Our dog bit DS. What next?

[newnamefortoday]

NC for this one. Our JRT bit 4yo DS on the foot at the weekend. Not terrible, but a huge bruise, puncture wound, visit to minor injuries and antibiotics. We’re not sure exactly what happened, dog was in the garden, DS climbed on the gate as he has done dozens of times before but this time the dog bit his foot as he put it through. Just heard a snarl then a scream. Dog knew exactly who it was as the gate is between garden and house, not the road. It would have been much worse had the gate not been between them. We also have a small baby. We are obviously considering dog’s future and keeping him separated for now. He snarled at my mum this week and caught my ankle snapping at me last week. He’s always been a bit of a grumpy terrier but has never bitten before so we’re considering all possibilities. He’s quite old. Lots to think about but with a small baby we can’t take any chances. What would you do next, apart from taking dog to vet to check for pain etc? Would you expect any follow up from SS or HV through the hospital?

I agree with this comment. Worked in welfare for a different breed and aggression takes a long time to investigate and correct.

I was sitting watching TV and a JRT took a bite from my face. I'm missing some of my nose and mouth (though the surgeon who stitched me up was an artist as you'd only see it if you looked closely).

I was not touching the dog, looking at the dog, annoying the dog. I was watching the kids TV programme that had different shaped windows. (Can you guess I've spent my whole life being told it must have been my fault?)

The dog went on to bite others.

Honestly, and I know it's heartbreaking, but you should seriously consider PTS

How's it going, OP?

I don't thik there is an discussion.
The vet said rehome or get rid so I am not sure what other possibilities you have.

I'd take ddog again to the vets WITH DH so he can hear for himself what the vet has to say as well as ask questions if he has any.

You cant keep the dog. That's as simple as that.

Dog had a fit over the weekend. I went with DH to the vet this time as he went alone last time while I stayed with the baby and DS. Vet diagnosed epilepsy but has said they wouldn’t treat at this stage as there has only been a single fit. Clearly things are not right with dog, which probably explains the last week or so, so although DH still wants to keep dog, he has agreed to consider rehoming. Anyone have experience of epilepsy and aggression in dogs? Or rehoming epileptic dogs? Obviously we can’t keep him but I’m not sure how viable rehoming is. Thanks all. I’m a bit frazzled to say the least.

I don't think it's very kind to re-home an older, epileptic dog with a history of aggression towards people and children.

Ah my mum's dog had a fit, he had bitten my mum too. It was discovered eventually to be a brain tumour not epilepsy. So be prepared.

@sunsetsandsandybeaches that’s what I feel. I just have to handle DH with a bit of sensitivity in reaching that decision himself.

Oh, @justasking111 that’s interesting. I did wonder, I have to say. What happened? How did they diagnose the brain tumour?

It's terribly sad that your dog has epilepsy and that's why he's acting out of character and being aggressive, but isn't your partner concerned enough with the potential of your son being hurt again to see that the dog staying in your home isn't even an option?

Nobody is saying it isn't absolutely gutting but this is a dog that has now been aggressive on various occasions, including biting, and has an unpredictable condition that means you simply cannot adequately safeguard your child from another attack at some point.

What has the vet suggested is the most sensible and kindest course of action for the dog and for your child?

Vet has recommended PTS but I am having to work through every option with DH. Feel like I am running out of time and patience.

We adopted a Jack Russell and she lived until she was 17! I don’t agree with PTS because he’s snapped - you have a new baby in the house, it’s very unsettling. It could be eye sight etc. A single couple might give him many more lovely years left. I wouldn’t be so hasty.

Sorry, I didn’t see the latest updates about the epilepsy :(

There is a part of me that thinks he deserves a second chance. It’s soooo hard. But it has to happen quickly as I can’t take chances with DCs. Am in touch with breed specific rescue so am exploring all options.

How would you feel if he attacked someone? Still willing to give a second chance?

If I were you the dog would've been PTS before the seizure. Your DH needs to put his kids before the dog and listen to the vet.

The kindest thing you can do is to PTS - he's older, unwell and stressed.

Watch his eyes, does he space out. Has his gait changed. Have his exercise habits changed. Does he hold his head differently. He maybe quite unwell

I can’t believe you’re even considering options!!! Get rid asap! Surely your children come first?? Baffles me tbh that you’d ever consider keeping a dog like this

How have they diagnosed epilepsy, just on the basis of a fit? There’s quite a few things that can cause fits.

Whoops didn’t read to end of thread! Sorry to hear your pet is sick.

DH still wants to keep dog, he has agreed to consider rehoming.

Your husband is an idiot! Any sane father would be focusing on getting the dog away for his children asap, not faffing about looking into different options.

@newnamefortoday not gonna lie the only experience I've had of Doty epilepsy was actually caused by a Brain tumour and he also bit me

Quick Google brought up this article:

www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-treat-seizures-in-old-dogs-5199611

I would definitely be thinking brain tumor...

Our old dog had actual epilepsy and never got aggressive with his seizures.
I'd be thinking it's something like a brain tumour too.