand and diagnose their behaviors better.

A dog with canine autism cannot control this odd behavior.

Accept the dog’s quirks. Enjoy and love them in whatever way works for you and your pet.

Karen A. Soukiasian is the owner of Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

Is it better to have two dogs?

 

Related Posts

  • French bulldog sticks out tongue. A Down syndrome dog requires more time and patience. Potty training can be challenging and you may need to help your dog eat and walk.
    Everything you need to know about Down syndrome in dogs

    A Down syndrome dog requires more time and patience. Potty training…

  • Border collie jumps. Dogs with canine ADHD are hyperactive with extremely short attention spans.
    Can dogs suffer from ADHD?

    Dogs with canine ADHD are hyperactive with short attention spans.…

  • obsessive-compulsive disorder
    Does your puppy have canine obsessive-compulsive disorder?

    By Karen A. Soukiasian Does your puppy or dog suffer…

  • two dogs happy companions
    Prevent canine depression: Make sure your dog has a chance to interact with other pups

    Prevent canine depression by letting your dog have lots of…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Dog Training, Home Page, Top Stories Tagged With: Canine autism

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

PoodleTwo dogsWaterYorkshire terrierPuppy kindergartenPet parentsService dogstraining tipsRescue dogOutdoor activitiesVacation dog careThanksgivingPet sitterWorking dogsPuppy-proofSocializationPomeranianTicksPetfinder.comRottweilerSheddingValentine's DayPandemicOld dogsVeterinarianPotty trainingSeparation anxietySmall dogsPit bullPaw

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort: The ultimate guide for dog owners
    Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort is crucial for the well-being of your pet. This guide is for you if you want to achieve this balance. […]
  • The importance of a balanced diet for dogs: Why and how you should care
    Feed your dog a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Ensure they get the right amounts to stay healthy. […]
  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more