Can Dogs Have Autism – 5 Symptoms That’ll Help You Diagnose It

22 thoughts on “Can Dogs Have Autism – 5 Symptoms That’ll Help You Diagnose It”

  1. How does one locate a behavior specialist? We have a female shih tzu 8yo with a puppy mill background. Don’t know if her behavioral traits are from her time there or are of other origin.

    • I also have a shih tsu and 9 yrs.and I suspect autism,he has very strange ways for a dog,and i have a lot of experience with dogs.

      • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.All dogs will benefit from plenty of off-leash exercise at the dog park and dog beach. Dogs need to socialize with other dogs.They need best friends in the form of other dogs. They also need to run and play. It is very important to differentiate between a dog that is home alone and bored with nothing to do, and one that has autism -like traits. Dogs that are bored will often develop strange behaviors like tail- chasing or catching imaginary flies. That said, if your dog does have autism, it will be all the more beneficial for him to have a set schedule with lots of outdoor activity, where he can partake in play with other dogs, and have fun. Many dogs will be shy or aggressive with other dogs and people because they lack socialization skills. That said, taking your pooch to lots of safe and fun places, even if it’s to the local Starbucks for a Puppuchino, will be mentally stimulating.It’s always best to visit your veterinarian for a full consult.

  2. My daughter and her boyfriend have a two year old male Samoyed that they purchased from a breeder in CO. He loves dogs but REALLY doesn’t have much interest in people. Never wags his tail, never runs to the door when owners or friends come over. He acted like this basically from day one. They are now living in MI in another apt and has not adjusted well at all and it has been 6 months ! He loves going to daycare but when he comes home he runs upstairs and hides in the shower? He eats fine but seems to be very anxious. Sometimes whining ? Can you offer any insight to this issue? Thank you!

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.

      Samoyeds have a high-energy level, and need a job. These dogs are affectionate and gentle,and do best with lots of outdoor activity. They also do not do well in heat. The shower area may be cooler, if the apartment is toasty. Apartments may also not be the most ideal environment for this dog breed. The Samoyed is also very intelligent.All dogs do well with positive dog training classes, where both the dog parent and dog can learn and bond at the same time.The Samoyed does well with lots of off-leash runs at the dog park or dog beach. Interactions with a dog that seems to be nervous, need to be gentle and consistent, without any harsh reprimands. Try to find out more about the dog’s past history. Also if the anxiousness increases when there are thunder storms?All dogs prefer a relaxed home environment with a regular exercise schedule. Interactive dog chew toys, healthy dog treats, and lots of affection would be beneficial.Consult with your veterinarian for a full check- up to see if there are any medical issues.

  3. I have a 20 month shepard. I truley believe she is autistic. She chased tail, spins, circles house, pacrs, doesn’t learn very well. We spend hours up on hours with training. Takes her forever to learn. Then she forgets. Many other symptoms asvwell.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      Many dogs that develop OCD behaviors do well with a set exercise schedule, and lots of off-leash trips to the dog park and dog beach. That said, you can also shop for numerous interactive dog toys that will keep your Shepherd mentally stimulated. Classical music combined with regular positive dog training classes also help with boredom and excess energy. Shepherds are highly intelligent and need a job. Try out obedience trials, agility,flyball, and even canine surfing with your dog. As usual, consult with your veterinarian for a full health check prior to starting out with a new canine sport. Check your dog’s heart health as well.

  4. I have a 14 year old Rough Collie and have always thought of him as Aspergers. He is extremely clever, always anticipating what might happen next, shows little emotion (hates to be touched or cuddled – will tolerate it from us), likes familiar places and walks. He welcomes us with a slight wag of the tail and never fully settles in another house. He has never been very sociable with other dogs and if they play rough, he immediately snaps at them, as though he is afraid. He is extremely sensitive to sounds and hates travelling in the car (he will just about tolerate it now) He will only eat his dinner in one place in the house (very difficult when we take him away) and will only sleep in one place. We got him as a 5 month old puppy and have always just assumed he wasn’t socialised properly. We adore him but know that he is not a typical dog 🙂

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      It is thought that this may be a genetic condition. If you suspect that your dog may have autism it is important to adhere to the same schedule every day. Consult with your veterinarian for therapy advice. Keep in mind that canine autism may be confused with a dog that has had very little socialization during puppyhood. Dogs that have endured difficult or abusive homes in the past also may have problems interacting with other dogs, people and new environments. Apathy or an inability to interact properly may also stem from health problems. That said, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health problems.

