Chow bites her Favorite Human

[Sally Cruikshank]

We have two dogs, an 8 month old Shepherd and a 7 year old Chow. The Chow had never bitten anyone until today, when she bit my husband, her favorite person. I mean she likes him much better than me, though I spend the most time with her. We were returning from the dog park and he was lifting her to get her in my car. She has arthritis. She hadn't been hostile at the park, just trudged around. She knew she was about to be lifted, because she put her paws up as she always does, the start of the lift. Last night she also acted snappish when he got up from the table, again this is extremely unusual. She's been particularly peaceful with the Shepherd the last few days. Earlier today we'd put a muzzle on her to trim an overgrown toenail, but she didn't seem to mind that. My thinking is she's in some pain, and that's what caused it, and will take her in for full checkup. But what do you folks think?

[Amber]

I think you are right. I think it has something to do with pain.

[Colleen]

Seeing how she has never been agressive before and that the bite occured precisely when your husband was picking her up, I'd say it is very likely that she reacted out of pain and fear rather than anger. I would definitely take her to the doctor to see how her pain can be further alleviated. If you are still concerned about her behavior, you might seek the professional assistance of an animal behaviorist. Good luck!

[Luciann]

I have to say that i agree that it was probably out of pain. You might ask your vet if a heating pad when she seems to be having a lot of trouble would help with the pain.

[Sally Cruikshank]

Thanks. Your responses are very reassuring, as it had us freaked out all day. Of course the medical outcome may not be good, but at least to start thinking that's what may have triggered it...

She has Deramaxx pills, but I dole them out according to the way she's moving and the weather, which seems to be changing tonight, in L.A. . She gets Cosequin chewables every day. This is a dog who had major behavioral problems in her past with dogs, but not people, yet entirely overcame those problems with a stay at boot camp 2 1/2 years ago and dog parks 5 times ++ each week ever since with no issues at dog parks since- none... (pretty amazing, great boot camp) My husband adores this dog, though I've always felt she has an autistic personality, not to belittle that condition, just a way to describe it. Not very emotional, rather primitive, prefers not to be touched.

[Sally Cruikshank]

Just returned from the vet, who did a lot of palpation and felt it was some back pain causing it, though not severe, and gave her a shot of a steroid and of Banamine. So we'll hope that takes care of things. He explained more, but sometimes when I'm worrying about animals I don't take it all in :confused:
Here's hoping it's a one only event!

[Stefie C]

I'm sorry your dog is having so much pain. I hope the shots help her to feel better! Is you husband okay? I hope the bite wasn't a bad one.

[Sally Cruikshank]

Thanks. Everyone's doing fine so far, let's hope it continues that way.