what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog
By Julie Updated: 03/29/21 3 min read Health Digestive System This required hours of surgery plus a drain tube (.ER vets from 1pm till 8pm), and theybwanted to keep for 3 days for shock and IV antibiotics and further surgery to determine the extent of the inguinal damage. Professional dog trainers recommend: 1. Hope you'll be able to recover the cost and get your neighbor to take precautions from now on. The 2 dogs dug into our yard into our dog kennel ( chain link on thier side with privacy fence and decking boards across the bottom, on ourside)outside. I suggest doing so by carefully approaching your dog using a calm voice, averting your gaze, and turning your body away from her. Dog-on-dog attacks are happening across Melbourne more often than people think. They are herbivorous animals and usually eat grass, leaves, and selective fruits. They're hard to get rid of because they. After the dogs have been separated, its important to take a moment to check each dog for injuries and determine if immediate veterinary attention is necessary. No high fees. A groundhog usually won't win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. Panicking can only exasperate the. Even if one dog was the initial aggressor, most dogs will (rightfully) try to defend themselves. Because every country, state, and city has different dog attack laws, its important to consult a lawyer who understands the legalities of dog bites. Its extremely important to remember your own personal safety during a dog fight as well. This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. You'll want to keep your dog up to date on the lepto shot too if it's an issue in your area since wildlife carries this. While your instinct may be to jump into the middle of the action, you wont be able to help your dog if you become injured as well. If your dog killed a groundhog, he might be at risk of getting fleas, roundworms, ticks, rabies, and tularemia, which these rodents carry. Groundhogs have thick brownish fur and claws that help the burrow underground. If a dog is growling, snarling or baring their teeth, this is the most obvious sign of aggression and that a dog is ready to bite or attack. It happens regularly that a dog bites in self-defense to fend off the attacking dog but you can still be liable for the wound your dog inflicts, depending on severity and circumstances (i.e. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. Theyre notorious for burrowing in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and more. The holes they dig can be hard to spot, so if your dog is running in the backyard and doesnt see one, they may catch a paw in the hole. But what happens if they do get into a showdown? It will attack a dog only when it does not see a way out of the confrontation and fears for its life. If you know or suspect your dog has eaten groundhog poop and is showing signs of being ill, then it's best to call the vet. Beau and Megs and the other boxer did not join in the attack at any point. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'thepupcrawl_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-medrectangle-3-0'); For the first few weeks, you have to monitor every single movement of your dog. Freezing. Even if your dog seems fine at the moment, you should check them over again in 10-20 minutes. Sharing a passion for dogs and helping owners to solve problems through understanding canine behavior and modification is my number one goal. No need to worry about your furry family member. Yes, even though they are herbivores, they have very sharp teeth. Use a hose to flood their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find drier land. So, theyre not nice, small rodents that are easily managed. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. These rodents carry diseases, and the diseases are mentioned below. My Dog Died and I Feel Empty. Why Does My Dog Have A Pink Spot On His Lip? What Is Wrong? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'thepupcrawl_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Initially, your dog might develop flu-like symptoms. Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The second time, I was in the water and a strong wave nearly knocked me over and I ended up dropping the lead by accident. Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. Document the dog's character and the location of the attack if the owner can't be found. Primarily herbivores, they will occasionally eat smaller rodents and insects. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. 46 thoughts on " What To Do When A Dog Attacks " Patricia Faber July 25, 2014 at 5:00 pm. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. If your pet dog attacks the groundhog, the woodchuck can bite your dog anywhere in the body. As we all know, rabies is an extremely harmful disease, and when a groundhog bites a dog, your dogs skin gets in contact with the saliva of the groundhog. Repeated incidents are not looked upon favorably, especially if the dog owner was ordered to leash their dog at all times (or when a short leash is required due to breed-specific legislation). Groundhogs will birth 4-6 babies in their burrows in the spring. Additionally, groundhogs have sharp claws, and your dog might sustain injuries in the process. No one wants a groundhog around their house. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or "whistle-pigs," are a type of mammal called a marmot, a member of the squirrel family. Constant vocalization and barking. Urination or defecation. As they are rodents, groundhogs possess large incisors to bite through hard surfaces in front of the mouth. Was it an appropriate and measured response? Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. While they are not one of the most common vectors of the virus, a rabid groundhog isn't a pretty site and they will attack a person . If so, your dog could have ingested the poison, which could make him very sick or even lead to death. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. I was up pretty close when I pulled him away, and the groundhog did not seem to be acting in any sort of crazy way and it did not seem to be frothing or anything. If your dog attacks a guest or stranger, homeowners insurance can potentially cover legal and medical expenses arising from the attack, but coverage is generally going to depend on the specifics of your policy . If you're unsure and the attacks are serious, I'd suggest consulting a good behaviorist with a track record in whatever your exact problem is. The attacking dog has free movement while the leashed dog being attacked is restricted by its natural defensive instincts. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. Add New Sources of Food. Know what to do if your dog ends up in a fight. Witnesses? And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. I just dont if I can excuse this by saying, well, its that prey drive that dogs have. What should you do if a dog attacks you? As soon as you find out, you should take him to your vet for a quick checkup. Then join our exclusive club! 2. I ran in and tried to pry apart his jaws with my hands (risky, I know, but I was panicked and he wouldn't let Archie go). My dog got scratched in the face, but I'm just worried now about rabies. Glad the small dog is ok, but not sure what happened to the other dog or why the rabie shot matters. Answered by Dr Lajos in 57 mins 13 years ago. The pathogen can infect groundhogs, and then when a dog comes in contact with an affected groundhog, your pet will also get affected by the bacteria causing the disease. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. Customer: my dog was bitten by a groundhog in virginia, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. Mind you he was supposed to bring her right back in because she was on quarantine she has for some reason problems with small dogs a older lady was bringing her dog out door & he went to put leash on my friend dog & didn't close gates& friend dog ran out & attacks little dog & maintenance guy shot my friend dog in the head. Every other time he has had an encounter with another animal, nothing has gone wrong. He has tried to run off sometimes before, chasing after cats and sometimes birds, and I am not always successful in holding him back. Just Go With It. We look at the steps you should take if a dog bites your dog. My Dog Chewed a Lidocaine Patch. A large dog will kill a groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. One of the most important tools to consider in managing a dog that has the potential to bite is a muzzle. In most cases, groundhogs carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, transmitting to the dogs body during the attack. Get a squeaky toy that looks like a rat or a stuffed animal that resembles the animal your dog loves to chase. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. 9. But they wake up early for love. Regardless of your dogs size, a groundhog can do some severe damage if they decide to fight back. Stay calm. If you decide to take an owner to court over medical bills or the cost of your dog, having a police report on file will also help provide important evidence during your case. Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. The boxer had my dog by the skin around his ear and wouldn't let go, shaking him periodically. Certain lines of breeds whose terrible breeders foster and feed traits such as aggression do exist too. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a member of the squirrel family and are known to be common yard pests. When you bring a dog into your house, you have to be more responsible from that moment. . However, Id never let a dog fight play out and instead always step in. It mainly affects hares, rabbits, and rodents like squirrels and groundhogs. Our 2yr old Texas Heeler ( Australian Shepherd/blue heeler) was attacked about 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls. What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? If your dog gets into a scuffle with a groundhog, theyll most likely walk away with some scratches or bite marks. Signs that your dog is having a panic attack can vary widely, but some of the most common symptoms are: Avoidance of or attempts to escape a situation. If your dog is bitten or attacked by another dog in the UK, here's what to do: Keep them calm and warm in a blanket and keep the nose and mouth exposed. Has your dog eaten a groundhog? /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. "Groundhogs do have large incisors like rodents do, so your dog stands a chance of being bitten. There's no right way to feel when one loses a dog. It sounds as if you've struggled quite a lot with the dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. 10. Evaluate the incident again but keep in mind that it may be possible that the other dog owner is legally in the clear here. If your dog has been vaccinated with the rabies vaccine, then your dog will not have any problem even if a groundhog bites it. Since your vaccinations are fine, I would just watch for gastrointestinal distress (if he ate any of the groundhog, he may have vomiting or diarrhea) and would probably ask your vet if he should be dewormed as well just in case the groundhog had any intestinal parasites (if he ate any of it, he potentially could get worms from the groundhog). What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? A groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) is an animal that belongs to the rodent family. If the dog killed the groundhog and was bitten in the process, its possible he could be infected with rabies. We look at the emotions following a dog's death and ways to process them. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. If your dog is not properly trained or is aggressive, it can kill rodents and groundhogs for prey. Some woodchucks are also aggressive. Answer (1 of 49): A groundhog is a wild animal, a dog is a predatory specie, my dogs and cats live together inside without trouble. I am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training and behavior. They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. Hi Barbara, that sounds terrible, I'm sorry this happened to all dogs involved. Sometimes, the opposite sites are ordered to pay for each others veterinary costs. Once your pet calms down, take your pet far away from the dead groundhog. He has now been snappy towards our 1 yr old Texas heeler an our cats. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-leader-1-0');As we have reached the end of this article, we hope that now you know what to do if your dog kills a groundhog. I asked the woman to help me and we were finally able to free my dog. Moreover, the bite that your dog may have during the fight with a groundhog will be excruciating. If you plan on using repellents, ensure there is an exit route for the groundhogs to follow out of your yard. Multiple raised dirt mounds in your yard. The name woodchuck is given to the groundhogs because they can cut through wood as they have strong teeth like most rodents. Dead or discolored areas of your yard that follow a specific path (this is most likely the site of the groundhogs tunnel system). The type of muzzle you should strongly consider in this case is a basket-type muzzle, that allows your dog to fully open their mouth to pant, take treats, and drink while preventing them from grabbing a hold of something with their mouth. I'm really sorry all that happened, it's a difficult situation if your dog is attacked, even more so if it's on your own property and your dog is cornered. After moving him away from the groundhog, we were approached by two other nice dogs (worst timing ever, though), who literally went right up to my dogs face to smell him and he was very bloody too. If your dog killed an infected groundhog, it is very much possible that the infection passed on to your dog. Adult males can grow to be 13 lbs and are around 18-20 inches long. It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog. I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. If its too late and they have already infested your yard, below are some helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs. Punctures dont usually start bleeding right away, and you may notice them after theyve had some time to form. The vet will need to send it off to be analyzed for rabies. For more information, please see our Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. You can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground. You can see groundhogs outside their burrows through late spring, summer, and early fall. You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. Theyre often spotted in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals. It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. Dogs can contract botulism from ingesting contaminated carcasses. After wrapping the bite, seek medical attention. STEP 1: Prevent nesting by maintaining your yard. This is extremely important as you don't want your dog to eat it since groundhogs often carry infectious diseases. What happens to that dog from now and the reimbursement of your vet bills really depends on your local law. Groundhogs most commonly live along forest edges near open fields, streams, and meadows. This species is the famous "giant squirrel" that many people have complained about in America. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. Is the Kong Classic the Best Dog Toy Ever? Cougars & Mountain Lions. Why bring a reactive dog to an off-leash beach without fitting a muzzle? Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. Rabies can prove to be harmful to all mammals. Cases look entirely different if humans were involved. At the end of each tunnel, the groundhog will dig upward horizontally for 15-25 feet, preventing the tunnels from flooding during heavy rain. Tularemia: Although rare, tularemia ( also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever) affects the eyes, skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. A groundhog is a rodent but is much larger than a mouse or even some rats. Groundhog Day. If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. If you know that your dog is a potential risk to other dogs, there are several pieces of management that you can use to protect your dog and others. Face the dog and command, "back away." If the dog continues to behave aggressively, and ignoring or pacifying him is no longer working, face him and sternly command him to leave. In this article, we will discuss what can happen and what you should do if your dog killed a groundhog.. Some of the common signs of groundhog activity are: Groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows. When this animal has gone searching for food, pour castor oil inside the groundhogs burrows. 1. I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. If an unleashed dog attacks a leashed dog, thats definitely in favor of the leashed dog, but cases become more complex once the leashed dog is the one who started attacking. Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. Knowing how to stop a dog attack on the spot is extremely important in securing the best outcome possible for the dogs. Though I actually have no recollection of what they were doing when the attack took place. As well as training, feeding and caring for your four-legged family member, dog ownership involves much more than handling their day to day needs . Privacy Policy. Not sure how to resolve this issue. Surely the culpability for the incident is shared? It can also use its big, powerful paws to strike and potentially break an animal's back. Initially they were all off leash, but Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or "whistle-pigs." The familiar name woodchuck actually has nothing to do with wood, and stems from the Native American names for them: wuchak, wejack, and possibly otchek, which is a name for fishers. These rather big predators are also known as the Pumas. Avoid kicking the attacking dog or grabbing any dog by the collar or scruff as the inflicted pain often escalates the situation, pushing the dogs to bite even harder. These critters can easily climb fences, walls, and trees. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! The Kong Classic the Best outcome possible for the dogs of all of. Though they are herbivorous animals and usually eat grass, leaves, and trees claws! 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