  5. I have a 2 year old girl staffy she was from one of our own litters we kept her as she had splayed legs from birth and couldn’t stand or walk till she was about 12 weeks old we spent hours doing physio on her now she is perfectly fine . As time has gone on she seems different to my other 3 dogs . She doesn’t like anybody speaking to loud she will sneak out the room and hide we have to call her back in and reassure her . She doesn’t like eye contact . She is full of affection but she tries but just can’t give it fully . There is just something very different about her . It’s like she has so much inside that she just can’t get out . We have never done anything that would make her like this . Could it be the human form of autism ?
    Thankyou Lisa

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      Please consult with your veterinarian for a full check-up. You should also voice your concerns as to how to help your Staffy. Hope this helps!

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  7. I have a miniature dachshund that is a year old and terrified of slime, I was wondering if he was showing signs of texture anxiety as autism people have?

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.

  8. Hi I don’t know if you could help me. I have a Yorkshire terrier 4 years old. I have been thinking about this for sometime now . When some muic or tunes come on the radio . He doesn’t like it at all he goes mad and into 1 he is always barking and in doors and outside he will not listen to me even when I call him he hardly plays and weed in doors he has been done since he was 6 months old. Please could you help thank you

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      Yorkies are a feisty and wonderful small dog breed. That said, please begin with housetraining/potty training from step 1. You will need to begin by taking your Yorkie outdoors more often to go potty, and to re-establish a schedule. Make sure that you take him out first thing in the morning, and lastly right before you go to sleep. Your Yorkie should go outdoors several times a day. Never punish your dog for mistakes, and always use positive reinforcement. There are lots of healthy dog treats for small breeds. Keep rewarding him when he goes potty outside. Ultimately, it is up to you to walk him alot, and to develop a routine that works for you and your Yorkie.If you’re busy at work, opt for a dog walking service. This prevents your dog from developing bad habits, which are hard to break. That said, has he been neutered? He may be marking his territory indoors. Please consult with your veterinarian for advice. Try classical music or calming music around your dog. He may not enjoy loud music. Also keep his environment calm. Yorkies are highly excitable, and do well in a calm and loving environment.

  9. We rescued a shepherd mix when he was just 8 weeks old. We are the only people Eddie has lived with and our house is the only home he’s had since he was just 8 weeks old and he will be 2 this May. He doesn’t like to be petted like other dogs; he will come part way up to us but when we reach out to him, he cowers and backs away. Believe me, our pups are spoiled and very loved! He lives in the house with two other friendly, playful male dogs, one larger and one smaller. The only one of us he has regular voluntary contact with is the smaller dog. When we first got Eddie, we recognized a problem but it was diagnosed by a veterinarian ophthalmologist that his eyes were not fully developed. A supplement was prescribed which has improved the eye issue but Eddie continues to have all of the symptoms you’ve listed as possible canine autism. I work with the disabled so I am familiar with the symptoms and thought I was crazy when I saw these actions in our puppy! I was somewhat relieved when I saw from this website that autism is now being researched in dogs. My husband and I are willing to do whatever we can to help with any research necessary. We love our little Eddie with all our hearts, as we do our other two boys. We know we were meant to have him because we believe many other families would not be as patient with his behavior as we are.

  10. I have often thought I wonder if dogs suffer from autism . My 8 year old Jack Russell certainly shows signs of everything I have read . I really would give anything to help him .

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Research results are not 100% conclusive. As early as 1966, veterinarians began discussing autism symptoms in dogs. Veterinary behaviorists link tail chasing behaviors to a possible link to autism. Nonetheless, more research needs to be done to reach a definite diagnosis in dogs. If your Jack Russell is demonstrating atypical repetitive behaviors, and has some degree of social interaction impairment, it may be worth your while to consult with your veterinarian for the best advice and a complete health-check.

  11. Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.

  12. Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.At MySweetpuppy.net we try to provide the most current blogs and reviews for pet parents. We offer a good selection of dog blogs and dog product reviews. To learn more about our website, visit: Mysweetpuppy.net

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