My senior dog is suddenly aggressive and growling. Is this normal?

Question

Do dogs get more aggressive as they get older? Earlier my dog dropped his bone under the couch so I tried to help him get it but he growled and barked at me. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 10 years and 4 months old

Daniel Fonza, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The development of aggression as a dog gets older is not something I would consider to be normal. This behavioral change could be due to canine cognitive dysfunction (think of this as doggy dementia) or potentially something more neurological (brain tumor or degenerative change to the brain). I would recommend having Buddy examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. There may be something systemic going on so having his blood tested would be a good idea. There are drugs that you can use for doggy dementia such as Selegiline. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

My senior dog is suddenly aggressive and growling. Is this normal?

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