Expert: Kaza - 3/5/2010

Question
My parents have a wonderful Bichon name Teddy. He's close to ten years old now and has always been a sweetheart without exception. They also have a Shih Tzu named Rascal who is about 5, I think. Teddy "raised" Rascal from a puppy and "taught him the ropes" and they've always had an easy relationship. A third animal, a cat named Mommy, is also in the mix. All has been heaven until recently, when Rascal (the Shih Tzu) went blind due to cataracts. Suddenly, Teddy (the Bichon) is very aggressive (sexual posturing and "snappy") to both Rascal and Mommy.

We can't figure out what's causing it. There is no other change that we can identify. Can you help us understand? Could there be a medical reason for this?

Thanks so much!

Answer
Sadly when dogs in a pack notice that one is not progressing as one but due to illness is slowing down then the pack must reassert itself to a new order , this is what is happening here, Its all about going back to basics again, is the shih-tzu totally blind ? if not start giving the dog large doses of lutein and bright eyes to help his sight and I would also ask the vet to do a blood panel for the aging bichon just to ensure that he is approaching his old age well.Please also use some omega or salmon oil for the dogs as this helps stall dementia in dogs and will also help them generally.

www.eurobichons.com