The hyperactive dog treatment will consist of some behavioral training, mental stimulation, exercise and as a last resort, medication treatment. Younger dogs may have a lot of excess energy, but this behavior will go away as the dog ages. However, there are certain dog breeds that may be hyperactive almost all their lives.
Treatment for Hyperactive Puppies
Puppies typically have a higher activity level and they like to explore every corner of their environment. This is totally normal, but the dog can be gradually trained to behave properly around the house. At the same time, you will have to make sure that the dog will get outside as much as he needs. The exercise needs of a puppy will depend on his breed, age and type of diet.
The puppy training should be short, no more than 20 minutes at a time, as the puppies have a short attention span at this age.
Typically, after the proper training and when the puppy grows up, the hyperactivity will no longer be an issue.
Treatment for Hyperactivity in Adult Dogs
Hyperactive adult dogs are not very common, but there are a number of dog breeds that are more likely to be very active and will also make problems for the owners. Jack Russel Terriers are such dogs.
However, there may be dogs that belong to other breeds that are not known to be hyperactive; but the dogs are still hyperactive. This may be due to a medial problem or due to the fact that the dog cannot spend all his energy and requires more exercise.
The treatment for hyperactive adult dogs may be made up of:
- Behavioral training
- More exercise
- Mental stimulation
- A veterinary checkup and treatment of the underlying condition
- Medication treatment
Behavioral Training
Even if properly trained as puppies, hyperactive dogs may receive additional behavioral training. The training should be performed by a professional that has experience in dealing with hyperactive canines.
More Exercise
A dog that doesn’t get to spend all his energy outdoors, may have destructive tendencies and be hyperactive indoors. You should consult a vet and he will decide if your dog gets a sufficient amount of exercise. The vet should establish the optimal amount of exercise time for your pet.
When at the vet, have the vet perform a checkup to establish if there are any medical conditions that could make your dog hyperactive.
Mental Stimulation
Dogs need mental stimulation, as boredom can also make them hyperactive. You will have to give him toys and find new, stimulating activities that will make the dog more interested in playing and spending his energy wisely.
Medication Treatment
In some cases, none of the above mentioned solutions can help make your dog calmer. The vet will prescribe medication, which will calm your pet down:
- Ritalin
- Dexedrine
- Adderall
These drugs may not be recommended as long term treatment, as there are a number of side effects. Your dog may become more lethargic and his personality may change.