Is it true?

Question

Is it true when a dog gets older they get aggresive?

I wanted to know because my cousin is giving up her long life dog who's getting older and grouchy.she's REALLY WRONG.

Answer 1

Once in a while an older dog may get grouchy because it doesn't feel well or because something bad has happened to it. They do not automatically get aggressive.

Answer 2

Generally, no. Older dogs are often more likely to growl, snarl, or snap than young dogs because they develop arthritis, which makes them more painful and lowers their "bite threshold." However, this kind of "aggression" is easily fixed with proper pain relief (supplements such as glucosamine are generally very effective, as are the various NSAIDs approved for dogs). Also, some older dogs do suffer from senility, which can cause a sudden behavior change. Senile dogs are often confused and may lash out because they are unsure of what's going on around them. But, for the most part, if a dog was not aggressive in the prime of life they will not be aggressive as they get older.

Answer 3

Never heard that and I doubt it's true. I have a 10 year old dog who I just introduced a puppy to and she was not aggressive toward him at all. In fact, she is a really sweet laid back dog. They are a lot of work and responsiblity. Mine is on 4 different medications, and the cost is over $200 a month for these meds. In addition, she requires more visits to the vet which is another expense. I have to help her up and down steps, and into and out of the car. It's too bad that when people take on the resposibility of a dog they forget that they grow old and will require more care and attention. It sounds like your cousin, I think that's who you said it was, doesn't want the responsibility of caring for a senior dog. What a shame for the dog.

Answer 4

If a senior dog becomes 'grouchy' it usually is due to one of several things: The dog could have arthritis or some other ailment that is causing it discomfort or pain. The dog's hearing or sight could be compromised causing the dog to feel insecure and to startle/frighten easily. The dog is suffering a bit of senility and due to it's confusion, it is crankier now.

I have a 15 1/2 year old dog and she cannot see or hear as well so she becomes confused often and will startle easily if she doesn't see/hear you approaching. This can cause her to snap or to growl.

Answer 5

No. I had a dog until she was 18.1/2 yrs. old and she was never aggressive. Crabby and aggressive aren't the same thing. She wasn't interested in doing too much and just wanted to be left alone to sleep on her blanket, she had been a good dog and deserved some peace (crabby maybe), never snapped, growled or tried to bite (aggressive).

Answer 6

NO the dog may be experiencing some health problems I would check with a vet before making any quick decisions.

Answer 7

Nope. If you keep up with their socialization and training there is no reason for a dog to get aggressive as it gets older.

Answer 8

I have a 13 year old lab who doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body. So the answer is, no.

Answer 9

False as dogs get older they get sweeter unless they had puppys

Answer 10

i have heard that happen to my dads friends dog. but some dogs like mine slow down.