My Great Pyrenees is loosing so much weight and has become very aggressive towards everyone

by Andrea Davies
(Saskatoon canada)

My Great Pyrenees has in the last few months loosing much of her weight as in the result of this she has become very aggressive towards everyone and everything, taking her for a walk is a choir as she wants to attack , I can't even take her to the dog park anymore I feel so sad for her , she is loosing her appetite , my vet tells me she should go on pills to calm her down and that I should do a one to one class which costs 200.00 each time . What can I do to bring our girl back to the happy playful girl she once was , she is only 3. 1/2 yrs old.

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Jul 13, 2015
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your dogs health
by: Anonymous

Your dogs aggressive behaviour is not caused by the weight loss. The weight loss is a symptom for something else and you must find out what it is. Has your vet done extensive tests to rule out any health issues or a disease? Has she been spayed? She may be in pain due to a debilitating disease or an undiagnosed injury. Does she get enough exercise? They are big dogs and bred to endlessly patrol, so a little sedate walk every now and again is not enough for her. If there definitely are no health issues, more exercise will increase her appetite and resolve her nervous energy. Try not to resort to a calming drug which will just mask her issues, and will do nothing for her in the long run. She may do well if you can establish a strict routine with her, so she knows her walks/meals/social times with you will always happen every day, and at the same time of day. If you cannot afford a trainer, could you talk with someone who has experience with Pyrs who can see your dog and so may be able to give you some advice? Good luck with this. Be diligent in your work on her behalf as she is depending on you.

Jul 13, 2015
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Losing weight
by: Donna

I would change vets and get another diagnosis.

If you got your dog from a reputable breeder, please speak to the breeder. They will be very happy to help you with this problem.

What do you feed your dog? Kibble is a tough one for some dogs. It's very processed and full of filler.

Try raw diet. Google suppliers in your area. Feed 2-3% of his body weight or his desired weight. 10% organ meet, 10% bone, 80% muscle meat (heart, tongue etc.).

I'm not sure his aggression is because he is losing weight. However, you need to start finding him food that he likes.

Again, talk to the breeder.

Jul 13, 2015
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Not Normal
by: Ed A from NJ

I would seek another vet, rapid weight loss and serve personify changes are a serious sign of health problems. Anything from tooth pain to cancer. She needs more then a simple check up she needs testing. Like blood and x-ray to start. Your girl is hurting.

Jul 14, 2015
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Get 2nd opinion
by: Tressie

Severe weight loss is not normal. You don't say whether your vet has completely ruled out health problems. Some diseases causing aggression could be Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, brain tumors, cognitive dysfunction.

If your vet has not done complete diagnostics, including x-rays to rule out tumors, etc. I would take her for a second opinion. From your brief description this does sound like it would be health related, i.e., weight loss.


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