What should I do? Elderly dogAggression

[Username427]

Today my 13 yr old dog went for my granddaughter, he didn’t bite but was on top of her face. She was stroking him at the time and I appreciate weather is hot and affects
dogs temperament.

Bit of background. Over last couple of years he has been getting increasing aggressive towards other dogs, obsessive to the point of being manic over food and has gone for my small elderly dog several times, usually to do with being around,
smelling or anticipation of food.

I am so worried he has a brain tumour or something that is causing his behaviour and that he will seriously harm another child /dog . I love him so much but considering his age, I doubt his behaviour will change with any specialist intervention. My instincts are that he should
be pts, but I feel sick at the thought of it.

Vets should be your first option and then go from there

How was she stroking him? Had he gone to her for attention or had she gone to him and was he in a safe place?

Unfortunately, older dogs do get crabby - and are often in pain (back, joints etc) and don't want to be touched all the time. It's likely nothing to do with a brain tumour and everything to do with him being old. It's just the way of things.

All the dogs I know are so crabby at the moment due to weather.

Just passed a neighbour out with her dog and she said one of them-always so lovely is getting snappy and easily annoyed because she is so hot.

I think maybe keeping the granddaughter and dog apart so both have some space -especially til it cools off

I am in the SE and it's 🔥

He's old and cantankerous don't let her stroke him especially if its hot they are unpredictable in old age, I think you need to leave him to potter he doesn't need stroked from toddlers, im sorry this happened though you must have been shocked and your Gd would have got a fright.

Definitely take him to the vet.

Thank you, yes it is uncomfortable for us so definitely worse for dogs wearing a fur coat. I have calmed down a bit now, I was so shocked and upset and feel very guilty that I didn't prevent it happening. The situation needs monitoring and I have spoken to her about stroking the dogs now, I can't let this happen again so its cantankerous dog in separate room when she is here.

He was lying down in the hall and she went to him, so he was relaxed and content before it happened. It is my fault for not pre-empting the behaviour.

She's better just leaving him, especially if hes lying down his eyes or hearing might not be great or she just startled him. It isnt fair on the old boy.

I’d get a vet check him over, he’s probably a bit arthritic and with the heat he’s not the only one feeling crabby!
If my dogs are resting or asleep they get left alone, it isn’t fair for them to be disturbed, let alone by a young child.

Yep. That will have done it.

Old dogs like to be left alone. It's a bit crap as when they get older all you want is to give them love and attention, but they'll come to you if they want it - and even then, probably only for a few moments.

I dont agree that old dogs get crabby. I mean they might but usually the reason is pain or medical not just being old and the dogs can be helped.

Speak to your vet ask for full bloods and urine check not just a feel over by the vet.

Also ask them about a pain med trial to see if that helps your dog feel more comfortable.

I hope they feel better soon.

This is the issue. The saying ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ exists for a reason.

she likley woke him/startled him.

This definitely. The hot weather, combined with the possibility that your older dog has some joint pain, can explain what has happened today. A pain trial may make a big difference to your dog's comfort.

On a positive note if he'd wanted to make contact he would have done. Get him checked out and give him space.

I now have a baby gate on my utility room so my dog can stay there when my granddaughter is over. Hard to see him pushed out of the way but safest option and once I have dropped her off at school he can rejoin me and I will pop him back there when I am out of the house to keep my other little dog safe. Thank you for all your advice.

Don't view it as him being pushed out of the way.
Think of it as his safe space, where he can relax without worrying about being bothered by your GD. As long as he has a comfy bed and access to water, I bet he'll prefer it.