Anyone else's dog become aggressive when they are in heat?

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately due to the dog having health complications, we are unable to get her fixed. The vets have stated she will not make it through the procedure (bad heart).

So anyways, she is almost 3 years old and she goes in to heat three times a year. Last year she started to become severely aggressive during the time that she was in heat. Biting us, snarling, going after the cats, etc. Like she has bitten me and drawn blood several times at this point for miniscule things- such as me trying to get her off furniture because is bleeding or me trying to redirect her away from the cats food dish, which she is drawn to whenever she is in heat (we have the cat food up on the walk but the dog is smart and finds ways to get to it). I'm honestly very sick of being bitten and unfortunately my husband's only way of "helping" is saying we need to "make her more comfortable". I really don't know how to do this however. We have done everything that the vet recommended. Heated blankets, adding more fatty proteins to her diet during this time, extra loves, etc. Nothing works at all. Sometimes we don't even have to really do anything for her to go in for an attack. Like I simply walked in to my bedroom yesterday and she ran out and latched on to the back of my leg.

It's becoming a severe concern for me at this point because we have a baby on the way and her aggression is getting worse and sometimes goes beyond her being in heat. She has been growling more often even when not in heat. Her trainers state it's more than likely due to a hormonal imbalance caused by her health issues but I can't have it around a new baby. So I have maybe 7 months to figure this out before having to make the decision on whether or not to re-home her for our new babies sake because she's becoming dangerous. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[burlen]

It is not uncommon for female dogs to become more aggressive when they are in heat. This is due to hormonal changes that occur during this time, which can cause them to become more territorial and protective of their resources. However, it is important to note that aggression in dogs can also be caused by other factors, such as fear, anxiety, and pain.

Given the severity and frequency of your dog's aggression, it is important to seek the advice of a professional dog behaviourist or trainer who can assess the situation and provide you with specific guidance and strategies for managing her behavior. They may also be able to help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to her aggression, such as pain or anxiety, and provide treatment options.

In the meantime, take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others around the dog. This may include keeping her separated from other animals and people when she is showing signs of aggression, using a muzzle when necessary, and avoiding situations that may trigger her aggression.

Plan how you will manage the dog's behaviour when the baby arrives. This may involve keeping her separated from the baby, using a crate or gate to create a safe space for her, and providing plenty of positive reinforcement for good behaviour. Ultimately, if the situation cannot be managed and the dog's aggression poses a serious threat to the safety of your family, it may be necessary to consider rehoming her to a more suitable environment.