Feeding Toys and Fluoxetine as Interventions for Moderate to Severe Owner-Directed Aggression in Dogs

Owning dogs can improve owners’ mental and physical health, but inappropriate handling may have negative consequences for both owners and society. Canine aggression toward owners can impact their well-being. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using a feeding toy, fluoxetine, or a combination to treat owner-directed aggression. Sixty dogs with moderate to severe aggression, whose owners had been unable to modify the behaviour, were recruited. Aggression scores were assessed via owner questionnaires and confirmed through veterinary interviews. Dogs were assigned to three treatment groups: feeding toy (TOY), fluoxetine (DRUG), or both (DRUG + TOY). Aggression scores were recorded before and after treatment. Before intervention, scores were similar across groups (P ≥ 0.05). After treatment, all groups showed significant reductions in aggression (P < 0.05), with DRUG and DRUG + TOY being more effective than TOY alone; no significant difference was observed between DRUG and DRUG + TOY (P ≥ 0.05). Fluoxetine side effects, mainly drowsiness and mild anorexia, were limited to the first week, and the side effects tended to reduce when combined with a toy. The study concludes that fluoxetine (0.5–1 mg/kg) combined with a feeding toy effectively treats moderate to severe owner-directed aggression, while feeding toys alone may help reduce mild aggression.