In this post, we’re going to look at aggression in older dogs, what causes it and most importantly, what we can do about it.
You must have been so shocked to find your once docile and sweet-as-can-be pup acting like a character out of some horror flick. Okay, I may be exaggerating slightly, but I think you get the picture.
Sudden aggression in an older dog can occur for a number of reasons, but let’s first look at what form it can take.
Last Updated: Sept 2, 2023
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we participate in). As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
What Can Senior Dog Aggression Look Like?
Aggressive behavior in older dogs doesn’t differ much from the behavior in a younger pup.
This includes snapping, snarling, nipping or biting. The aggressive behavior can be directed towards you, other family members, strangers, or dogs (both outside and others you share your life with).
Causes of Aggression in Older Dogs
The first step to addressing the situation is identifying why your dog is becoming aggressive with age.
If they exhibited aggressive behavior at a younger age, it might have escalated or worsened due to age-related changes.
To deal with this problem, you must first identify and tackle the root cause.
But what about an otherwise sweet older dog getting aggressive as they age?
There are several factors to consider if you notice a change in your senior dog’s behavior.
Pain or Discomfort
Older dogs often develop aches and pains, just like humans. Once the pain reaches a level of obvious discomfort, it’s perfectly normal for a dog to lash out.
This pain could be caused by arthritis, hip dysplasia, dental disease or recovery from surgery, to name a few examples.
Some Signs Your Dog May Be In Pain
Dogs are naturally good at hiding pain, but it doesn’t mean they’re perfect at it.
There are several subtle signs we can watch for, including:
- Whining or whimpering
- Clinginess
- Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy
- Reluctant to go for walks/unable to walk
- Lethargy
- Difficulty sleeping or resting
- Licking one spot on their body
- Difficulty getting up and lying down
If you’ve noticed any of these, or it just seems like “something isn’t right,” get your dog checked out by your vet ASAP.
Too many changes are attributed to the natural aging process – when, in reality, many medical conditions brought on by old age are treatable or manageable – and many dogs suffer as a result.
Once your vet diagnoses the source of the pain, a treatment plan can be put together.
Depending on your vet, your dog may be prescribed pain medication, natural supplements, acupuncture, or hydrotherapy, to name a few options.
Anxiety
Dogs may experience increased anxiety as they age, which could be generalized or associated with a specific situation, such as when left alone.
It can sometimes translate into aggression towards their humans, other pets in the family, strangers…anyone really.
Dental Disease
Has it been a while since you’ve brushed your dog’s teeth? Has it become increasingly difficult as they have gotten older?
That’s a bit of a vicious cycle because the more irritable they get, the harder it is to brush. The harder it is to brush the more likely they will start to suffer from dental disease.
The pain your dog will experience as a result can easily lead to aggression.
If your dog has bad breath, is pawing at their mouth, drooling or lost interest in food or treats, take them to the vet right away.
If they do have dental issues and they are addressed, the pain will disappear and so will their aggression (if it was the sole cause).
Lack of Energy or Mobility
If you have younger dogs in the household that your senior dog used to play with but just can’t keep up with anymore, attempts by the other dog to play can be met with aggression.
They will probably allow some play, but if their tolerance level isn’t what it used to be, they will let the other dog know when they have had enough.
This is particularly true if a lack of mobility prevents them from removing themselves from an annoying situation.
Usually, a dog will start with a warning, like a growl, bark, or snap. But if this warning is ignored, it can lead to aggression in older dogs.
Dog Dementia Aggression
Imagine walking through a place you don’t recognize and being surrounded by people you don’t remember.
Dog dementia can lead to a dog feeling experiencing confusion and anxiety. They begin to forget things that were familiar, even a home that they have lived in their whole lives.
Increased levels of stress, anxiety, and confusion can lead an otherwise sweet-natured dog to display bouts of aggression.
Vision And/or Hearing Loss
Imagine how scary it must be for your dog as they start to lose their hearing, vision or both.
They have no idea what’s happening, and because they are startled more easily, they may lash out before they realize who’s approaching them.
