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Aggressive Behavior
Aggressive behaviors are always serious. The threat of injury to other pets and humans must be dealt with and eliminated. A veterinarian should evaluate the pet and direct the owner to a proper course of treatment.
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Feline
Cat bites should be treated by a physician right away.
Feline aggression can be divided into several subcategories.
1. Predatory Aggression is a natural behavior for cats. The target for the predator cat is usually small animals and birds but can also be directed toward human hands or feet.
Treatment may include:
- Place a bell on the cat's collar (to alert prey)
- Redirect cat's behavior to toys or a new playmate (same age cat)
2. Redirected Aggression occurs when the cat is upset by something (environment, trip to vet's) then redirects the aggression to the owner or another target. Place the cat in social isolation until calm.
3. Territorial Aggression is usually directed at unfamiliar cats, people or other animals near the cat's perceived territory. The cat will hiss, vocalize, stalk and may even chase the target.
Treatment may include:
- Neuter intact cats
- Remove opportunity for intrusion by other cats and/or strangers.
4. Social Hierarchical Status Aggression. Multiple cats in a household develop a hierarchical ranking. Aggressive behavior is exhibited when 2 cats vie for the same position.
Treatment may include:
- Separate cats
- Place a bell on the aggressor's collar
5. Petting-Induced Aggression occurs when a cat bites its owner while being petted. Owner should watch for signs, tail flickers, ears flatten back, eyes dilate and cat's body tenses. Stop petting the cat when signs first appear.
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Canine
Canine aggression may be divided into 4 categories:
1. Dominance Aggression may be exhibited by a direct stare, growling, snarling or high tail. The dominant aggressive dog is usually protecting an object or attempting to control a situation.
Treatment may include:
- Neuter intact male dog
- Attend obedience training classes
- Training Halter (Gentle Leader®)
- Eliminate aggressive games (tug-of-war, wrestling)
- Pet must obey a command before getting desired object (food, walk, treat)
2. Fear-Related Aggression is common at the Vet's. Dogs exhibit fear toward a specific stimuli (vets, children, toe-nail trimmers, etc) It is necessary to identify the trigger then, desensitize dog to that fear (short trips to Vet's for a treat).
3. Predatory Aggression is an instinctive behavior but can be extremely dangerous if the perceived prey happens to be other domestic animals or children.
Treatment may include:
- Confinement and control with training halter (Gentle Leader®)
- Gradually and carefully desensitizing pet to perceived prey-ANIMALS ONLY
- Euthanasia if humans are at risk
4. Territorial Aggression is usually directed at unfamiliar animals or people near the dog's perceived territory. The dog attempts to drive off the stranger with growling, snarling, barking, lunging and/or biting.
Treatment may include:
- Social isolation or confinement
- Training halters (Gentle Leader®)
- Remove opportunities for intrusion by strangers.
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