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Also, hyperactivity depends on the animal’s genes. Most hounds could lie around and sleep all day—until they are given the scent of prey, at least. However, terriers (and some other breeds such as border collies) are almost incessantly hyperactive. Compared to the average Persian cat, a Siamese is hyperactive.

Dealing with hyperactivity

Here are several tips to help you deal with your pet’s hyperactivity.

Learn to accept a certain amount of hyperactivity, depending on the breed, the time of day, and the surrounding circumstances.

Tone down your environment. Animals respond to excess stimuli. If you want to set off your critter’s potential for hyperactivity, turn up the stereo while you and the rest of the family and all your dozens of visiting friends are in a constant dither. Chill out and calm down the external noises, and your critters will also chill and calm down.

Good nutrition. Avoid foods laden with synthetic preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, sweeteners, and anything on the label that you can’t pronounce. Use organic foods whenever possible. Consider a low-protein diet. (There is some evidence that indicates a low-protein diet may decrease the incidence of hyperactivity in dogs.) Add a multivitamin and mineral supplement along with essential fatty acids (particularly the omega-3s) and lactobacillus (unsweetened yogurt is a good source).

Frequent exercise. There’s simply nothing better for calming the hyper critter than exercise—a nice long walk each day along with a twice-a-day romp in the grass is ideal.

Have your dog’s thyroid checked. Some behavioral scientists believe that low thyroid hormone levels may contribute to hyperactivity.

Use herbs and aromatherapy as natural calmers. Also consider chiropractic, acupuncture, and homeopathy.

Herbs for the hyperactive critter

Some of my favorite herbal remedies for hyperactivity are listed below. For any of the herbs, you can make a tea and add it to your pets’ food, sprinkle the herb directly on their food, or give them capsules or tablets.

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). If there ever was an herb matched to a condition, it’s valerian root for hyperactivity. Valerian acts as a nerve tonic—acting either as a sedative or tranquilizer or as a stimulant, depending on what’s needed. Best of all, valerian has almost no side effects. (A small number of people are stimulated by valerian rather than quieted.)

Oats (Avena sativa). Also a nervine tonic, this herb is another of my favorite herbs for nervous problems of all ilk. Nearly all animals like oats, and you can plant some seeds in a flowerpot and let your pet munch on the green oat grass when it’s a few inches tall.

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