Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Dogs

The possibility of autism affecting dogs is a fascinating topic which is seldom discussed or written about. Yet, researchers have been exploring the possibility that autism exists in dogs since as far back as the 1960s. However, despite their study and research, we still know relatively little about this topic. To date, there is no concrete evidence that Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exists in canines. The most notable source I could find is a study released in 2011, where similarities were found between repetitive tail-chasing behaviours in Bull Terriers and ASD in humans, but nothing definitive was concluded.

An excerpt which includes parallels drawn from the study:

"Although tail chasing in dogs is commonly described as a compulsive disorder or partial seizure disorder, ﬁndings of the present study lead to another possibility. Males had a slight (8%) but significantly greater risk for developing tail chasing than females. Furthermore, tail chasing in Bull Terriers is closely associated with episodic aggression and trance-like behaviour. Regarding the cluster of clinical signs and manifestations of tail chasing, it is speculated that this syndrome in Bull Terriers may have features in common with autism in humans. Autism is also more common in males, is associated with explosive aggression and trance-like staring, and involves repetitive movements and self-injurious behaviour. In addition, autism is characterised by autonomy, impaired social interactions, and obsession with objects. Many owners of Bull Terriers with tail-chasing behaviour describe their dogs as asocial, somewhat withdrawn, and abnormally preoccupied with objects, such as balls or sticks."

Despite a lack of definitive evidence from the research carried out over the years, it is now widely acknowledged that autism may be present in dogs. However, it is noted that canines do not share all the symptoms which occur in humans. The canine condition which presents with similar clinical signs as ASD is known as Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour, but it differs from ASD in that there is no spectrum.

Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour is challenging to diagnose, so vets must rely on observing and analysing behaviour, noting compulsive tendencies, repetitive behaviours and impairments in social skills, and comparing normal and abnormal behaviours. To diagnose, other medical and behavioural conditions need to be ruled out first, as there are many which present with similar symptoms, such as anxiety, neurological disease, and hypothyroidism, to name just a few. There is no test specifically for Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour, although a diagnosis is often based on behavioural characteristics.

Some behaviours which might manifest in Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour include:

Repetitive behaviours such as tail-chasing or circling.
Distress from having their routine interrupted.
Difficulty in adapting to new situations or environments.
Hypersensitivity to sensations such as light and touch.
Anxious, fearful or aggressive behaviours when interacting.
Difficulties in social settings.
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
May appear in a trance-like state.
Hiding in their safe space.

Once Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour is diagnosed, there are several ways to treat it. The treatment might involve prescribing medications such as Prozac, having behavioural therapy, as well as putting management in place to minimise stress, offering environmental enrichment, and tailoring exercises to provide support.

Canine dysfunctional behaviour is considered idiopathic, meaning that the cause of it is unknown, although it seems that dogs are born with the condition rather than develop it later. Studies have suggested that dogs with Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour lack particular neurons called "mirror" neurons, which are linked with social learning.

The research available on Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour is far from comprehensive. Still, in raising awareness that brain chemistry in dogs is highly complex and differences in the way the brain processes information do occur, we can foster greater empathy, understanding and patience for the dogs that struggle, enabling their needs to be met. Pet guardians and clients should be encouraged to recognise and understand canine body language, which will provide insight into how their dog might feel. Pain or discomfort is often the root cause of behavioural challenges; therefore, the more attuned we are to our dogs and their communications, the better. It is also important to emphasise the need to seek veterinary advice if a dog exhibits any unusual behaviours or a sudden behaviour change.

References

(PDF) Characteristics of compulsive tail chasing and associated risk factors in Bull Terriers (researchgate.net)

www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/2/318

www.greatpetcare.com/dog.../can-dogs-be-autistic/....

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21453176/

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5190146/

www.psychologytoday.com/.../can-dogs-have-autism

www.vetinfo.com/dog-autism-symptoms.html

To find out more about Emily Savage from Trailie Paws for Thought, visit the website: www.trailiepawsforthought.com