When Good Dogs Turn Bad
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media release: 2 November, 2011
When Good Dogs Turn Bad
With a growing number of recent dog attacks on young children around the nation a leading veterinarian has warned all pet owners to be aware of the signs and triggers that can send a loving and gentle family pet into attack mode in the blink of an eye.
Dr Mark Perissinotto from VetShopAustralia.com.au warned that even the most trusted family pet can have the ability to turn on their owners and that young children were especially susceptible to the problem.
"It is any pet owner’s worst nightmare to think their dog would have the potential to harm a human or at worst another family member, however a number of factors can come into play that can easily cause them to snap and display aggressive behaviours," Dr Perissinotto said.
"The main triggers that turn a good dog bad are usually jealousy which can be caused by a sudden decrease in attention given to the dog, protective instincts towards property or people in the home and the feeling of fear if they are put in a situation they don't like. Another common trigger known to make Fido aggressive is pain, with ear infections, arthritis and skin conditions all having a negative impact on their overall mood and behaviour," he said.
Dr Perissinotto also believed that babies and young children were most at threat as they have a different scent to adults and are often lying on their backs, in a submissive position which means a dog may not recognise them as being human.
"Regardless of how trusting you are of your family pet, young children and especially babies should never be left alone with dogs. It is so important for owners to realise that every dog, no matter what breed, has the capability to act out of character and cause damage," he said.
“We must remember that many breeds have hunting, fighting and guarding instincts which were required for survival before they became man's best friend. A massive surge of adrenalin can cause them to regress in evolutionary terms to act on the most basic primitive instincts," Dr Perissinotto said.
“Some people would call this a frenzy or blood lust. Pet owners must keep an eye out for common triggers and behavioural changes.”
Dr Perissinotto also suggested that pet owners can lower the risks of their furry friend turning on the aggression mode by simply being able to spot the warning signs and to start training them well from a young age.
"The best ways that pet owners can avoid aggressive behaviours from ever surfacing is to start obedience training, be aware of the breed and temperament of the particular dog you bring home, from a young age allow your dog to be comfortable with you looking in ears, mouth and around other sensitive areas, keep an eye on aggression triggers and never give your pet alcohol," he said.
“Dog's rightfully earned the title of man's best friend by being loyal companions and great additional family members which is why we must make sure they are well trained and treated accordingly to ensure a good dog doesn’t turn bad,” he said.
ENDS
Further information
Media Contact: Jemma Lenton 07 5453 4840
Jemma.lenton@vetshoponline.com
Address: 5/42 Owen Creek RD. Forest Glen QLD
Go to the Dr Mark bio page for more information about Dr Mark Perissinotto.