I have two dogs the oldest is almost 15 and the other is 8. The oldest has quite a few health problems but he's fine on the whole.

The problem is twice within the last fortnight he has had a real go at the younger one. Tonight he was trying to get up on the couch as the wee one got down and bumped into him. He totally went for it, the wee ones is okay apart from a cut above his eye. We've separated them, the oldest is in the kitchen and his face is breaking my heart but the wee one is still shaking and i dont want to risk it kicking off again by letting him in just now.

The fight the other week was the first in all the years I've had them, he's still fine out etc. But I dont really know how to deal with it as it's never happened before now.

Would be grateful for any advice. The oldest was at the vet two weeks ago and doesn't have any major concerns. Is this getting less tolerant a sign of getting old or am I just in shock cause I've never seen them like that before.

He maybe has a sore bit you don't know about? Maybe the wee one caught him in the wrong place. He may now be thinking you are favouring the wee one by banishing him to the kitchen although I can see why you have split them up.

Sounds like something is bothering him, could be something simple like his eye sight deteriorating, any sudden change in behaviour needs to be assessed by the vet.

Is also get some dap collars, they are not cheap but work brilliantly, they emit a dog friendly pheromone that calms them, perfectly healthy and might help soothe things until you can work out what's happening.

Edit: I see you've been to the vets, did you mention the behaviour change or was it just an mot? I'd be tempted to go back, as no dog should change like that so quickly.

Do you crate them? Maybe worth investing in a crate for the older dog, which can be his sanctuary, you don't need to shut him in if you don't want to, but it may give him an area free of the other dog.

Maybe he was taken by surprise, or is in a bit of old man pain. It does just sound like he's being a grumpy old bugger but another trip to the vet is probably in order.

One of his problems is his eyesight failing, his left eye is almost completely grey with a cataract. So it could be he didn't see him coming at the side of him.

I've a dap diffuser which I think I'll give a try tonight now you mention it.

He has joint stiffness when he gets up so I;m windering if the wee one knocked him.

Everything's calm just now but I'm going to take him to the vet next week again so I will have a word with him. I'm getting grumpier myself as time passes.

Lol, me too!