What should I do if my older dog is getting aggressive?

Answer by  angelsdozens (218)

An older dog that has not previously shown signs of aggression could be telling you something. Check for injuries you may not have noticed and a trip to the vet to check thyroid levels or for arthritis could be all you need.

Answer by  tofuturk (581)

Neutering a dog at any age will reduce aggression. Many medical conditions can cause changes in behavior. Ask your vet to run blood work to check thyroid levels and look for painful physical conditions like arthritis or hip problems. Obedience classes and extra exercise will also help make pets better behaved.

Answer by  smellycat22 (1129)

First, check with your veterinarian to see if your dog has any health problems such as hearing/vision loss or joint pain that can contribute to the change in his behavior. Consult with a aggression experienced trainer that can assess your dog and advise you on how to help him.

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

Your dog may have health issues that are making him uncomfortable or actively ill, and he is telling you this by his behavior. Please consult a vet.