Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My unspayed 8-year-old boxer is aggressive. Will spaying help?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | unspayed | 8 years and 4 months old | 55 lbs

I have a female boxer who is not fixed she is fighting with my fixed female pit have to keep them apart but now the boxer is attacking my chihuahua. I have people telling me to get her fixed was wondering if it would help or what should I've had her since she was 6 weeks old she is 8 yr old

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 17, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

If this is a sudden behavioral change I would have her examined. She could be painful or not feel well and she is acting out because of that. It is better for her health to be spayed, she is at risk for an infected uterus which is an expensive surgical emergency. Hormones can affect temperament, so it MAY help but it might not be the solution. If her exam and blood work are normal, you can have her spayed then consider training and medications to control her aggression.

I hope this helps and I wish you and Bella the very best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Can spaying calm my 1-year-old female Akita's temperamental behavior?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, spaying (or neutering) does not have significant impacts on any aggressive or temperamental behaviors. It tends to reduce sexual behaviors (and eliminate the risk of pregnancy and infections of the uterus), but there is no guarantee that spaying her will change her behavior. I would consult with a Veterinary Behaviorist who can make recommendations for Kali's specific behavioral issues, as not all are treated equally. I hope this is helpful!

Updated on September 23, 2025

My 6-month-old pit bull nips faces. Will spaying stop aggression?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Spaying can certainly correct aggressive behaviors or tendencies so that is something that can certainly help in Luna's case. If that is not corrected after surgery or you prefer not to spay her, I would highly suggest a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist that can help you with this in person. While correcting these types of behaviors is possible, it usually requires in person training. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my 3-year-old dog suddenly aggressive towards her mom?

Bella is adorable. I would recommend taking Bella to the veterinarian to make sure there is nothing medical going on with her. If that comes back as just behavioral I would recommend getting a trainer to work with you and her. They will be able to see what is the trigger and work with her and you to stop the behavior. If the trainer evaluates her and determines medication is needed then your veterinarian can provide medication to help. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog suddenly aggressive after being spayed? What can I do?

How long ago was it when she was spayed? If it was very recent, is she on pain meds? If not then I would recommend discussing this with your veterinarian and see if they can put her on some type of pain medication. If it wasn't within the last week then it most likely has nothing to do with pain related to the spay and there may be something more going on which would require a vet visit and potentially a trainer. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my unspayed dog suddenly aggressive and hiding with toys?

Hi. Thanks for using PetCoach. Since she is not spayed my best guess is that she is having a false pregnancy. If you are not planning on breeding her my recommendation would be to get her spayed. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/false-pregnancy-or-pseudopregnancy-in-dogs ) Best wishes.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog became aggressive and nips after spaying. What's wrong?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the information you provided, it sounds to me like Molly needs to be enrolled in a behavior class to help train her. I am sure that there are many trainers in your area, so I would begin calling them and see what they have available for classes. This is beneficial at this age because Molly is so young so take advantage of her age and train her early. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my female dog aggressive after puberty? What's the fix?

Getting her spayed would be the best option. She is still young enough it may help her behavior and it will help with other health problems in the future also. If this does not help then you can try a trainer. If it is anxiety induced then they have medicine to help with that

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share