It’s essential to make adjustments to accommodate these changes in your dog. Some simple changes include:
- Calling out to your dog, or somehow making your presence known before touching them – and that includes telling everyone else to do the same
- Not moving furniture around so they doesn’t bump into things, get hurt and get scared
- Keeping the floors clutter-free so they don’t trip, get hurt and become anxious
- Keeping the noise and activity level in the house down for a bit
Brain Tumor
Not common but not unheard of, a mass on the brain can cause a sudden personality change.
As with many conditions, there are warning signs. But these signs are often ignored under the mistaken assumption they are signs of old age.
A New Pet
Your oldie may be very content with their current lifestyle and have little patience or interest in interlopers.
You may have decided to bring a new pet into the family without first considering your old dog’s needs, but now the new family member is “too much” for your dog and they are not liking it.
This can be perceived as an older dog attacking a new puppy. But, they may just be trying to convince the newest family member that they need space.
Please don’t dump your older dog if they start showing signs of aggression. They never asked for the change and shouldn’t have to pay the consequences.
Calming an Aggressive Old Dog
Now that we have discussed the possible causes of aggression in older dogs, let’s explore the recommended next steps.
There are many things you can do to manage or reduce your older dog’s aggression.
This starts with identifying the cause and addressing any underlying problems that could contribute to it.
You can also make small changes to your home and lifestyle that could significantly impact your senior dog’s comfort level and way of life.
Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
Take Your Dog to the Vet
The first thing you should do if you notice an unexplained change in your dog is take them to see your veterinarian.
Any change in behavior, from something as apparent as aggression to a “feeling” something is off must be investigated.
Aggression in older dogs usually results from a health issue, so please don’t adopt a “wait and see” attitude.
Only once you have a diagnosis can a treatment plan be drawn up.
Be Aware of What Triggers Your Dog’s Aggression
An old dog biting (or any dog, for that matter) is rarely, if ever, without explanation.
Take note of situations when your dog shows aggression and provide as much information as you can to your veterinarian (or an animal behaviorist if you need assistance beyond what your veterinarian can provide).
Note the…
- Time of day
- What behavior did you witness (film it if possible)
- What was your dog doing right before it happened
- Was anyone bothering the dog
This will help identify a pattern and may help your vet with the diagnosis.
Create a Safe Space
Make sure your dog has a safe space to retreat to – an area that is theirs where no one will bother them.
Whether you want to add a covered crate they can crawl into (leave the door open), a bed in a quiet corner, or designate another room as the “dog room,” it’s important to keep your dog away from any unnecessary stress.
Explain What’s Going On to the Rest of the Family
Let everyone know what’s going on, including those in your household as well as friends and family that visit your home regularly.
This allows you to avoid surprises that could cause anxiety, take appropriate precautions, and create a situation where everyone is safe and comfortable.
Include your loved ones in coming up with strategies to help your dog, allowing them to be part of the solution.
Play Calming Music
Studies have shown that music can directly impact our dog’s health and well-being.
For example, classical music has been shown to have a calming effect on dogs, even in stressful environments.
One CD that has proven to be a sanity server in the past when my former dog was navigating the effects of aging is called “Through A Dog’s Ear.”
This CD has also been used by veterinary clinics and shelters around the world for its calming and destressing influence.
CBD Oil
While I don’t believe CBD oil is a cure for everything that ails humans and animals, the success stories from senior dog parents I know is compelling and cannot be ignored.
Not all are created equal so do your research.
CBD oil may be an option if your dog is diagnosed with pain or anxiety but check with your vet first.
Valerian or Valerian with Skullcap
Another possible aid is Valerian (or Valerian Root) which is used to treat anxiety, if that’s what the aggression stems from.
You can buy a supplement specially formulated for dogs or purchase a human grade supplement under the guidance of your veterinarian.
They will be able to check the products in question to ensure they are safe for your dog and help determine the correct dosage.
Thundershirt
The ThunderShirt applies constant, gentle pressure and helps calm anxiety and fear.
Whether your dog is experiencing high stress due to separation anxiety, fireworks or visits to the vet, it’s definitely worth a try.
