Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and lifelong developmental disorder that is characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. It generally begins in early childhood, with many of the most obvious signs being observed around 2-3 years old.

You’ve come to the correct place if you’re worried about your dog’s mental health and want to know if dogs can have autism. Continue reading to find out more about canine autism and how you may assist an autistic dog.

So, Can Dogs Have Autism?

The short answer is yes. However, the question of whether canines can or cannot have autism is kind of complicated. Dogs can have autism, or they can at least show autistic behavior,  however, we’re not sure if it’s similar to autism in humans. Autism has been linked to canines, however, no decisive conclusion has been drawn just yet.

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) did a study in 2015 on Bull Terrier tail-chasing behavior and how it may be linked to autism. A total of 132 Bull Terriers were observed in the study, with 55 of them chasing their tails. The following are some of the study’s findings:

1. Tail chasing is more prevalent in males (Even in the case of humans, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.)
2. It is associated with trance-like behavior
3. It is also associated with aggression and explosive behaviors

Although not definitive, these observations could mean that tail chasing is a form of autism in dogs.

Other researchers have been looking into autism in dogs since as early as 1966 and their findings indicate that autism could very well occur in dogs, just not with the same clinical aspects as in humans. So, the term “canine dysfunctional behavior” is more relevant than autism.

What Is Canine Dysfunctional Behavior?

Even though dogs exhibit similar signs and symptoms as humans on the autism spectrum, most vets prefer not to refer to this medical condition as canine autism. In veterinary medicine,  this condition is known as canine dysfunctional behavior. This medical condition is very rare in puppies and dogs and is classified as idiopathic, which means that the cause of the condition is unknown. In general, this condition in dogs is what is informally known as canine autism.

What Causes Autism In Dogs?

We aren’t exactly sure about the causes of canine autism yet and more research is to be done on the matter. However, from what little we do know, autism is congenital and dogs are born with the condition.

The experts suggest that dogs with dysfunctional behaviors lack mirror neurons in their brains. Mirroring neurons allow young dogs to “mirror” older dogs, teaching them how to function socially. A lack of these neurons could be the reason why autistic dogs are unable to develop social skills.

Some vets also theorize the condition can be inherited from parents however is not necessarily hereditary. It is believed that if the parents received unnecessary vaccinations or were exposed to toxins, their off-springs become autistic. However, it has not been proven yet.

How To Know If Your Dog Has Autism

Diagnosing canine autism can be difficult as we don’t know much about it. However, autistic dogs should exhibit repetitive behaviors and limited social contact with both humans and other dogs. Puppies with canine autism often show little interest in interacting with their parents, siblings, and even their owners. They don’t demonstrate an interest in entertainment or appetite, and other signs are:

• Dogs with canine autism tend to avoid any new experience or situation, immediately retreating to a place where they feel secure.
• They have very little interactions with other dogs and people, which means they have little or no interest in daily activities like playing, feeding, and socializing.
• They often appear to be blanked-out, staring at the floor or wall. Dogs with canine autism tend to be motionless and lethargic more often whereas dogs with canine ADHD tend to be hyper.
• They have a flat personality meaning that they cannot communicate normal feelings such as curiosity, joy, stress, or anger. It is believed that dogs bond through eye contact, but these dogs lack eye contact, even with their owners.

If Your Dog Has Canine Autism, Here’s What You Can Do

While autism is not a condition that can be cured, you can still adjust your lifestyle and put some measures to accommodate your dog’s inability. With proper care, your dog can live a happy and prosperous life.  You want your dog to be healthy and happy, don’t you?

Here are 9 promising things you can do to tackle canine autism:

1. Medication- Some medicine will decrease the severity of autistic syndrome but will not get rid of it. Fluoxetine is a great choice for the management of OCD, autism, and aggression in dogs.
2. You have to control your dog’s lifestyle and environment to make it as stress-free as possible. For that, you can provide your dog with a safe and secure home.
3. Cutting down stress is the key. If your dog becomes upset while visiting a vet because of unfamiliar faces, you can ask for a home visit to relieve their stress.
4. Many dogs with canine autism do not like to others petting them. People around them should keep that in mind and avoid touching them.
5. Every dog with autism has something that they find alarming and these things trigger their anxiety as well as autistic syndromes. By eliminating these objects, you can make their lives much more comfortable.
6. Setting up a routine is a great idea. Your dog will be happy with a secure and stable lifestyle. With everyday exercise and a balanced diet, your pooch will do just fine.
7. Local therapies and treatment may be the right choice too. However, keep in mind that autism cannot be ‘cured’, so treatment might only help alleviate some of the symptoms.
8. Autism is not a deadly disease and will not kill your dog. Your dog can still lead a happy life. So staying optimistic is one of the greatest things you can do.
9. Prevent your furry friend from getting depressed. To learn more about canine depression, check out our other article on 10 Causes Of Depression In Dogs (What You Can Do To Help!)

Conclusion

So, yes dogs can have autism, although the condition might not be the same as in humans. However, don’t forget that autism is not a fatal condition. Even if your dog is diagnosed with canine autism, you can still have a lovely and healthy dog that can be your companion and give you a happy life ahead. The sooner you rule out the medical conditions and cope with them, the easier it is for you and your dog.

Thank you for reading the article.

To explore more, check out our other articles covering dog autism here. 

Did you already know that dogs can have autism? Were you aware of the symptoms that autistic dogs may show? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!