Why Do Older Dogs Start to Bite?
If you’re the pet parent of senior dog like Bella and wondering, “Why is my dog being aggressive all of sudden?” your first course of action should be to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They’ll help determine the reason why your older dog is starting to bite. Below, we’ll explore some common causes of a senior dog becoming aggressive, as well as their possible treatments and solutions.
Pain is one of the most common causes of an older dog starting to bite, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs who are uncomfortable or achy like Bella might not want to be touched, and can react to someone reaching out with preemptive growling, a warning air snap to discourage contact or even an actual bite.
Dogs might telegraph that they’re in pain in ways too subtle for pet parents to notice, or might not acknowledge their pain at all until accidentally pushed to reaction. Senior dog pain can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
Pain can be caused by conditions associated with normal aging, like joint pain or arthritis, bone and muscle deterioration, dental issues, flare ups from old injuries, or can result from undiagnosed illnesses, like cancer.
Though many dogs maintain a cheerful disposition throughout their lives, a combination of factors related to aging can lead to “grumpy dog syndrome,” the unofficial term for when a dog exhibits an increase in aggression due to the combined effects of aging. These may include mild pain (possibly due to one of the conditions listed above), balance issues, hearing and vision loss and the early effects of dementia.
Seniors who have aged into grumpy dog syndrome are the canine equivalent of older neighbors who yell “get off my lawn” to playing children. They’re set in their ways and need their predictable routines to stay content. And because of physical deficits like hearing and vision loss, they may prefer to be left alone rather than join a group.
When pushed beyond their comfort zone, dogs aging into growing intolerance might react with a nip or a bite, or the dog becoming aggressive. Senior dogs in households with small children who don’t understand canine body language, or households with younger dogs who play roughly, might also be more likely to snap when they’re pushed beyond their limit.
Dogs who are entering that senior grumpy zone might behave in the following ways:
Senior dogs can experience cognitive changes that are like those seen in human Alzheimer’s. Called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), this progressive decline is more dramatic than changes that can be attributed to normal aging.
“Canine cognitive dysfunction is a slowly progressive behavioral change that leads to declines in several aspects of a dog’s life,” says Holly Brooks, VMD, a small animal veterinarian at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. “Similar to humans, it is related to plaques that form on the brain. There can also be decrease in brain mass as well.”
CCD, also known as dog dementia, includes a cluster of predictable indicators, including personality shifts; formerly standoffish dogs might begin seeking out more attention, and dogs who were friendly in their youth might begin reacting aggressively. Because of the attendant confusion, CCD dogs might seem to be aggressive all of a sudden and escalate to biting.
Senior dogs suffering from CCD will likely also exhibit the following symptoms:
How to Stop Older Dog Aggression
An old dog suddenly becoming aggressive is an issue that should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Once your vet determines the root cause of the change in temperament, you can begin to address it with treatments and exercises.
Create a Plan
A behaviorist or trainer can help you figure out the best approach for managing your dogs aggression. In most cases, youll use positive reinforcement to teach your dog new behaviors.
For example, if your dog is mildly aggressive toward strangers, start off by standing far away from someone your dog doesnt know. You should be far enough away so that your dog doesnt start to growl or snap. Then, reward with lots of treats and praise as you gradually decrease the distance between your dog and the stranger, continuing to use positive reinforcement.
Ideally, your dog will begin to learn that strangers equal treats and youll see a reduction in its aggression. This same procedure can work for getting your dog used to a variety of other situations.
Punishing your dog for aggressive behavior usually backfires and can escalate the aggression. If you respond to a growling dog by hitting, yelling, or using some other aversive method, the dog may feel the need to defend itself by biting you.
Punishment may also lead to your dog biting someone else without warning. For example, a dog that growls at children is letting you know that he is uncomfortable around them. If you punish a dog for growling, he may not warn you the next time he gets uncomfortable, but may simply bite. 2:04
HOW TO CALM AN AGGRESSIVE DOG! Cesar911 Shorts
If your dog regularly growls, snaps, or bites, you might have a behavioral problem of aggression on your hands. Aggression is one of the top reasons dog owners seek the help of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. And its not just larger dogs and so-called “dangerous breeds” that are prone to aggression; any breed is capable of becoming aggressive under the right circumstances.
Although aggression cant be cured overnight, there are steps you can take to curb aggressive behavior and help your dog remain calm.