🐾 Aggression Between Familiar Dogs: Treatment Tips from a Vet in 2025 🐶🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Seeing your beloved dogs fight can be a heartbreaking and stressful experience. Unfortunately, aggression between familiar dogs is one of the most common reasons pets are rehomed or even euthanized 😢. But there’s good news—many cases can be managed and improved with a structured plan, consistent training, and when needed, medication 🧠💊

🚨 When Familiar Dogs Fight

Intra-household dog aggression is often triggered by overarousal, resource guarding, or breakdowns in social relationships. It may start suddenly or develop over time. Fights between two female dogs—especially those of similar size and age—are most severe and harder to treat. Other poor prognostic signs include:

• Escalating frequency or intensity of fights
• Few or no visible warning signs
• Level 3+ bite wounds (puncture depth equal to canine tooth)
• No clear triggers

🔍 First Steps: Medical & Behavioral Evaluation

Always rule out medical conditions first—pain, thyroid disease, or neurological issues can affect behavior. Once your vet confirms good health, you can implement a structured behavior plan 🧑‍⚕️📋

🧩 Phase I: Full Separation + Management

• Separate dogs completely—no visual access. Use baby gates, closed doors, and crates with covers.
• Monitor body language closely. Redirect hard stares or tension using calm verbal cues and reward redirection.
• Basket muzzle training is essential for safe reintroductions. Use positive reinforcement only—never force the muzzle on!
• Teach basic cues like “touch,” “mat,” or “look.” These can be used later to redirect or interrupt pre-fight behaviors.
• Establish a safe haven (crate, room, or pen) for each dog with enrichment like puzzle toys, treats, and classical music 🎶
• Introduce a Cue-Response-Reward system—predictability helps reduce stress 🧘‍♀️

🦴 Phase II: Reintroduction

Once both dogs are reliably calm in their own areas and wear their muzzles comfortably:

• Begin short joint sessions with one adult per dog, sitting at opposite sides of a room.
• Offer long-lasting chews or enrichment toys to associate each other’s presence with calm behavior and rewards.
• Supervise every moment. If your full attention isn’t available, separate the dogs again until the next session.

💊 Medications for Anxiety and Behavior Support

Don’t be afraid to ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication. These can help reduce the emotional intensity of interactions while training proceeds. Many dogs benefit from a combination of medication and behavior modification 🧠❤️

🛠️ Safety Tips and Tools

• Basket muzzles (like Baskerville Ultra or Jafco) allow panting, drinking, and treat-taking 🥓
• Leashes and tethers provide safety and prevent sudden lunges during early reintroduction
• Visual blockers like crates with covers reduce tension during separation 🛏️

🤔 Should You Rehome One Dog?

In some cases, rehoming may be the kindest and safest solution. If fights are severe, unpredictable, or involve level 4+ bites, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist for guidance 💔

📲 Support is Just a Tap Away

Managing aggression between dogs is emotionally taxing. You don’t have to do it alone. Get expert guidance through the Ask A Vet app or at AskAVet.com—because your pets deserve a safe and peaceful home 🏡🐾