Dogs are known as "man's best friend," but veterinarians warn that even a calm animal can show aggression if it suffers from certain health problems.
According to experts, aggressive behavior often doesn't mean the dog is "bad," but is a signal that something is wrong - it could be pain, fear, or illness.
1. Neurological problems
Diseases that affect the brain or nervous system can change a dog's behavior:
Epilepsy can cause aggression after seizures
Brain tumors can cause confusion, anxiety, and unexpected behavior.
Dementia in older dogs can make them more fearful and reactive
2. Pain – the most common cause
One of the main reasons for aggression is pain:
Arthritis
Injuries (wounds, fractures, damaged nails)
Dental problems
Pain lowers a dog's tolerance and makes it more susceptible to aggressive reactions.
3. Hormonal disorders
Hormonal balance also affects dogs:
Hypothyroidism can increase irritability and aggression
Cushing's disease can affect behavior, especially around food.
4. Infectious diseases
Some infections can cause sudden changes in behavior:
Rage (rabies), which is often accompanied by high aggression
Distemper (viral disease), which can cause confusion and drastic personality changes
5. Loss of vision or hearing
When dogs lose their senses:
They may feel threatened.
They become more insecure and reactive.
For example, cataracts can reduce vision, while deafness can occur at any age.
6. Side effects of medicines
Some medications can affect behavior, especially those that act on the brain, such as:
Corticosteroids
Some pain or seizure medications
Early signs that should not be ignored
Dogs usually give signals before they become aggressive. Some of them are very easy to notice:
Mouth opening (like yawning) without being tired
Lip licking
Avoidance of eye contact
Tense body or tail tucked down
Trembling or raising a paw
If these signs are ignored, they can escalate to:
Tooth extraction
Snoring or screaming
Attempt to bite
What should you do?
If you notice changes in your dog's behavior:
Contact the veterinarian immediately.
Remove the source of stress or fear
Provide a calm and safe environment
Essentially, aggression in dogs is often a "cry for help." Recognizing the signs and responding in time can prevent dangerous situations and help your pet receive appropriate treatment. /GazetaExpress/
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