Final Thoughts: Aggression in Older Dogs
If your senior dog is exhibiting behavioral changes in general, and aggression in particular, I recommend your first step be a visit to your vet.
What you see as aggression may simply result from a medical issue and could be resolved once treated.
If no medical reason can be found, a chat with a dog behaviorist may give you the answers you need to help manage your dog’s stress levels, keep him calm, and create a safe situation for everyone you encounter.
Have you had experience with senior dog aggression? What behaviors did you see that had you concerned? What was the reason, and how did you treat it? Sharing helps others, so please leave a comment below.
What To Do If Your Old Dog Won’t Eat
Great info! I have a senior dog myself – an almost 17-year=old jack russell. She’s the sweetest, and thankfully isn’t aggressive. Though she has lost her hearing, so I have to gently touch her when I come up behind her or pick her up to let her know I’m there, otherwise she gets startled. Thanks for the great tips. Pinning!
Thanks and thanks for pinning. How sweet and how wonderful she’s still with you and doing well. I do that with Red. She’s blind and although she hears me she doesn’t know when I’m about to pick her up so I let her know otherwise she gets started as well. You gotta love these little sweeties!!
Layla is aging and I know that, I have noticed lately she is afraid of the sound of the microwave, living in a studio does not make it easy, so to solve the problem I made her a bed in the shower so if the microwave is on and she wants to hide that is where she goes. That is the only difference I am noticing and my vet told me not to worry so am not. Once the microwave is off she comes back to lie on her bed.
I keep a hawkish eye on her LOL
Sweet Layla!! Interesting what it is about the microwave, but that’s a clever solution. I feel like if Red could talk she’d tell me to stop staring at her all the time!
Our Lyla is getting older and while we have not noticed any SUDDEN changes in her aggression it is good to have this info. There are so many things to watch out for! Lyla has never been fond of small children so when one is around, or near her – is when she acts out the most. Sometimes she is a little aggressive toward our cats, not overly so, just a warning growl to keep them in line. I think this is all pretty much part of her personality though. She also has always licked one spot on her paw but the vet said it is just a hot spot.
I am going to be keeping a closer eye on her though as she ages. She will be 8 in April.
Great information, thank you!
Thanks Joely, so glad you’re finding it useful. It certainly sounds like it’s just Lyla’s personality, but it’s always good to keep a close eye on them. I swear I think if Red could talk she’d tell me to stop staring at her all the time!!
A great reminder that just like humans, dogs can be grumpy when they don’t feel well.
I can relate to being grumpy at times, and I can’t always blame being under the weather!!
Great post! Ive tried calming music with cats too and it really can work, helping them relax and de-stress.
Thanks!! Calming music has been a lifesaver for Red, and me! I wish I had known about it years ago when I rescued a feral cat who was always on edge until I discovered Feliway and she literally calmed down almost immediately.
It’s so important to be in tune with your dogs, especially as they age and their bodies go through so many changes, not always comfortable ones. They have so many less ways to tell us what’s going on than us humans do. Great article.
Thank you Debbie, so happy you enjoyed it. You’re right, it’s extremely important to be in tune with our dogs, as it’s the best way to spot changes quickly. Catching something early leads to the best chances for treatment.
Sudden aggression, or any change in behavior is most often a result of a health issue.
I agree Jana, and that’s why it’s so important to take behaviour changes seriously, and visit your vet as soon as possible. By the time a dog is at the aggression stage, he’s feeling quite bad and needs quick medical attention.
Mr. N tweaked his back somehow and didn’t want to walk a while back. With rest, he was fine but he had me worried there.
I know what you mean. When they’re out of sorts it’s such a worry, but great to hear a little rest was all he needed.
This is great advice Hindy. I’ve seen dogs snap & growl when being touched in a painful area of their body. People often don’t realize that pain is the reason the dogs is lashing out. Thanks for the reco’ on the calming CD, calming music can be so helpful.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thanks Cathy. You’d think it was obvious the dog was in pain, but you’re right people don’t often realise that. That CD really is amazing, I now have my vet play it when Red goes for acupuncture.
