My old dog bites. What are options besides putting her to sleep?

Question

My dog is 11 years old and has always been very protective of anything she steals off the counter. Last month she bit my adult son on the nose. Last night she bit me on my hand when I was picking up an empty clean container from the floor. I had to have 13 stitches. I've raised her since she was a puppy. Common sense tells me to put her to sleep but I'm looking for an alternative. She is family.

Eryn Taormina, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there. I am so sorry about your situation. This is one of the worst things that can happen to a family pet. I have been there myself, and I know how difficult this type of decision can be. First, it is important to realize that this has always been somewhat of an issue. That it has suddenly gotten worse, with her old age, I always first check and make sure there aren't any health issues making the elderly petore uncomfortable and sensitive - arthritis, metabolic diseases, organ diseases, is she having trouble seeing, etc. In addition, it is important to realize that dogs, just like people, can become senile and/or suffer from dementia. This can stress them out a lot, and also make them hypersensitive to sounds, movements, and essentially anything sensory-related in the environment. In my opinion, when the mind goes it is one of the most difficult health issue of an elderly dog that we have to process. They may be physically fine, but mentally are just unable to function as they used to. This can cause bad habits to become magnified, like in your lady's case where she is snapping more often and even biting. This can of course become a dangerous situation as you have seen with needing stitches. Not to mention what could happen if a small child or animal were put in your position. I would set up a visit with her veterinarian. They can give you some alternative options before deciding on euthanasia, such as checking to see if she is sick in any way. From there, I think it's important to have a family meeting and decide if the benefits outweigh the risks of hee injuring someone else. In the meantime I would use caution if you have guests over and maybe keep her gated in her own area without anything she become possessive about. Also, be very certain her rabies vaccine is up to date. If she were to bite someone outside the family, you can have a lot of legal issues as a result. I can't imagine how hard this is for all of you. I think sitting down and having a very frank quality of life discussion, and discussing some alternatives with your veterinarian is the best way to go. There may or may not be much that can be done, but at least you will know 100% what your options are in your area before you have to make a very difficult decision.

My old dog bites. What are options besides putting her to sleep?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

Why does my pet have a crusty nose and sneeze often? Is it serious?

My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?

Share