Dogs may be capable of experiencing neurodivergence in much the same way humans do, according to new evidence from an animal scientist at Nottingham Trent University.
Can pets be neurodivergent?
Dr Jacqueline Boyd says growing research shows dogs can display structural and chemical differences in their brains similar to the ones seen in humans with conditions such as autism or ADHD. Vets currently group these traits under the broad term Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour (CDB), but she believes scientists are increasingly recognising that some animals may experience the world differently because of variation in brain function.
Dr Boyd told the Daily Mail: "There is no formal diagnosis for autism or ADHD in dogs. But 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."
Studies have revealed that a range of animals including dogs, rats, mice and primates can show genetic and behavioural patterns that would be classed as neurodivergent in humans.
Dr Boyd added: "Giving a human diagnosis to an animal that can’t speak in the same way we do is a really difficult thing. But what we can say is that they will sometimes exhibit behaviour tendencies that in a human would meet diagnostic criteria for a neurodivergent condition."
One of the clearest signs is impulsivity or poor impulse control, which is common in humans with ADHD. Imbalances in the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that regulate focus and emotional stability, may also play a role in dogs’ behaviour.
Hypervigilance and hyperfocus are other cues Dr Boyd often looks for. She explained that dogs likely display a wide spectrum of neurotypes.
She said: "The human population is neurodiverse, in that there are lots of neurotypes and we probably have the same in dogs and many other species."
For owners concerned about their dog’s behaviour, the scientist says professional help is essential: “They should absolutely be seeking a veterinary check-up and working with a fully qualified behaviourist or trainer."
Tagged in Pets