Prevalence

• ADHD is a behavioral illness that causes hyperactivity and the general inability to concentrate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 3 to 7 percent of school children suffer from ADHD. In dogs, ADHD is much more rare. Because of dogs' generally hyperactive nature, they are harder to diagnose and statistics aren't available.
  
  

Children With ADHD

• There are many symptoms that could indicate ADHD in a child. Symptoms include inability to focus on one task, inability to finish most tasks, constantly running around, never tiring, fidgeting all the time and difficulties listening and obeying. There are a few other types of ADHD. Hyperactive Impulsive ADHD is also identified by a child's hyperactivity, but a child who has it is able to focus on tasks and things. In innattentive ADHD, the child has a poor attention span but has the ability to focus, and doesn't have hyperactivity.
  
  

Dogs With ADHD

• For dogs, ADHD is harder to pinpoint, as dogs typically display hyper behavior, and may resist focusing their attention. Some dogs may have ADHD as a result of poor exercise and of constantly being left alone. Dogs who suffer from ADHD constantly move around even in sleep, frequently bark, never slow even with proper daily exercise, overreact to minimal stimuli and can't be in one area for more than a few minutes. Most vets have tests for ADHD, which include administering a stimulant and monitoring your dog's bodily reactions to it.
  
  

Treating Children

• Treating a child with ADHD can be done with the help of a medical doctor and possibly a therapist or counselor. Your doctor will typically prescribe a stimulant medication, such as Ritalin, for your child to take daily that will help him or her better focus and listen. Therapy is effective with medication, because it can equip you and your child with the mental tools and awareness needed to control ADHD.
  
  

Treating Dogs

• In dogs, treatment of ADHD is also done with medication but without the therapy. Medications for dogs include Ritalin and Adderall, which they take daily in order to help them keep a study metabolic rate and stay calm. Instead of therapy, your veterinarian may prescribe that you increase your dog's physical activity, such as adding an extra mile to walks, playing catch for an hour or things of that nature.