Our dog, Pip, did have some aggression in his final year. Mostly around having his nails trimmed and then once when he was up on a chair and couldn’t figure out how to get down – tried to help him and he growled. I think his was a combination of anxiety, dementia, and some painful joints. I remember being quite startled because he had always been so gentle, but I realized he was just having a difficult time and didn’t really mean any harm.
Poor Pip. They get confused and don’t know what’s going on. It’s a surprise when they behave in such unexpected ways, especially when it’s totally out of character. It’s good you realised he was having a hard time and it wasn’t his fault. That’s what we have to help many people realise.
Such a helpful article. Always good to take your dog to the vet and make sure there is no underlying cause they can identify with aggression in dogs at any age. Pain and fear can both be dangerous and I need to brush Kilo’s teeth more.
I’m glad you think so. You’re right – a dog who is acting out of character should always be taken to the vet to check for an underlying cause. I hear you about the teeth brushing. A nightmare here!!
This is important info for people with senior dogs. It’s interesting that there are so many reasons for aggression.
There are so many reasons for so many behaviour issues, that’s why it’s critical to get your dog (or cat) to the vet as soon as possible. We all know the sooner something is caught, the greater the chances it can be treated or at least managed.
It is so important to remember that all behavior is communication. Our pets can tell us so much about what is happening to them if we are willing to listen. Aging has a very interesting set of challenges for pets, but the ideas you’ve presented could be valid for pets of any age. Dental disease is not something people would think about right away. Thank you for the reminders and tips!
You’re so right Robin, they’re communicating what’s going on, yet many people have no idea they’re even talking, never mind how to listen. What I find frustrating when I talk to people is how much they dismiss as age, without understanding their pet can be facing some real health challenges that can, in all likelihood be managed. They don’ think much about their dog being in pain, because they have no idea it’s not a given. I do try and educate but people don’t like to hear it. Won’t stop me though!!
Great post. Bean has started to get more cranky with time, and I think some of it is the start of losing her hearing/vision.
Sorry to hear that, what has the vet said?
Our 14 year old Schipperke Chihuahua Mix has been displaying increasing and alarming levels of aggression. He goes from zero to snarling at a moment’s notice over the most innocuous things.
Currently we cannot walk him because when we try to leash him, he snarls and tries to bite us. He is also becoming aggressive towards our four cats when he sees them walking around. He’ll start growling when he sees them. But two seconds later, he’ll be fine and eager for a trip to the back yard.
He has bitten both me and my husband in lightening quick moves.
We’ve taken him to the vet twice and they have done full work ups and find nothing wrong. In fact, he’s in excellent health, according to his blood test.
We’re not sure what to do. He’s a sweet dog most of the time, but we have to be very, very careful around him and have to limit physical contact with him because he may suddenly bite us.
I’ve thought about going to an animal behaviorist, but it’s clear he’s “not in his right mind” when he snaps. In other words, I don’t think he has control over his behavior.
Any advice is appreciated.
Aggression like that is often the result of pain or vision loss for example. Have his eyes been tested?
Yes. The vet checked his vision during his full work up and it’s fine. Pretty good, in fact.
I think he’s having brain changes. Some kind of diminished capacity.
I just discovered we cannot put a leash on him to walk him. When we try, he snarls and snaps and tries to bite us as we try to attach the leash to his collar. Then after we stop, literally 2 seconds later, he’s as happy as a clam. Bring the leash out again and he goes nuts with rage.
I’ve walked this dog literally hundreds of miles over the past 12 years. He loves walks. But for whatever reason, he now gets aggressive around the leash. I tried simply looping it around his neck, but nope.
I think I’m going to have to buy a snare because that’s the only was I can safely leash him without getting bitten. I suspect once he’s leashed, he won’t care one bit and will be happy to go on a walk.
I dread what new changes may happen.
How strange! Is he in any sort of pain? Have you noticed any other behaviour changes?
