Is Your Pet Dog Protective About His Food? Maybe He’s Showing Food Aggression!

Pet dogs are highly territorial and may often exhibit warning signs or turn defensive/offensive when someone trespasses their marked boundaries. They are brilliant at guarding their resources, especially the food meant for them. Some dogs may resort to biting when somebody touches their meals. A lack of early socialization, inbreeding, pack mentality, environmental elements, or an underlying medical condition can be likely reasons for a dog’s territorial aggression.

If you have had enough of your pet dog’s food aggression you must meet your vet to seek the proper guidance. He or she may suggest physical/mental stimulation activities, obedience training, positive reinforcement, rewarding calm behaviour, etc., to set your doggo on the correct behavioural path. Have cheap pet insurance, so you don’t have to worry about the expenses involved in your dog’s regular check-ups and other vet visits.

Buy cheap dog insurance, so your dog gets quality medical care at economical costs. Meanwhile, we have answered a few common questions around dog aggression for the benefit of dog parents.

What do you mean by “Food Aggression”?

Dogs display a hostile reaction when they are busy eating their meals or treats, as they assume the onlookers may infringe on their food. Dogs are very protective about their resources and anything they consider to be of high value.

It is wrong to think they are possessive only about their food dish, food dropped on the floor, residual scraps in the trash can, or food prepared on the kitchen counter. They could also be possessive of their owner, toys, bedding and more.

What are the food aggression signs?

It will be much easier to understand if we categorise the signs into three categories based on the degree of aggression in dogs.

Mild: It is best identified by the vocal signs. Your pet doggomay bark or growl when someone approaches their food or while they are snacking on it. He may also bare his teeth as a warning signal.

Moderate: If you notice your doggo snapping or pouncing when someone from the household, a stranger, or other pets comes closer to him, it is a moderate sign.

Critical: It is a stage where your dog may not think twice before chasing people and other pets away or biting them if he concludes them as a significant threat. A scary situation to be in for the family members or anybody visiting your home.

How to end your dog’s aggressive actions?

You can always take preventive measures before he resorts to unnecessary aggression. Spaying or neutering is one practical solution, as your pet’s dog hormones may be one cause for his craziness and help curb such tendencies. Obedience training from early on should also help. Also, you may need to train your pet doggy through desensitization and counterconditioning sessions, so he gets more comfortable when others are around while he eats food.

Dog parents may have to go through much if their furry friends give in to aggression. The four-legged pets may hurt themselves or injure others in the vicinity because of their antagonistic conduct. It is precisely why your pet must have the support of pet insurance cost in the least – it should include third party liability, to cover damage caused to other people or property (others’ pets included). Dog insurance also covers your pet dog for illnesses, accidents, and many other health emergencies.