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My senior dog growls at my grandkids. How can I prevent bites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is 12 years old & has never liked young kids, I now have grandchildren & she is growling more & more, my youngest grandchild lives with me & I’m concerned that she might get bitten, I don’t know what to do, I try keeping them apart but it’s difficult with a curious 1 year okd

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 27th, 2019

I suggest you have your dog examined by your vet because many times older dogs will start to growl and be "grouchy" when they are hurting (ie: arthritis) or because their vision or hearing is going. If she felt better overall then she may not be as apt to be upset. You are correct, the best thing you can do to be safe it is to keep them separated. The easiest way to do this is to baby gate off a section of the house for your dog to be in so that there is no way for them to come into direct contact with each other. Without gating your only option is to use a basket muzzle (not a cloth muzzle) on her so that if she does try to bite - she can't make direct contact with her teeth. ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Company-Animals-BASKERVILLE-MUZZLE-size/dp/B004OB3M2Y/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B004OB3M2Y&qid=1558944063&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1 ) Finally, you can try pheromone therapy - it may help but I honestly haven't had great results with these products but they won't hurt to try. ( http://www.dapdiffuser.com/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I suggest you have your dog examined by your vet because many times older dogs will start to growl and be "grouchy" when they are hurting (ie: arthritis) or because their vision or hearing is going. If she felt better overall then she may not be as apt to be upset. You are correct, the best thing you can do to be safe it is to keep them separated. The easiest way to do this is to baby gate off a section of the house for your dog to be in so that there is no way for them to come into direct contact with each other. Without gating your only option is to use a basket muzzle (not a cloth muzzle) on her so that if she does try to bite - she can't make direct contact with her teeth. ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Company-Animals-BASKERVILLE-MUZZLE-size/dp/B004OB3M2Y/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B004OB3M2Y&qid=1558944063&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1 ) Finally, you can try pheromone therapy - it may help but I honestly haven't had great results with these products but they won't hurt to try. ( http://www.dapdiffuser.com/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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