Did you ever come to any solution of dealing with your dog’s aggression? This much describes my old guy…unpredictable, it scares me…particularly how he treats his brother differently from one minute to the next. I was afraid when he would finally turn on me, and he did tonight…any help would be appreciated
We are having the very same issue with are 17 year old Italian Grey Hound, when trying to leash him he attacks us. We also have walked him, traveled with him etc. I am very sad about this because it makes it impossible for us to have anybody want to take care of him, if and when we want to travel. Took him to the vet and all he suggested was pain pills.
My chihuahua is 13 and started doing the same thing. I took her to my Vet about the situation. I have had this Vet for all Satchi’s life. These symptoms are changes in the brain of dementia. Just like humans can get of old age. Mood swings. Dogs get it to when they get old also. Don’t be surprised 😮 As the owner you have to be the caregiver and decide how you want to deal with it. Your pet will only get worse. It’s sad. My dog got worse and distanced herself. I completely the opposite of what she was. I had to put her down. I was devastated. 😢
Our Jack Russell mix has the same reaction, though it’s worse if we’re trying to attach the leash to her collar. She’s not as snappy if we’re clipping her collar around her neck.
My old dachshund has dementia. As long as I’ve had him, he is aggressive toward anyone who tries to trim his nails. Today, he decided to be aggressive with getting a bath. I’m not sure what to do anymore as far as nail-trimming, bathing, and when possible, teeth-cleaning. I’ve had a vet turn him away for a nail trim due to the aggression. I’ve also had a vet to give him a tranquilizer to help calm him … but tranquilizers make him even more aggressive. Once, he was even put under narcosis. When he woke, he panicked … screamed …. ran into walls … and cried until the affects of the anesthesia diminished. Aside from healthcare (nails, teeth, bath), he’s a wonderful dog. He’s my best buddy and I have promised to help him for as long as there is something I can do. But now, his nails are so long … they curl under. This is unfair, surely uncomfortable, and unhealthy for him But, I don’t know what to do for him. Let alone figure out how to bathe him and get his teeth cleaned. It seems as though every possibility is impossible without being bitten several times and scaring the life out of him (he gets terrified). Any advice?
Oh my goodness poor baby. It’s definitely bad if his nails are curling under, so it’s important to get something done as quickly as possible. Have you tried a muzzle? What about some dog calming products like Valerian with skullcap or getting him a Thundershirt which you can find on Amazon. Can your vet prescribe a mild anxiety medication to calm him down enough to at least have a muzzle put on him?
Thanks for your comment. Yes, we’ve always tried to use a muzzle. He’s quite good at getting out of it. He has also tried anti-anxiety meds … and they seemed to have the opposite affect on him (aggression instead of calmness). Even anti-motion sickness medication winds him up to where he can’t sleep. Crazy! I’m going to try to find a new vet (will have to travel much further) that has a more modern practice than one I can find here on the countryside. I’m in Germany, so I’ll have to formulate and translate what is going on with my guy. Perhaps a natural product like Valerian would be helpful. Time to do some research. Time is short as his nails continue to grow. There are two of them that tend to curl under and around. I imagine that it would be impossible to trim them to the needed length in one session. It concerns me that he will have to go back regularly until they are short enough.
You definitely have to get his nails taken care of ASAP, or they’ll grow into his skin and cause a problem. It is a good idea to try another vet. Valerian with Skullcap might be helpful. If it takes a few short visits to get it down that may be the best way to handle his stress.
What do u do with a 9 year old Shih tzu, who won’t let his groomer trim his facial hair anymore ? He has become grumpy and growls and nips are her. He also has started growling at me if I try and pick him up when he is in his bed, or if I try and help him up up onto the bed. He has no visible health issues, except maybe not seeing well do to the hair in front of his eyes. I am considering asking the vet for a sedative to make him sleep, so we can cut the facial hair. He does however let me clean his eyes, with a warm wash cloth, Which takes about half an hour and some cheese !! Any ideas are appreciated.
Hi JC. You say he is healthy so I assume it’s not pain you are not aware of. A sedative may help with the trimming of the hair but that doesn’t explain him growling when you try to pick him up in his bed. Perhaps, like you guessed, he can’t see you well so gets startled so that may resolve if you can cut the face hair. My mind keeps going back to pain so I would suggest talking with your vet to see if they can investigate further.
