Dog Community

Dog Park and Food Issues??

Posted : 4/18/2008 7:49:32 PM

Hello everyone.. I have some concerns about recent behavior from my Basenji mix Diego. We go to a dog park with a lake in the middle so its closed during winter, before winter we went 2-3 times a week.. we just stated going again since it opened up.. the past 2 times Diego has randomly growled/snarked at another dog and was acting like he was going to bite the dogs neck.. I had to pull him away/pick him up to stop him.. He would just be playing/sniffing, and then pick out a dog that did nothing to him and try to attack (not friendly at all, it was aggressive) It really scared me because before this he has never had any problems with other dogs at the park, and we have gone tons of times! No more dog parks for him, but I'm still concerned as to why he would suddenly start behaving this way??

I have also noticed he hasnt been interested in eating lately, not much of an appetite, when usually he chows his food down.. could these be realted? could there be a bigger problem that is causing these changes??

erica1989

Posted : 4/18/2008 11:18:21 PM

I would get him to a vet.

Sudden changes in behavior and appitete are signs to be concerned about. There could be a million things going in your dog - only your vet can no for sure.

I would stay away from the park. Set up a play date (after your vet visit) with a friends dog, and just take the two on a nice long walk. Let him adjust to being around other dogs again, slowly.

Beejou

Posted : 4/24/2008 4:38:10 PM

This is identical behavior to what our dog showed when she had a bleeding ulcer. The pain she was in made her aggressive, to the point she bit the vet when he went to examine her. Not eating much, even when offered something she usually loved. I would definitely take Diego to the vet, sounds like he might have be having a health issue that you can't see in any way but behavior.

AuroraLove

Posted : 4/24/2008 5:22:59 PM

Any news on Diego? I agree with the two responses above but would also like to ask if you have had a recent weather change?

I ask becuase you say the park just re-opened and I know its warming up in a lot of places and I've witnesses dogs decrease in appetite when warm days come out of nowhere. However I cant stress enough that if this is longer then 2-3 dyas could be a serious sign of an illness.

As for the dog park episode.....

Is your dog fixed?

Has he had many play dates since the last time he got to play at the dog park?

How old is he?

Was he reaccting to a certain type of dog, ie males? Unaltered?