Technically dogs can exhibit symptoms similar to what we humans call bipolar disorder. Theoretically, as a mammal, dogs have brains that react to serotonin levels similar to the way a human brain does. However, it is important to note that since learned behaviors can contribute to aggression problems in dogs, there have been a lot of mixed opinions from experts on how to diagnose and treat a dog that exhibits unpredictable mood swings.
Bipolar Behavior In Dogs
It is quite common for dog owners to report that their dog has suddenly become aggressive. Usually these dogs will appear to have a glazed over expression and are typically unresponsive to commands. Even more strange is the fact that sometimes they seem to stop the aggressive behavior almost as suddenly as they start it.
Experts have come up with a name for this type of behavior and have coined it with the term canine rage syndrome. There is still much to learn about this condition. Certain breeds are more susceptible to this type of behavior, cocker spaniels being a common case.
Differing Opinions And Research
Although the sudden onset of aggressive behavior without obvious provocation seems to correlate with a bipolar brain condition, other dog experts think that canine rage syndrome is could be nothing more than an extreme form of dominance or fear aggression –learned or bred for behaviors. These experts also claim that the dog’s only hope of being restored to a trustworthy pet is to work alongside experienced trainers or behaviorists.
More recent studies of dogs exhibiting symptoms of canine rage syndrome have found that there may in fact be some sort of brain disorder involved. In some cases dogs have been found to have a seizure disorder and in other cases, suffering from a low level of serotonin.
Treatment Options
Unfortunately, veterinarians, animal behaviorists and other animal experts all seem to disagree on the cause and treatment for unpredictably aggressive dogs. The most common solution in the past was to restrict the dog or have it euthanized. However it has recently been discovered that up to 50% of dogs that suffer from canine rage syndrome respond positively to a combination of drugs and behavioral therapy. It is important to remember however, that a dog that has demonstrated extreme aggressiveness in the past is always capable of reverting back to this type of behavior. It is for this reason that pet owners must watch their dog closely and discusses matters with their veterinarian to decide what the best treatment method is.
Ben says
I just adopted a dog that I am about to take back to the shelter for what might be this issue. He is a Golden Retiever mix and very cute and loving towards me. My girlfriend and I went to see him on on a Tuesday and he was happy and excited, showed no aggression at all at the shelter. I brought him home later that Saturday afternoon and he was great with me. Then my girlfriend gets home from work and he is still very friendly. But then out of nowhere goes from happy and affectionate to attack mode as she is petting him, leaping going for the face. This happens one more time late that night. Then on Sunday morning we were all three sitting on the floor and the dog goes from happy tail wagging to aggressive attack mode and bit my girlfriend on the left side of her face. She was not hurt too badly, just small puncture below the chin. I’m just trying to make sense of the behavior. He isn’t contantly aggressive, it is just the spurts. And by no means have these been attempts at playful biting. I grew up with dogs and I know the difference. I’m worried to take him back to the shelter because even though they are a “no-kill” shelter, they might still try to put him down and he doesn’t deserve that. Please help!
Jenella says
I’m no expert by far however, it almost sounds like he’s jealous. My dog gets jealous of my husband sometimes and will growl at him. He also growls when we go to bed and try to get him to move so we can lay down. He’s a loving dog tho he just has certain times when he’s gets bitchy. Were still learning him. We’ve had him for 4 years and have had him since he was a puppy. He’s only within the last 2 years acted like this.
Lee says
Did you take your dog back or come to another solution. We have a Golden Retriever cross poodle with some very strange behavioral issues, some of them being aggressive . She is an a dog we rehomed at 18 months and obviously has some issues, just wondered what you did
Charlotte Hoberg says
If you take the dog back, you’re pushing the problem onto someone else. You’re probably not reading his body language correctly and there may be some body handling he’s not comfortable with, or maybe some resource guarding. Contact an animal behaviorist that uses positive reinforcement methods.
Deborah McCourt says
I’m dealing with a dog with these very similar behaviors and I am quite sure that you are incorrect. There is almost a resource guarding involved except the resource beingbguarded changes quickly, very unpredictable, nothing to do with physical touch. Very sad .
Karen f razier says
I’m going through the same thing with my Chihuahua and I can’t afford to pay for help ,I’m on a fixed income. The funny part about this is that he’s my Service Dog ,because bipolar disorder and I’m schizophrenia. What can I for him and mysef.
Karen f razier says
HELP ME PLEASE
Karen f razierI'm says
I Don’t know what I can do! I’m trying to get a free Dr
tait says
Food for thought. Together at shelter but only you as l read this is that you alone picked him/her up. I have a Brittany that reacts close to that, they tend to be protective in that way. Bonding with others took time. I suggest let the dog come to you in his own time. Call it gaining security & comfort with others. It’s a tough thing to deal with. Trust me. Been there many times over the years.
Kathy Miller says
My year old Cocker is showing signs of having this disorder. He’ll snarl & curl up his lip at me, then bite me for no apparent reason other than touching him. Then he will be as good as gold in a heartbeat! It breaks my heart cuz all I wanted was a good dog to replace the 15 yr old one I lost. :'(
Chris says
We have a Corgi Shepard mix we got as a 6 week old pup. No trauma we know of or while he has been with us. Very scared and defensive about a lot of thinks but generally a normal dog. But for no reason at all sometimes with family members most affectionate to him will turn a go into bite mode and seconds later wagging and happy. If confronted during an episode he does not cower and back down but stands his ground . As you say breaks our heart too b/ c we can’t figure it out, upsets my two grown fairest the most they cry when they see him so angry even if not nipped . Good luck
Diane Batchelor says
We have an 11 year old rescue that we’ve had since 7 months. She is a lab\golden mix but we think has rottie or doberman also. We have always had multiple dogs. Currently we also have female beagle, Aussie mix and a puggle. Most of the time no problem. Yesterday out of nowhere she attacked the beagle. Over the last 2 years she has also out of nowhere has attacked the Beagle twice and the Aussie mix once. After the attacks she seems depressed and sleeps a lot. The last couple of years she has increasingly gotten more and more scared of storms. Yesterday her vet increased her Prozac from 30 to 40 mg. I use a Thundershirt which was working but less now. Bipolar disorder seems to be in my mind now. These attacks are getting more violent and I have such a hard time separating the fighting dogs. I am at my witts end. Any thoughts or suggestions?