[daekini]

I'm on an e-mail list for australian cattle dogs, and one owner has written requesting help with her previously sweet, non-aggressive dog who has recently, at the age of 2, become a total monster. Growling, barking, nipping at people.

Turns out that this kind of behavior change is not uncommon and can often be the result of thyroid disfunction. One samoyed owner says that a single pill a day saved her dog from being put down for aggression. It seemed like the dog was fear-aggressive but turned out to be imbalance of the thyroid. Her samoyed returned to the sweetie it originally was!

With so many 'my dog just bit my baby' and other, related, dog aggression threads on the board, I thought it would be a good idea to mention this! I had no idea such a thing existed!

Before taking drastic action with your suddenly aggressive dog, please! check the thyroid levels!!!!

 

[mesa]

a hearty second from me!!

ALSO....consider sending your dog's sample to Dr. Jean Dodds at Hemopet...ASFAIK she is the only researcher who will take into account your dog's age, sex, and breed when interpreting the results. A "normal" result from your vet (within normal generic parameters) may well not be normal for the breed, age, or sex of dog you have. Not expensive, either. Your vet can draw the blood for a nominal cost and overnight it to Dr. Dodds.

http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/HEMOPET.HTM

 

[mesa]

ps....daekini, you may also want to pass on Dr. Dodds' info to your list. Most breed groups know of her work, but someone on there may not know of her yet.

 

[lokidoki]

I third this post! I have a little guy who tends to be aggressive. We have had his thyroid tested and it is normal but I have seen some who have been tested by Dr. Dodds and come back within the high range and it has helped!

Dr. Dodds has likely saved so many by being what I would call an advocate for some of the issues that can cause aggression in dogs...and saved so many from certain death that had medical issues causing that aggression.

 

[daekini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesa ps....daekini, you may also want to pass on Dr. Dodds' info to your list. Most breed groups know of her work, but someone on there may not know of her yet.

Will do!

 

[3boobykins]

Great info to have on hand, thanks!

 

[daekini]

Mesa, I sent your link to the group and got reinforcement from others who had heard of her. Thank you!