My dog bit my husband, what are my options?

Question

We have 2 Dobermans who are 2 1/2 years old. They're very gentle boys. Bo has suddenly begun to have "seizures." He growls but you can see in his eyes that he's "not there." Friday he and Luke got in a fight which Bo started. Bo had to get stitches. Saturday he bit my husband when my husband bent over to get a cup off the floor. Yesterday he bit him when he got off the couch to walk across the room. Like I said, when he does this he doesn't look like he knows what's going on. This morning he was back to my good ole playful little dog.
I think 2 1/2 is way to young to be euthanized. My husband wants him out. Rescues won't take a dog who has bitten people, even if it was twice.
Please, professional and knowledgeable answers only.
This is breaking my heart.

Answer 1

Take him to your vet and get him on medication for the seizures or the medication needs to be adjusted if he is on something now. I think he is to young to be euthanized too. I would also contact a behavorist or even a trainer who specializes in aggression and have them help you how to deal with your dog when he goes into the seizures. You want to be able to handle him in a safe way, so that you guys are not bitten. Do you know why you haven't been bitten, but your husband has? I was just curious.



I would also contact your breeder and tell her that your dog is having seizures. I don't know if this is hereditary or not, but I think she should know of any problems with her dogs that she bred.



Lone Star, you don't think that your vet thinks it Rage Syndrome, do you? I have a trainer friend who had a doberman who had that. I could give you her e-mail address if you would like to talk to her about what your dog is doing? I just want you to get as much information as you can.

Answer 2

Definitely find an excellent vet to examine your dog. I went through this type of situation with one of my Golden Retrievers a few years ago...he started snapping at my husband whenever my husband would try to touch him. It was obvious that the dog was in pain...we made an appointment to euthanize. 2 days before the euthanasia, we decided to try one more vet...this vet diagnosed issues that the others had missed, put up some medication, and within a month, we had our old dog back (and he's still here with us). Maybe your dog can't be helped, but I'd try to find the best vet around and give it another try.



EDIT: The vet that diagnosed the seizures...did he prescribe anything to prevent the seizures? I was told that my dog was having seizures as well (a Peke I owned years ago), only to discover from a different vet that the dog had heart problems and wasn't getting oxygenated blood to his brain. SOME vets (maybe not yours) will call something that they can't diagnose a seizure because it resembles one. A vet can not diagnose seizure without actually-at minimum-seeing one happen. Personally, I'd keep taking my dog to different vets until you find one that offers clear answers, a solid & detailed diagnosis, and treatment that works. I know we haven't heard the whole story here, but every vet has his/her limitations...I'd just keep trying new vets until I saw improvement (After discussing concerns with your current vet).

Answer 3

One thing that you might want to investigate further is over the years it has been a custom to get dobermans ears cropped or just the in thing I am not to sure the cause but the thing that comes to mind is there was an issue that has repeatedly been brought up over seas with this breed and cropping the ears and one of the concerns is some of them when they grow the skin stretches so tight around the head it makes them develop massive migranes and seizures I would read more on this if I were you as I dont know the full content or causes just that it had to do with croping thier ears......just a thought.....there may be nothing to this it was just something that came to my mind from past concerns when incidents like this were first starting to occur with that breed

Answer 4

My hear goes out to you. I have an 11 year old who is going senial, and has never bitten in his life. He bit my husband a week ago, and it has been tense here ever since.



It is heart wrenching when we see the dogs we love start to change for reasons we have no controle.



Definitely get him to the vet so they can find the reason for the seizures and hopefully they can help him medically.



In the meantime... be on your guarde and watch for what is triggering the seizures.

I had a cat that had siezures whenever a bad thunderstorm came up. We actually found that it was the preasure change in her innerear that caused the disorder. With ear drops that I put in to stablize her inner ear when storms were approaching, we lessened the seizures greatly and the severity of them.



Hope this helps, and I hope all works out.

Answer 5

If your dog is really having seizures a visit to the vet might fix all of your problems. My in-laws used to have a dog that had seizures and she had a perscription medicine that helped out a lot. She still had seizures every once in a while but it wasn't near as bad and she had a better attitude on the medicine. Take him to the vet before you decide on anything.