My 9 years old Jack Russell is starting to become aggressive towards his brother dog (who is a shepherd chow mix) recently for no reason. The two have been inseparable since they bonded as puppies but now my JRT lashes out almost daily and always in the early morning (4-530am). My shepherd sleeps on the floor next to the bed and my JRT sleeps on the bed. I’ve taken him to the vet and they can’t explain it medically but I don’t know what to do. Both are severe abuse cases and have never been crated.
It could be he’s in pain, having vision problems or the beginnings of dementia. Putting them in a crate is not the answer, it’s more important to figure out what’s causing him to lash out. Has your vet done any tests recently to find a reason? Is he having mobility issues? I recommend you join my FB group, Senior Dog Care Club. There’s lots of great advice there and a very welcoming community. Just answer the 3 questions and you will be approved.
I know the reason(s) why my senior Westin is becoming aggressive: I can’t change those reasons:
1. She lost her pup brother
2. She has KCS and very poor vision
3. New puppy
How do I cam her?
Not every old dog is happy with a new puppy, so if the puppy is bothering her you need to keep them separated. That doesn’t mean locking one of them away, but definitely supervise them. Poor vision can definitely explain aggression, so try and keep the house as safe as you can. Here is a link to an article I wrote about how I cared for my blind dog Red.
We have a Jack Russell mix, a rescue we’ve had for almost 13 years. The vet thinks she’s 16 or 17. She’s still pretty energetic- breaks into a run if she sees a rabbit, and likes to walk if I take her to a new environment. She’s almost completely deaf, and her eyes are cloudy, but she does see things. She has become quite aggressive over the past year, and sometimes snaps at us for simply trying to put her collar on to go outside. If my teen tries to touch her, she often snarls and snaps. She won’t let me pick her up without trying to bite me, even though she struggles to jump into the car.
The vet tried Prozac, which didn’t help. Then she tried Deramaxx and Gabapentin, which didn’t help (though she did get peppier). I started her on CBD/hemp oil given to us by husband’s cousin, who is a vet in another state. After a week, there’s been no change. Has anyone treated a dog successfully with anything for aggression? At this point, I’m afraid we’re talking about euthanizing her if we can’t do something to change things.The last time she had a bath and a nail trim, the groomer said she was awful. I can only imagine the next time she needs a shot at the vet!
It’s not uncommon for an older dog to become aggressive when dealing with vision and hearing loss. Pain is, of course, another factor as can be dementia. When is the last time your dog had a check up and tests to see how she’s doing medically? Has she been to an eye doctor? A vet does not have the same equipment or level of experience as an eye specialist does. Glaucoma is a very painful condition so you may want to have her checked out as soon as possible.
This sounds exactly like my dog, Jack, who we got from the Humane Society but we believe he’s a Jack Russel mix of some kind. We are also debating euthanasia because I honestly fear him at this point due to the biting but he’s content as long as we’re not touching him. We have tried most of those same medications. What did you end up doing?
She just went to the vet a few weeks ago. She doesn’t show any signs of dementia. We’re already spending $200 a month on food and medication, so there is no way my husband would agree to take her to have an eye exam. Not to mention that she’d try and bite them if they touched her. I’m hoping the CBD oil starts helping soon.
If she’s biting it’s likely pain, vision problems, hearing loss or dementia. Hopefully the CBD oil will make a difference, but that really depends on the cause of your dog’s aggression.
A few years ago we adopted a senior Shih tzu named Ellie. Her owner who had her since she was a baby was not able to tolerate children and was biting. At the time we already had 14 year old Jasmine who had dementia and who we had to put to sleep last year. Ellie was always a bit aggressive to me but loved my husband. She has bad cataracts in both eyes and I feel her hearing is also going. She has become increasingly aggressive toward me and barks alot and bites even though she only has her inner row of teeth. She will not tolerate anyone holding her face and its becoming impossible to have her groomed. They had to muzzle her the last time she was there and she has been terrible since then. We tried an anxiety med but it made her stop eating. Any suggestions?