Roy-k Staff asked 3 years ago
Will Neutering Reduce Anxiety And Aggression in French Bulldog
I have intact 3 male French Bulldogs we brought to Florida from Germany, where neutering is not as common as in the US. David, the father of Raymond is 12 and his puppy is 2. The other (Chico) is not a litter-mate and also 2.
Usually, they all get along well; however, the two littles become jealous and fight. Chico is smaller and often receives minor injuries – bloody lip, chin. Recently, he spent 4 days in the hospital due to lacerations to his tongue which required surgery. The surgery resulted in esophagitis and regurgitation which necessitated him having an IV until the inflammation went down.
My husband and I let them fight a bit, as they sometimes stop without incident. Other times, it is more extreme and we intercede. We have both been bitten – usually me – by Raymond who goes rather out of control. He is very athletic and energetic. He knows basic obedience, comes when called offline, and is a generally loving and sweet guy. Jealousy, attention, food, space can all be triggered. Loud noise – such as a shake can of coins, clapping does not work.
Time out – 5 minutes of isolation in a quiet, darkened room – does help Raymond, but that is difficult during an actual fight. I have been trying non-THC CBD oil – Calming. It might be helping, but dosage/ times per day is not prescribed, therefore, I do not want to give either of them too much/too often.
Should we neuter both? Our local veterinarian doesn’t think it will necessarily make a difference. Any and all guidance is appreciated.
Thank you. Jayme Norris, Naples, FL
Roy-k Staff answered 3 years ago
Answer for Will Neutering Reduce Anxiety And Aggression in French Bulldog
Answer for Will Neutering Reduce Anxiety And Aggression in French Bulldog, Dear Jayme:
Anxiety and aggression in bulldogs and French bulldogs could be a mix of a genetic element, inadequate socialization, and environmental triggers (stressors)
30 % of bulldogs and French bulldogs are estimated to suffer from some form of anxiety
A bulldog that is anxious is in agony and in constant stress. Chronic anxiety and stress will affect your bulldog emotionally and behaviorally as well as physiologically and physically. Bulldogs like people show to have elevated endogenous cortisol levels (stress hormone) when suffering from chronic anxiety. Ongoing high cortisol blood levels are shown to have a cause wide range of adverse effects.
Answer for Will Neutering Reduce Anxiety And Aggression in French Bulldog THE GUT:
Stress also adversely affects the gut microbiome which leads to dysbiosis and leaky gut all of which is shown to increase and compound unwanted behavior and aggression.
Answer for Will Neutering Reduce Anxiety And Aggression in French Bulldog SOLUTIONS:
- SAFETY & AVOIDANCE: Safe environment and avoid the triggers and stimuli
- STEEM RELIEF: by play, toys, and physical activity.
- SOCIALIZATION: safe activities with other dogs
- REWARD: Reward for good behavior instead of punishment (punishment will compound the anxiety)
- BHIVORIST: professional dog trainer
- ELIMINATION: of chronic stress that is due to internal and external parasites and chronic pain
- ENVIRONMENT CALM: music, essential oil, personal items
- RX:
- Tricyclic (Clomipramine) to help increase serotonin
- SSRI ( Fluoxetine=Prozac): Increase Serotonin
- Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Xanax)
- SUPPLEMENTS: Safe, inexpensive, nonprescription such as
Answer for Will Neutering Reduce Anxiety And Aggression in French Bulldog WARNING:
If your bulldog is aggressive towards other dogs or people there is an element of liability and accountability to consider. This involves a serious ethical issue that you must address. The safety of your family, your other pets, and the community is a priority.
“An Ounce of PREVENTION Is Worth a Pound of CURE”
