Foods or Drugs to Stop Aggressiveness in Dogs

While dog owners may love everything about owning a dog, some owners must deal with aggressive dogs. Aggression in dogs can make it difficult for owners to have guests at their house, take their dog to the park or even have their own children play with the dog. There are three main types of aggression in dogs: dominance aggression, fear aggression and territorial aggression. All three types of aggression have different causes and different treatments.

  1. Low-Protein Diet

    • Low-protein canine diets come from vegetable and grain sources, usually in the form of corn, potatoes, rice or beans. Dogs usually receive about 25 percent protein in their diet, but low-protein diets provide approximately 11 percent protein. Low-protein diets have been shown to help dogs with a territorial aggression and dominance aggression. Since protein is such an important factor in a dog's diet, it is important to discuss the diet change with a veterinarian before starting the dog on a low-protein diet.

    Tryptophan

    • Tryptophan is a naturally-occurring amino acid in a mammal's body that helps to produce serotonin. Serotonin produces calmness and reduces anxiety in dogs. Researchers have shown that adding a tryptophan supplement (along with carbohydrates) to a dog's diet can decrease dominance, aggression and hyperactivity in dogs. Tryptophan is usually given as an oral supplement once a day. Tryptophan can be obtained by veterinarians, and the dog should be fully examined by the vet before taking any supplement.

    SSRI

    • SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors, help to facilitate social interaction and awareness of others and improve coping skills and adaptability. One type of SSRI, Prozac, has been approved for canine use. Dogs with separation anxiety, inter-canine aggression and extreme nervousness have successfully been treated with this drug. Veterinarians stress that while Prozac may assist with inter-canine aggression, the drug must be used with behavioral therapy for it to be effective. Teaching the dog social skills, attending obedience classes and using firm, yet loving directives will assist the dog to become less aggressive.

    Tranquilizers

    • Prescription tranquilizers, including Valium, Diazepam and Acepromazine have been used in dogs that experience fear or territorial aggression. Since tranquilizers can cause sleepiness, confusion, increased thirst and other atypical behavioral side effects, it is important to discuss the use of tranquilizers with a veterinarian. As with any type of pharmaceutical interventions for behavior, it is important to use training, socialization and other forms of behavioral modification in conjunction with the medications.