If your dog experiences a sudden change in behaviour then the first port of call is your vet. Take it one step at a time and follow a responsible course of action keeping your dog and others safe while you seek out the cause and appropriate treatment for your dog.
1. Contact your vet for a full physical. This will rule out any pain or condition that could be causing the aggression.
2. Contact us so as we can assess your dog and devise an appropriate behaviour modification plan
Common Medical Causes of Aggression:- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Brian Inflamation
- Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)
- Hydrocephalus – most common in short-nosed breeds [brachycephalics].
- Encephalitis (bacterial or viral)
- Head trauma
- Brain tumor
- Epilepsy
- Brain Seizures
Other Causes Include:
- Inner ear pain, infection in the ear
- Mouth, gum or teeth pain
- Joint Pain caused by arthritis
- Ingrowing Nails
- Stomach Pain cause by intestinal parasites
- Anal Glan Pain, infection of the anal glands
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Allergies
- Injury
- Back Pain or Strain
Be sure to get your dog a full physical at least once a year and discuss any behavioural, appetite, general mood and overall health changes your dog may be experiencing.
If you are unsure contact
Anicare Veterinary Practises www.anicare.ie
OR
Cara Veterinary Practise www.caravetgroup.com
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Comments
Great blog on various medical reasons for aggression in dogs…would that people think “outside the box” before labelling dogs “aggressive” without further investigation. I would like to highlight another reason – side effects of prescribed medication. My dog was unfortunately diagnosed with trachea collapse early this year and put on a course of medication which she will have to take for the rest of her life. Within 7 days of starting the meds I noticed small, subtle changes in her behaviour which I documented and mentioned to the prescribing Vet. I suggested it was possibly side effects but as no one else had ever suggested such a thing before it wasn’t taken too seriously. However, I was not a ‘happy camper’ and documented every behavioural change I noticed – which wasn’t too hard as 14 days into meds she was a raging virago – to both dogs and people. To cut a long story short, it transpired she had been prescribed the human form of the medication (which was done routinely). I asked that a comparison be made between the human/animal form and discovered they are based on different molecules. I had the meds changed immediately and very soon she was back to her usual self – in fact a bit more ‘laid back’. I urge all owners – who, after all, know their dog best – to please, please question anything they consider odd or out of the ordinary in such circumstances. If I had not done so my dog would not be with me today as there was only one way she was headed – euthanasia. I am not being dramatic here: I was told this by her usual Vet who knows her from puppyhood. Also, her quality of life had diminished: she was so hyper she no longer enjoyed walks and no way could she be allowed to run free anymore. To finish, I submitted a written report on the matter so hopefully something useful was learned from my experience.
Thank you for sharing that vital information with us. We appreciate that.