Dogs and cats in their dotage

Science News, Oct 17, 1998 by Susan Milius

Veterinarians also recognize a canine disorder similar to attention deficit disorder, and, yes, they treat it with Ritalin, the drug widely prescribed for hyperactive children.

So-called hyperkinetic pets "are very rare dogs," veterinarian Lyn Johnson emphasizes. During her 2 years of residency in veterinary behavioral medicine at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine in College Station, she has diagnosed the disorder only once, in a female terrier.

At 18 months old, the dog showed no signs of losing her rambunctious puppy ways. Her longest naps lasted 15 minutes. She raced around the house and leaped over furniture, so much so that her owners took to keeping her on a leash indoors. They couldn't leave her alone outsides because of her barking and digging. During an entire 2-hour session at the clinic, "she just never sat down," Johnson remembers.

Dogs who romp too much are a common story. "The majority are just over-active dogs who are not getting enough exercise," Johnson says.