1 My dogs are going to be 10 years old. They are Beagles and brother and sister. They have always been the sweetest dogs, until recently. Now they are becoming aggressive. Even when I go to pet them they will growl. Is there something wrong with them physically or could it all be mentally?
2 I have a 14 year old min. poodle (almost 15) He is still full of energy but wets whenever he wakes. I take him out whenever I catch it, but he doesn't seem to have the feelings anymore. He can go outside and do his thing and come in and go again. Anything I can do for him and ME?
1 My dogs are going to be 10 years old. They are Beagles and brother and sister. They have always been the sweetest dogs, until recently. Now they are becoming aggressive. Even when I go to pet them they will growl. Is there something wrong with them physically or could it all be mentally? When a dog experiences a sudden change in behavior a medical reason may be the cause. Often changes in health such as endocrine dysfunction, kidney or liver disease can cause an animal to become irritable. Chronic or acute pain is another reason a dog may show aggression. As a dog ages they may experience painful arthritis, dental disease or joint pain that can influence their desire to interact with people. If the onset of this behavior is sudden, a good physical examination and perhaps laboratory testing and radiographs might help determine if the problem is medical. Once a diagnosis is made your veterinarian could prescribe appropriate treatment. back to top
2 I have a 14 year old min. poodle (almost 15) He is still full of energy but wets whenever he wakes. I take him out whenever I catch it, but he doesn't seem to have the feelings anymore. He can go outside and do his thing and come in and go again. Anything I can do for him and ME? As a dog ages, his body functions can change. A dog may begin to eliminate indoors due to problems with his kidneys or bladder, endocrine dysfunction and other problems. It is also possible for an elderly dog to suffer from cognitive changes that result in a loss of housetraining. This problem is called Cognitive Dysfunction. The first step is a veterinary visit to determine if a medical problem is causing the house soiling. At that time you can also discuss possible treatments for Cognitive Dysfunction. back to top