Formerly sweet Chihuahua is now mean
We have a 13 year old male chihuahua (neutered) who was the sweetest dog, but now is very aggressive and just plain grumpy. He has been to the vet regularly and he is on thyroid medication, but otherwise is in good health. Thoughts? He also has been deliberately peeing in inappropriate places (such as the curtain, floor, etc) and does this right in front of us, so we know it isn't a bladder problem (we have also had him tested for everything and nothing comes up).
Advice (2)
Hi Jo,
I'm sorry to hear about the problems you're having with your elderly pet. I raised Chihuahuas for a number of years, and I have seen this kind of change before. KJoan is right that a physical issue could make your dog feel grumpy and inclined to bite, and it's good that you have asked your vet to examine your dog. If your dog's issues don't relate back to any physical issue causing pain, there's a possibility that your pet's behavior could be due to some senility setting in. Dogs can become senile, just as some people do, and it can really change their personality.
I'm going to recommend a couple of things that might make it easier to live with your dog. First, try taking your dog for daily walks. You don't have to go far, a block may be sufficient for his small size. The walk helps a dog relax, and the fresh air and mental stimulation are good for him. It's also good for you to walk him on a leash because that establishes you as his leader. This might improve his attitude a little, but it's not a sure cure.
Additionally, you might want to consider purchasing a belly band for your dog to wear in the house. It may not be possible to stop him from attempting to mark in the house, but the band is like a diaper for male dogs, and it will catch the urine and keep your home from being soiled and developing an odor.
Thank you for your comments. We take him out several times a day, and he is never off a leash (He is just 3 lbs, so I am paranoid. Even in our contained backyard we watch him constantly, as we are afraid of hawks). We have been through all of the side effects of the meds, and he has been on, off and back on them to see if that improved his behavior (it is actually better while he is on the thyroid medication). He has regular dentals and has very few teeth remaining.
I was also thinking he was having some cognitive degeneration issues based upon his change in personality. I appreciate that that could be a possibility.
A friend also suggested the belly band, so we have been using that the last few days- and that is working out nicely. I just feel so badly that he is having issues. :-(
I appreciate the comments! Thank you!
Is this your first experience with an "elderly" dog? It's possible the behavior changes are due to age. You also said he takes medication, did you ask the vet if this med has any behavioral/physical side effects? At 13 he may also be developing age related pain, pain can make ANYBODY grumpy and even aggressive. Does your vet regularly check his teeth? Mouth pain (bad teeth) can be easily overlooked if the dog eats okay and doesn't show obvious discomfort or swelling around the mouth. I'm trying to think of the age related things I've encountered with older pets.
If you know for certain your dog's behavior isn't due to age, have there been other changes in his life? Anybody move in or out of your home? Are you in a new neighborhood or has someone new moved into your neighborhood? If your dog is unsupervised in the yard for any length of time maybe someone new has taken to teasing or harassing through the fence.
I hope you can get this figured out before something tragic happens because of your dogs newly aggressive behavior. It's wonderful that you pay attention and are looking for a solution. Far too many pet owners ignore these warning signs. Good luck!
Thanks KJoan for your great advice. You really have good insight.
How is it going? Any more major issues, or do the suggestions seem to be helping?