ILL, Aggressive Dog

Question
One of my blue heeler/shepherd dogs, who is 12 years old, is very fear-aggressive and has become extreme since becoming very ill. He seems to be in alot of pain. His head is very tilted, his ears bother him, and his balance is off. He has trouble with stairs (which he needs to use to go outside) due to a sagging and distended stomach. The problem is: I need to take my dog to the vet for exam and treatment; however, he cannot be handled or touched by anyone, including me. He will now go into attack mode if he is petted or leaned over, or if someone gets eye-level with him. I attempted a nylon muzzle, but he hurt himself trying to remove it. Do you have any advice on special muzzles that allow dogs to breathe/pant better than standard muzzles, and that could also be left on for a trip to and from the vet? Also, do you have any advice about getting him to be examined? Will a veterinarian even be able to work with him? This has become traumatic and worrisome for our family; we desperately want to get him help. The dog panics now if I am out of his sight or range of hearing, so that's another factor. I have spoken to a few different vet clinics and a trainer, and all they said was to use a nylon muzzle.  

Answer
Hi Izzy :-)

Oh dear your poor Dog. It sounds like he has a ear infection in both ears which has upset his balance. It is most likely a internal ear infection and this will make him quite angry. My Dog goes crazy with ear infections too.

I would stick to the recommend nylon muzzle. Vets are used to Dogs behaving quite badly and the Vet will know how to deal with this. So please don't let this put you off from seeking treatment for him.

Phone the Vet beforehand and explain to them the way your Dog is and mention it again to the Vet prior to him examining your Dog. This way they will know what to expect. It is very common for Dogs who are unwell for their personality to change in the sense that they will become very moody or even aggressive.

Stay with your Dog throughout the consultation with your Vet as you being there may help to calm him down some.

Good luck and the Vet and all the best and please leave me a comment.

Trisha x