🐾 4 major reasons why pets exhibit aggressive behavior

👉 Personally compiled by the editor・A must-read for Hong Kong dog and cat owners

Many Hong Kong pet owners panic when their pets suddenly bite, scratch, or even act aggressively toward other animals, believing their pets have "turned bad." However, aggressive behavior often has a cause. It's not due to inherent badness, but rather emotional, environmental, or health issues . Based on research and personal observation, we've summarized four key reasons . We hope owners will understand and avoid simply scolding their pets.

😖 1. Fear or anxiety

🐕 I was so surprised that I attacked, but I didn't really want to attack

• When a dog or cat feels threatened, they may choose to strike first.
• Common situations: strangers approaching, sudden loud noises, and going to unfamiliar environments.
• Their instinct is to protect themselves, and attacking is just a defensive reaction.

Editor's observation: My friend's dog growls all day long when he goes to the veterinary clinic. It's just because he's scared, not because he really likes to bite people.

🩺 2. Pain or health problems

🧑⚕️ Pain makes pets grouchy

• If your pet suddenly becomes irritable or even aggressive towards familiar people, it may be because it is not feeling well.
• Common causes include arthritis, toothache, dermatitis, and visceral diseases.
• Because of the pain stimulation, they will use attacks to prevent people from contacting them again.

Editor's note: Owners should pay attention to whether their pets are limping, refusing to be touched, or have a change in appetite. Don't assume they are just "angry."

🏠 3. Territory or resource protection

🍖 "This is mine" mentality

• A dog or cat may attack to protect food, toys, or a sleeping place.
• When it comes to new animals or humans, it is easy to show "I want to protect my territory" behavior.
• Especially in families with many pets, conflicts will be even greater if resources are not evenly distributed.

Editor's example: My cat sometimes hisses at the second cat because he thinks the sofa is his exclusive throne.

🤯 4. Lack of socialization or insufficient training

👶 If you are uneducated when you are young, you will be more likely to get into trouble when you grow up.

• If puppies and kittens do not have enough contact with people and animals during their growth period, they will lack a sense of security in the outside world when they grow up.
• Lack of social experience can cause them to become overly nervous and resort to aggression to protect themselves.
• Dogs that have not received basic training may also bite people because they do not know how to control their emotions.

The editor recommends: Socialization should start from the details, gradually get in touch with people from different environments, and slowly build up a sense of security.

📌 Editor's Summary

Aggressive behavior in pets may stem from fear, pain, resource protection, or lack of socialization . Understanding and observation are crucial for pet owners, not just scolding. Through patience training, environmental management, and, if necessary, seeking help from a veterinarian or trainer, truly resolving the problem can be achieved. Remember: no pet is inherently bad; it's simply a lack of security and proper guidance.