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old dog aggression
I have two old dogs, a lab mix about 11 years old and a chiuaua mix about 12 years old.
A couple years ago they started showing signs of being grumpy. Several issues have risen from this like them attacking other animals to being very aggressive toward strangers. When this first started happening, the vet told us to make a safe room for them. A nice, quiet, comfortable place for the dogs so that they would be happy and could not hurt us or our other animals. We did that and they didn't like it, they want to have full run of the house like they use to. It seemed to make them "angry?" at us and more aggressive. Because of that, I use the safe room sometimes and try to alternate different rooms where we are so that they can feel like part of the family, but nothing is working. When the lab x is outside looking in the house or in his safe room looking over the baby gate, he barks and growls aggressively at us (including my children). The chiuaua x will bite everyone including me when you try to get her to do something she doesn't want to do, and today, when I brought her through the living room to let her outside, she bit my 4 year old sons face while he was laying on the floor watching TV . It seems like bitting my son unprovoked is the last straw. I'm so upset and I don't know what to do. |
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I have a 13 year old labrador and he was starting to experience some of the symptoms that you are experiencing with your dogs. We bought this powder for older dogs that helps with arthritis pain etc. (I don't remember the name but I'm sure you can find it and other products if you Google it). Since we started giving him the powder he's a new dog, I truly believe that now that he's no longer in pain, he doesn't feel the need to lash out. I don't know if this will work for you but it's worth a try. Oh, this stuff also comes in a spray bottle that you put in their drinking water. Let us know what happens and good luck.
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Have they been back to the vet recently? They could both be in pain from arthritis, bad teeth, etc. Their hearing and/or sight could be declining to the point they are not sure who or what is near them. Dogs can also suffer from a syndrome similar to Alzheimer's.
It sounds like time for a thorough physical exam and lab work. |
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Thank you carolbcac, yes they get regular visits to the vet and are very healthy.
The Chihuahua x has no health issues and the lab x is on medication for his pancreas but that's it. They shows no signs of arthritis or loss of sight and can still plays, run, etc. and have health teeth and gums They just sleep a lot more than a young dog. I wasn't very clear about the aggression in my original post because I was very upset. The aggression comes in spurts, like a burst of aggression out of nowhere. Sometimes for no reason, and sometimes I think it's because they're mad at us or jealous. Their vet never mentioned Alzheimer's. It's just breaking my heart. Thank you for your reply. |
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I can't offer any help, but know that you and your dogs will be in my thoughts.
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 Originally Posted by bushg
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It's not really Alzheimers, but similar--it's called canine cognitive dysfunction, but would be odd that they would both develop that at the same time. Ask your vet where the nearest veterinary behaviorist is located. Sounds like something is going on that we are all missing. A behaviorist might be able to sort it all out.
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Originally Posted by carolbcac
The Chihuahua x has been acting like a brat much longer than the lab x. It's just harder now dealing with both acting this way. Thank you and I will ask their vet about your suggestions. |
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