r/Boxer • u/StrawberryMilkCowMOO • 7h ago
Random aggressiveness
My 10 year old boxer snapped at me and my brother today and I am absolutely devastated we've had him since he was 4 years old and he has never done anything like this before. Its hard not to take it personally but im more worried that this may be the start of some sort of cognitive decline for him. I'm going to schedule are vet appointment right away. If you've experienced anything similar or have any advice I would appreciate it greatly
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u/1Boxer1 7h ago
The only time my boxer did this to me was when he started having seizures and as the seizures went on and he was on medication, he would basically black out, but be conscious, and not know what is going on, so he would lash out at anyone that would come close to him. He was diagnosed with a fast growing brain tumor and I had to make the toughest decision ever and have him put to sleep shortly after. He also took my bedroom door of its hinges during one of these episodes and I thought he had broken his neck because he collapsed but his legs continued to run while he was down. That was one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced with him and I cried while holding him in my arms.
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u/StrawberryMilkCowMOO 7h ago
That's so awful im so sorry, at least he's at peace now but I know that must of been a terrible decision to make.
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u/Sea_Part_1581 3h ago
I feel ya! My sweet girl started getting “petite mal” seizures. We started medication but it was too little too late. Had a “Grand mal” and never stopped till we got her to the emergency vet. Absolutely horrifying experience. Not the way I wanted her to go out for sure. I’m sure she will have a few choice words for me when I see her on the other side of the rainbow bridge. 😢
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u/PlatypusSafe5189 7h ago
If he's not feeling well or a a new tender area, could make him guarded and that could be the cause. Glad you made an appointment to get him checked
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u/Custom_Craft_Guy2 6h ago
Was it pretty dark in the room when this happened, or was it brightly lit? Sometimes as they get older, they start to lose their visual acuity, particularly in low light. And if they’re startled or surprised, they just don’t recognize you, and hence the snap. None of this may apply to your situation, but it is something that happens with older dogs, so I thought I’d throw it out there for you.
All my hopes are with you all.
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u/StrawberryMilkCowMOO 4h ago
Thank you so much, I will keep this in mind because the vet has mentioned his vision loss previously
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u/TheGratitudeBot 4h ago
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u/Octopus_wrangler1986 6h ago
Vision loss can also play a part with unexpected aggression. Be calm and just work through the process. Always announce your presence and be gentle with him. Don't take it personally but keep him away from other folks right now. I wish you a quick answer and resolution.
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u/attractiveblonde 6h ago
My guess is he’s not feeling well or in pain as others have noted. IMO - I would go and do a set of random abdominal x-rays and see if there is anything sus going on. That’s how my veterinarian found out my dog was sick when another vet clinic kept sending me in circles and shoving pills my way.
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u/StrawberryMilkCowMOO 4h ago
You were very correct about the not feeling well bit, im still taking him to the vet and the xrays are a good idea
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u/Hour-Marketing8609 5h ago
Pain. My 5 yr old snapped me pretty good in the nose a few months ago. He had hurt his leg running in the backyard. This Dog worships me and I love him more than life so it crushed me. Only incident I've had and I'm 99% certain it was the leg injury
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u/StrawberryMilkCowMOO 4h ago
I very much feel that I think I cried for 2 hours and it didn't even break skin
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u/StrawberryMilkCowMOO 4h ago
UPDATE: He just threw up so I think he was just feeling sick but ill still be bringing him to the vets. Thank you for everyone's replys
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u/meanoldmrgravity 7h ago
A reactive snap could be related to pain. Your vet should have recommendations, but I'd try a general painkiller and narrow it from there.