About 34% of all deaths in dogs are due to undesirable behaviors. And aggression happens to be among the leading undesirable behaviors in dogs.
So, you see what that means? A build-up of aggression or aggressive activities can be fatal for your furry buddy.
For that very reason, we highly recommend dog owners take and treat dog aggression seriously. In this post, we’ve explored dog aggression in deep detail. We’ve also shared five effective natural remedies to help tackle your dog’s aggression.
Let’s get started!
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Dog aggression can be harmful to both people and animals. Here’s what it can lead to:
Aggression in dogs can lead to biting, scratching, or attacking. This may result in injuries that range from minor cuts and bruises to severe wounds or even fatalities. Children, small dogs, and vulnerable individuals are particularly at risk.
When a dog displays aggressive behavior in public, there is a risk of legal repercussions. Laws regarding dog aggression vary depending on the jurisdiction. But if a dog causes harm to a person or another animal, the owner may be held liable for the damages. It may mean fines, restrictions, or even the possibility of the dog being euthanized.
Having an aggressive dog around also means strained relationships. This is because you’re not fully available for everyone at any given time. Plus, if there are disagreements regarding how to handle the situation, it can lead to severe arguments and strained relationships. Different family members may have different opinions regarding which training or management technique would work best.
Owners of aggressive dogs may experience fear, anxiety, guilt, or frustration due to the dog's behavior. They may feel stressed or isolated as they may need to limit their interactions with other people or animals to prevent incidents. The emotional toll can also strain the bond between the owner and the dog, which may affect the overall quality of life for both.
Different circumstances and genes lead to different types of aggression. It’s important to identify which type of aggression your dog is experiencing, so you can tackle the situation accordingly:
A dog experiences fear and aggression when it perceives a threat or feels unsafe in a particular situation. They may exhibit defensive behaviors like growling, snarling, or biting to protect themselves. Usually, this type of aggression is triggered by unfamiliar places or people.
Territorial aggression is often linked to a dog's instinct to protect its perceived territory. Hence, dogs with strong guarding instincts like Kangal and Alabai are more likely to exhibit territorial aggression – especially when someone or something unfamiliar enters their designated space.
This is the type of aggression dogs exhibit when they feel the need to protect a thing that they own. It could be a toy, their food bowl, their resting space, or anything similar. This is particularly noticeable in dogs with natural guarding instincts like Caucasian Shepherds.
Dog-to-dog aggression has a lot to do with breeds. Again, guarding dogs like Caucasian Shepherds are likely to exhibit this type of aggression. As per this, dogs will get into fights with any new dogs that come into their territory and pose any kind of threat. This type of aggression can also stem from negative past experiences.
Now, let’s browse some easy and natural ways that can help remedy dog aggression.
Some herbs like chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower have calming properties. You can give these herbs to your dogs in the form of tinctures and herbal blends. They’re available in pet stores online or you can even make these at home. Just dry the herbs, boil them for 10-15 minutes, strain the herb, and give the essence-filled water to your dog.
However, we highly recommend consulting a vet before you give a herb to your dog. That’s because some dogs are allergic and administering herbs could lead to adverse effects.
In recent times, CBD oil has emerged as a popular remedy for stress, anxiety, and aggression in dogs. The CBD molecules in CBD oil interact with the endocannabinoid system – which, in turn, regulates undesirable behaviors. It soothes the dog.
Before you opt for this remedy, we highly recommend taking your time to research the seller. Search for the best CBD product seller in your area and opt for someone as transparent as CBD Oil Ireland. As for dosage, always consult your vet.
Aromatherapy using essential oils can help promote relaxation and reduce stress in dogs. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and vetiver have calming properties.
However, essential oils should be used with caution and diluted properly to avoid adverse reactions. We recommend consulting a professional aromatherapist experienced in animal care for guidance.
Also, consider giving natural supplements like Vitamin B6, which produces more serotonin, GABA, and melatonin to your dog. These supplements have calming effects and promote relaxation. For example, melatonin chews for dogs are especially beneficial in regulating sleep patterns and reducing stress in breeds prone to anxiety.
By now, we hope you have a detailed insight into what dog aggression could mean for you and your dog — and how you can tackle it effectively. With that said, we also recommend incorporating regular exercise to reduce aggressive behaviors and promote mental stimulation. Just be sure to take timely measures and avoid taking it lightly!
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