Why is my 11 year old chow suddenly aggressive?

It could be aging - us oldsters tend to get cranky because we don't want to be bothered. My now 15 year old Chow/Aussie who had always been terrified of her own shadow started gettting very upset with other dogs and aggressive towards them around 12-13. She jsut wanted to be left alone. Terrified my now 2 year old 120 lb dog (then 40 lb puppy) into always obeying her every wish. He adores her to this day, but he obeys her - one lift of the lip and it is "YES MAM - HOW HIGH?"

It could be he is in pain - arthritis etc at his age. Pain makes on very very cranky and irritable.

Another thing though, and I have seen 2 instances of this over the years both in dogs about that age, is a brain tumor.

Saw one instance of it in a 12 year old who had a mild stroke - a sweet happy Golden got very short and aggressive with the other animals whom he had always been buddies and lived with all his life.

Try seperating them as much as possible.

When he attacks her, get after him. Grab him by the scruff and haul him back roaring NO.

TAKE HIM TO THE VET

I am so sorry that this is happening to your gentle giant. First, try and remember when this started happening. Did you bring a new family member into the house? Have there been any major events or changes in your house to cause stress? Dogs are extremely intuitive and they can tell whats going on in their house.

Secondly, did he have any major injuries? Did he get hit by a car recently? Has he been sick? Illness is another indicator of aggressive behavior. I would suggest taking him to the vet and have him get a thorough physical (bloodwork, vaccines etc) and see if there's anything physical that might turn up. Lastly if there is nothing else that you can do, and he is a danger to your family, take him to a humane shelter where they might be able to rehab the dog and put him in a new environment that may be more suitable for his new needs. If all else fails and the vet recommends euthanasia, then you are making the best, most informed decision for your dog. Unfortunately, that is the toughest and saddest part of owning a dog.

Once again I am sorry for your situation. I hope all works out for the best.

Ver often sudden changes in temperament are because of a physical problem. He's 11, not going to become neurotic now but I'd say this dog definitely needs to go to the vet to find out what's wrong with him. Your vet will be able to help him.

It's called Aging. When an animal gets older, they, like humans, get a wee bit less tolerant. They get health issues, and need more sleep, they feel more pain from injuries etc. I suggest having him checked with a blood test for thyroid, diabeties etc... its amazing what a blood disorder will cause in behavor. My Chow-mix had a thyroid disorder for 6 months before I caught it, his whole mood went sour, then a week after medicating he is back to himself. I am not saying your animal is ill, but it is a good idea to have it checked.

You probably need to take him to the vet and have him checked out. It could be he doesn't feel well and this is how he reacts. He could have a health problem such as a brain tumor, or the thyroid condition, like someone else mentioned. I would have him checked by a vet before jumping to the conclusion that he needs to be put to sleep.

sometimes when a dog gets older it gets more aggressive. Kinda like a old grumpy man!! I would suggest looking into books by Cesar Millan he's the dog whisperer on the National Geographic Channel.

He may not feel well. When some animals get sick, they get aggressive. I would take him in to your vet for a full check-up before doing anything drastic.

he could have injured himself in some kind of way or might be sick take him to the vet or call and ask him what he thinks!

and put some deep thought in2 it before you do anything like put him to sleep

Go to this site, you may find your answer. If you do not find it on the site try asking Cesar Millan a question. Cesar is a dog psychologist who could probably help you. Good luck.

http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

because its old and doesn't want to be messed with...Its a possiblity that it could sick, take him to the vet to run some test before you put it down