Answer 6

Take your dog to the vet NOW. Find the cause of the seizures, and medicate the dog, who is obviously in pain. Just an aside, Your dog is up to date on rabies vaccine, right? I can understand your husbands side. No dog should ever bite a person, except if the dog is in pain, and it is an unintentional bite. That may possibly be forgiven. Do something now!

Answer 7

Do you mean he actually has seizures?

I'm not sure since you put it in quotation marks?





If he is, it's possible that your dog is just lashing out because he's in pain. Dogs in pain and under a lot of stress are much more likely to bite. That is what it sounds like to me. If your dog has never behaved this way before, I'd take him to the vet and try to find out if there's something wrong with him that's causing him pain.

Answer 8

My personal opinion is that all dogs can be changed.... however i think the first thing is to get the vet to see him... like others have said when a dog becomes ill and/or stressed they can snap, however if he is treated and this still doesn't help you need to contact a behaviourist.... you've got a pack and therefore you need to ensure they know whose boss and you can get help with this. Don't make a snap decision on the dogs future..... my friend had his dog put to sleep after it accidentally bit him after another one of his 5 dogs started a fight he took it straight to the vets and had him put down and now regrets it like mad and wishes he'd got some help. He didn't realise the need to control 'the pack'. Your partner should support you, as you are aware dogs aren't quickly disposable when things go wrong you have to try! I hope this helps... good luck

Answer 9

I accept as true with the others that say to examine right into a coach or dogs behaviorist. yet section of the situation it incredibly is which you're permitting the dogs to be the alpha interior the dwelling house. you are going to be disciplining the dogs each time he growls or maybe acts aggressive. and that i propose telling him firmly in a deep voice "NO" and extremely having actual touch to enforce your order. additionally, do now not enable him to take a seat down by using you on furnishings, your mattress, and so on. it incredibly is permitting the dogs to think of it extremely is interior the comparable place interior the better half and youngsters which you're in, which it incredibly is now not. i could propose crating the little rat once you're actually not incredibly paying interest to him or a minimum of while each and every person is around. you do now not decide for to get sued because of the fact your dogs bit somebody.

Answer 10

He has a brain problem - this can happen to dogs - it's called Rage. The dog has no idea what it is doing, but unfortunately every case I've ever heard of the dog had to be put down. There is no cure and the dog could kill someone.

Very sad. Sorry

Even vets who don't think rage is the case will tell you this:

When treating any dominant aggressive dog, the prognosis depends on several factors:



1. Age of onset of aggression – The younger the dog at the time of the initial aggression, the poorer the prognosis. Most dominance aggression begins around the age of behavioral maturity, 1-2 years of age. I have seen some dogs that already showed severe signs before 6 months of age. On the other hand, I’ve seen some owners who don’t seek help until the dog is approaching middle age, although the initial warning signs were present much earlier.



2. Duration of aggression – Since there is a learned component in any form of aggressive behavior, it makes sense that the longer the aggression has been going on, the harder it will be to convince the dog the household rules have changed. Like any habit, owner behaviors that lead to aggression are also harder to change.



3. Severity of the aggression – Dogs who display lower levels of aggressive behavior, such as growls, lip curls, and inhibited snaps, will be much easier to treat than dogs who explode with violent attacks. The severity of the displays is a stronger predicting factor for successful treatment than the frequency. There is certainly less owner motivation for attempting treatment when the attacks result in severe injury, even when they are very infrequent.



4. Predictability of the aggression – If owners can predict which situations are most likely to result in aggression, such as guarding objects or a favored resting place, then measures can be taken to prevent those situations. In addition, safe training sessions can be set up to teach alternative behaviors. If an owner, even with the help of an experienced behaviorist, cannot predict the aggression, it will be far more difficult to treat.



Sounds like your dog is a not a good prospect.

Answer 11

Find out what is wrong before you do anything. Have your vet examine him thoroughly to rule out a physical cause for the change in behavior. If he is not neutered, do so immediately. He could be losing his sight or hearing (deaf dogs are frequently extremely aggressive because they have to be on the offense constantly.)



