11 year old collie aggression

[Queenie6655]

Hello all

Just wondering about thoughts
He is 11 years of age
Suddenly very aggressive
Breaking out - going after people on the road
Growling at us
In his sleep too
Modes to seem in pain

History of being aggressive to other dogs down through the years
What to do?

I'm assuming you've done this, but if not my first thought would be a trip to the vet for a thorough check up.

Hello

Not yet
We were worried about his aggression and how he would respond to even being picked up and put in the car

This seems like the next step
Just wondering if anyone had any ideas?
Experience of this ?
Also not eating as much as he normally would

Definitely vet check, it could be something that pain relief can sort or may sadly be dementia, only a vet can tell. A soft muzzle will make it safer for all involved and if you explain over the phone in advance the vet may have some suggestions.

Sounds like he could be in pain, poor old boy .

My friend's dog had an ear infection and became like a different dog with it, he was in so much pain that he just lashed out at everyone.

My other thought was arthritis.

Please do your best to get him to the vet - maybe he could be lured in to the car with a piece of chicken or cheese, or with a ball?

Like his behaviour is odd
Wanting to go out at night and not wanting in
Growling in sleep

Stupid question. But how would a vet test for dementia?
Will ring in morning obvs
We have a great vet
Just thought I would ask on here for others' experiences

Vet check

If getting in and out of the car is becoming an issue, a ramp might be advisable, as it will stop any jumping about and generally crashing onto already-painful joints.

Yes absolutely!!!

Thanks all

Seems a lot calmer and happier today
I upped his exercise

Vet ringing back later today

Obviously warn your vet that the dog seems unusually aggressive!

Good stuff Queenie. I actually came in to offer another suggestion - he could be having problems with his teeth.

Anyway, hope the vet is able to help.

Yes I have indeed

And will mention his teeth too as he has been eating slowly recently

He sounds very unwell to me.
I agree with others that Dementia would be one of my first thoughts

Bless him, I hope you get to the bottom of it.

Ok thanks all
Today was a good day

And he responded really well to a two hour walk

I really wouldn’t have thought that sudden aggression to people, having never shown aggressive behaviour to people before in 11 years and suddenly eating slowly would be in any way linked to exercise tbh.
Him responding well to more exercise is, I imagine, a red herring.
I mean he’s a collie, of course he is going to appreciate a longer walk!

The poor dog needs to be seen by a vet.
You said they were going to call you back, what did they say?

This sounds clearly pain/illness related, dog needs vet care.