BIG DOG little dog. What Is It and Why You Should Care?

By Shelly Allen

BIG DOG little dog is a big problem but let’s start at the beginning. When people learn that I own Pet Junction Magazine, the first thing they do is tell me some horror story about a pet they “used” to have. Usually, it’s a bird story but after 15 years of owning this magazine, I have heard it all…or so I thought.

Big Dog Little Dog, often shortened to BDLD, is a term used for a particularly dangerous situation: a large dog attacking a much smaller dog. Because of the size difference, what may look like a brief dog fight can cause serious or even life-threatening injuries to the smaller dog.

What is Big Dog Little Dog (BDLD)?

BDLD is how veterinarians refer to an attack on a little dog by a big dog. It happens ALL. THE. TIME. Read that again, it happens all of the time! Usually, these attacks are extremely severe and potentially life-ending for the little dog involved.

According to Dr. Stewart, an emergency veterinarian, “These attacks often result in serious unseen injuries like brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as severe damage to internal organs.”

Why Do Big Dogs Attack Small Dogs?

These attacks can be so vicious when many big dogs seem docile before the attack.

Think about how your dog plays with its rope toy or stuffed animal that squeaks when he chews it. Did you know that squeak is there to mimic what happens in nature when a feral dog goes for the kill? Think of how your dog grabs and shakes his toy vigorously, this is how a big dog attacks a little dog.

Why a Big Dog Attack Can Seriously Injure a Small Dog

You may think that your little dog’s injuries are all just surface wounds, however, his wounds could be more than skin deep.

Dr. Stewart tells us, “While external injuries may appear minor, the power of a dog’s biting jaw can cause serious internal injuries that may result in the loss of your pet — especially if you don’t act quickly to get them proper veterinary care.”

What Should You Do If a Big Dog Attacks Your Small Dog?

Even if your small dog seems okay after an attack, the injuries may be more serious than they look. Bite wounds, crushing injuries and internal trauma can sometimes be hidden beneath the skin.

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital after a serious attack, especially if your dog was grabbed, shaken or bitten by a much larger dog.

If a person is bitten during the incident, there may be additional steps to take. Read our guide to what to do after a dog bite for more information.

If you are unsure whether two dogs were actually fighting or simply playing too rough, we’ll also be covering the warning signs that help tell the difference.

How to Prevent a Big Dog Little Dog Attack

So how can you protect your dog from being involved in a BDLD situation?

First, pay attention and make no assumptions.

No matter how safe you think another dog is you must be vigilant. As a big dog owner, it is your responsibility to control him at all times. If your dog pulls on his leash and doesn’t listen to your commands, you’ve got a big problem. Your big dog needs to be well-trained. If your dog pulls on his leash, ignores commands or becomes difficult to control around other dogs, those behaviors should be addressed before putting him in situations where another dog could be at risk.

The same goes for little dogs. It’s not okay for a little dog to instigate a big dog, it could cost him his life. Over the years, I’ve seen owners laugh at their little dogs acting, “tough.” Little dogs need to be well-trained, too. They should listen to your commands. Well-trained and obedient dogs are much less likely to be involved in a BDLD altercation.

Second, don’t intermix large-breed and small-breed dogs.

There’s a good reason why dog parks separate big dogs from little dogs and you should, too.

If you have a small dog in your home, don’t go out and get a big dog and vice versa. Keep your home a safe haven for your pets. Think about the potential ramifications should the two breeds not get along. You will save yourself a LOT of heartache by preplanning your pack.

If you’re bringing a new dog into a home with another dog, take the introduction slowly. Our guide on how to introduce dogs to each other walks through ways to make that first meeting calmer and more controlled.

Third, don’t be complacent.

If you’ve already got a big dog little dog situation, watch them closely. Look for signs and make certain they are getting along as well as you THINK they are. That goes for your friend’s dog as well. There are plenty of reports of little dogs being attacked by their friend’s big dog after having supposedly gotten along well together before the attack.

Fourth, remember your dogs are not human children.

They have instincts and wild natures that children do not. They can’t be reasoned with like children, they have to be trained. When a dog attacks another dog, something in its wild instinct takes over. It’s your job as their puppy parent to train them right so that they can overcome those few seconds of instinct by listening to your commands.

Last, it is heartbreaking for me to hear these sad stories but the silver lining is that I get to pass the “heads up” on to you. If you just take some preventative measures, your dog never has to be in a Big Dog Little Dog (BDLD) altercation. Whether your dog is the victim or the perpetrator, everyone loses, especially the dogs.

In full disclosure, I’m not a dog owner. but I grew up with dogs so I have plenty of experience and I LOVE DOGS! So you can imagine how disturbing it was when I recently became aware of this phenomenon veterinarians call, “BDLD” or Big Dog Little Dog.

FAQ About Big Dog Little Dog

Looking for more ways to keep your dog safe, healthy and well-behaved? Explore our Dog Care & Training guides for more practical tips for dog owners.

References: https://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/when-dogs-attack/