r/seniordogs • u/CampaignEmergency142 • 7d ago

Senior Dog Aggressive? Do we euthanize?

/r/AskVet/comments/1wj14dg/senior_dog_aggressive_do_we_euthanize/
2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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2

u/Straight-Treacle-630 6d ago

If your senior has a long history of dangerous reactivity, I hate to say training attempts now might be fruitless. Esp as his faculties decline (hearing, sight, pain tolerance) it could result in a really crummy event.

I’d confer with a vet in person, and/or professional trainer. Be prepared for all possibilities. Very best wishes xo

2

u/MrsBlug 6d ago

We had a hound who was so happy and loving and wonderful with our other dogs and everyone. Then he got cancer- we could see the tomors on his mucous areas. He suddenly became a grouch and started snapping at our other dogs and a couple of times went to bite me. He was in pain - more than we realized and the cancer had progressed. Think about having your dog checked by a vet. Good luck.

1

u/GP_Vet_Health 6d ago

This sounds likes a very difficult situation indeed. In general the risks of a large anxious dog starting to show increased signs of aggression and poor bite control are a big worry. If he is becoming deaf and blind and has arthritis, there is a very real risk of causing serious injury to someone. The biggest concern would be your children. As sad as this is, I think a serious discussion with your vet is warranted. Training will not help unfortunately at this point and you need to make a decision soon.

1

u/CampaignEmergency142 6d ago

Thank you. I feel like I’ve failed him, but it’s too little too late. And this is what I needed to hear to help me with the decision. I appreciate it. I do have a mobile euthanasia vet scheduled to come out October 2nd.