Becoming more aggressive with age.

[Wildflower]

I hope this post will make sense, so sad I can't think well.
We have an old dog that we love very much, we have had him for a long time.
Lately he is very aggressive, it is getting worse as time goes by.
He is in fairly good shape, he just is not as nice as he used to be (at all).
He is I guess (hate to say this but) dangerous to be around.
He can't sleep in the house anymore, or be with the other dogs (forget being with children at all -even the ones he was raised with, loved and watched over).
He wake's up way too grumpy and stays that way! I thought about keeping further away but would hate myself if anyone got close to him.
He used to be friendly and playful, was always in a good mood with wagging tail.
I still love him bad mood and all. But I don't want him to hurt (he bite's hard) or be hurt either.
Thank-you for reading me out

[Sheenagirl]

My first reaction would be to get him to the vet for a complete check up.
Something just doesn't sound right. I have seen dogs, as they age, become more territorial, but not to the extent that they become so aggressive that most people cannot be around them.
I really think you should start with a physical at the vet first.
Good luck. Let us know what the vet says...

[Wildflower]

The vet is seeing him today, but her last impression was that he was old.
He was always a little aggressive (with strangers) but never like this.
Thank-you for replying and I will keep you posted.

[SHAKEEL]

i have seen this in a pitbull before the mother was very aggresive like that but the pups were as nice as can be even as they got older and the mother had been put down for being sooo mean the younger grew to be just like her they got soo mean it just started all of a sudden it was surprising to me but younever know he might be grumpy because he is in pain i would advise a check up to thats crazy that he does even like kids that he grew up with thats not a good thing that you cant trust your buddy around kids cause a rotti can cause big time damage if they want soo just go get him checked out.

[EmmysMom]

I have to agree, that is the first thing that came to my mind when I read this! He could be in horrible pain and that is effecting his attitude/mood. Please keep us updated!

[observer]

I'd be worried about pain (these dogs are stoic, but enough pain can certainly make them irritable) and possibly thyroid issues, which can also cause things like this. I'd get a thyroid panel done, along with the regular full blood work and a thorough physical exam.

[Weily4Life]

My first thought like others was pain related. I did a quick search which resulted in the following article with a variety of possibilities.

Medical and Health Causes of Dog Aggression

I am sure there are more.
I hope the vet is able to get to the root of the problem.
Good luck.

[fostermom]

I agree that it sounds as if this dog may be in pain, other things that come to mind are hypothyroid or even lyme disease which has been known to cause aggression...please let us know what the vet says.

[SABELLESMOM]

He sounds as if he's in pain or uncomfortable. Arthritis perhaps? Get him to the vet for a thorough check up. You may find all he needs is some pain management, or thyroid meds, or even eye drops... Find out what may be contributing to this sudden change. Once you know, go from there.

Then, get the poor guy a crate so he can have a place of solitude inside. Let NO ONE disturb him there. You can't be putting an old guy like that out, for goodness sakes.

[poohbearsmom]

Lot's of time, pain comes with age. Definitely get him checked over (xrays for arthritic change, as well) with a full work up.

Once you know his health status for sure, and you're not just speculating that he's in "good shape", you'll be able to decide the best way to deal with him.

[jennifeb]

Hello Wildflower,
What did the vet say about your rotties health? It does sound like a health related
issue.
Jennifer