Aggression
Aggression may be caused by behavioral problems, including:
- Fear-based aggression
- Dominance aggression
- Breed associated dominance
- Mistreated and neglected animals
- Unsocialized and poorly trained animals
Aggression can also be normal in many situations, such as:
- Dogs protecting their home or people
- Birds that are protecting their nests or people
- Animals that feel threatened
Aggression is best handled using the following approaches:
- Run conventional Western diagnostic tests and radiographs:
Treat any underlying problems - Pain is often an underlying cause of aggression:
Painful animals feel less secure and are more likely to respond aggressively out of insecurity and fear. - Pain is often best managed with acupuncture and herbs:
If the pain is due to arthritis of the legs or back pain, consider using a joint support formula
Consult with a behaviorist for training advice.
Try not to use herbs or drugs that are designed to suppress aggression:
- Suppressive therapies include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, tranquilizers and mood-altering drugs
- It is better to cure a problem than suppress symptoms; work hard to find the root cause of the problem and fix it.
- Suppressive therapies are much more indicated when the animal is extremely dangerous to people or other animals.
- Suppressive drugs, when used, should always be used with behavior modification and the therapies listed below.
Complementary Therapies:
- Phosphatidylserine
- Joint support formulas
- dl-phenylalanine
- Endorphin or relieving effect
- Feverfew
- To control pain and fever
- Chinese Herbs
- When used to control aggression, each animal must be individually evaluated to prescribe the appropriate Chinese herbs.
- Consult with a local holistic veterinarian or call for an appointment 303-702-1986
- Bach Flowers (Flower Essence Therapy)
- Homeopathic Therapies
- Homeopathy is very individualized; please call for a consultation 303-702-1986