Paradoxical Hyperactivity in Dogs
Paradoxical hyperactivity refers to a side effect of hyperactivity that occurs in some dogs in response to certain medications. The term "paradoxical" is used to describe the reaction because the medications typically have a sedative or calming effect on the animal.
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Causes
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Varied medications may trigger paradoxical hyperactivity, including sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, sedatives, antipsychotics, anti-seizure medications and antihistamines.
Treatment
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If a dog has paradoxical hyperactivity in response to a medication, the conventional intervention is to lower the dosage or change the medication. If the medication is necessary, such as an anti-seizure medication or an antihistamine for a highly allergic animal, then sometimes the hyperactivity can be addressed directly with additional medications.
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True Hyperactivity in Dogs
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Some dogs, especially pure breeds, have a hyperactivity disorder. In dogs, hyperactivity is manifest as overly aggressive behavior or excessive barking, chewing, snapping, compulsive movements, frantic abnormal behavior, restlessness, and non-stop movement and panting.
Medicating Hyperactivity in Dogs
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Just as children with hyperactivity disorder are calmed by stimulants, dogs with true hyperactivity have a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate in response to stimulants. If the animal does not have a paradoxical response to stimulants, then it may not have true hyperactivity.
Further Causes of Hyperactivity
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Other factors can contribute to hyperactive behavior in dogs. Dogs need at least 45 minutes of walking each day. Allergic responses to food; sugars, dyes or other additives to food; underlying physical disorders such as diabetes, parasites, tumors or malnutrition; and anxiety can contribute to hyperactivity in dogs.
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