If you do not find any physical reason, contact a behaviorist immediately.



Don't give up on your dog. Use every single resource you have at your disposal.



Add:

Get a second veterinary opinion.

Answer 12

The seizures can be very serious so he needs to be taken to a vet and your husband should be checked to just to make sure he wound is not infected or he dog gave him a virus/bacteria. The dog should be separated from everyone and watched over to make sure he does not do harm to himself or others.

Answer 13

It doesn't sound, like he really meant to aggressivley bite your husband. If he is having seizures, then he can't really control his actions. I would definitely have a vet, check him out, so he can find out exactly what is causing the seizures, treat and prevent them! The vet is really the only one, who is going to be able to give you solutions, and answers! If this vet didn't seem to care or wasn't concerned, then please find another vet to take him to!Poor Baby! I hope he is better soon! Give him a big hug and kiss from me!

Answer 14

Sudden biting or aggression can often be the product of the dog's pain. You need to get the dog to the vet, so he can be properly diagnosed and treated. Seizures are NOT something that should be ignored.

Answer 15

People IAHP has a very valid answer and I gave it a "thumbs up".



There is such a thing a "Rage Syndrome" and Dobermans are one of the breeds that can be affected. It is rare.



Please check into this possibility for your dog. If you have a veterinary school in the area, I would see if they would be interested in helping your dog.



Good luck.

Answer 16

I have heard this about certain breeds including Doberman's. Your dog is much younger than those I have had heard about though. It's a flaw in the breed. Please take him to the vet to end your worry and to prevent any suffering that may just be starting on both your parts.

Answer 17

Take him to the vet for medical attention. The vet can determine what is causing the seizures and give him some medicine to control them.

Answer 18

take him to a vet asap and get him scanned. it could be a number of things causing the seizures including a tumour, not the dogs fault at all.

Answer 19

my moms favorite dog went for her and when it calmed down, we took her into the vet. unfortunately, her seizure was caused by a tumor. there was no way of knowing when she woud go blank and attack. if your vet diagnosed seizures, did he figure out the cause?

Answer 20

Make sure your hubby is okay, then go see the vet about your doggy's seizures. It could be a health deficiency.

Answer 21

This doesn't sound like "normal" aggression, especially because you said he looks like he's "not there", and it's only started recently (ie he wasn't always aggressive) I would definitely have him checked out by a vet, it could be a medical problem.

Answer 22

Have him examined by a vet to see if there is a physical issue.



EDIT - Dobermans are one of the breeds suceptible to "rage syndrome



http://www.thepethealthportal.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=200

Answer 23

I would get a second opinion or take him to a specialist. Then go from there... So sorry... Wish you the best of luck with your dog.

Answer 24

im really sorry to have to tell u this but theres something wrrong with him especially if his having fits im even sorryer to tell u that ur guna have t put him down. i no n understand he doesnt mean it his not him self when this happens but u have to think wot if ur out walking him and a little kid runs up to pat him and b4 u can stop him he bites the kid that wil b worse for u and bo. do the right thing now and put him out of his misery. im very sorry. although maybe u could tak him for a check over at the vet good luck i hope its fixable.

Answer 25

ok a long time ago we had a dog who had sesures but he died :(

anyways ur married???????????/ and ur on my contacts well thats not the point!!!!

take 2 the vet

umm maybe when u touch it its hurting cause my dog does that and hes going 2 tech tommorow cause hes hurting

God bless

Answer 26

You could put a mussel on Bo, but if Bo has drawn blood from your husband he will have to to be euthanized. I am sorry but you don't have many options. First you should try the vet if it is the seizures that are causing him to attack anything that moves, as dogs in pain are very protective of themselves and get aggressive when near or approached

Answer 27

Your dog is not the pet he used to be. He is permanently damaged and dangerous. The right thing to do is to have him euthanized. Age has nothing to do with it. If he can't be cured or adopted, that is the only choice.

Answer 28

put the husband to sleep dogs are better investment