what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog30 Mar what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog
Their teeth are sharp enough to warrant stitches if they grab onto your dog tight enough. Some of the common signs of groundhog activity are: Groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows. Any advice on helping his recovery an of its worth trying to get reimbursed for the vet bills? In short, they eat money. What Do I Do If A Groundhog Bites My Dog? If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. Dogs have not always been domesticated animals. If a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog. Some of the breeds are small, whereas some others are quite large. Take your time and evaluate if its really necessary to report. 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). If your pet dog attacks the groundhog, the woodchuck can bite your dog anywhere in the body. 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. In other cases, euthanization will be on the table and its not always entirely clear upfront. Dangers of Groundhog Bites One of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites is the transmission of rabies. As ever, prevention is the best way to stop groundhog attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside. Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. For each animal this can be a different story. If you have a backyard and rodents like groundhogs move in and around it, then there is a high chance that your dog can attack it, and this can also happen when you take your dog out for a walk. No one wants a groundhog around their house. They are a medium-sized stocky rodent, a little smaller than a raccoon. Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to ensure your yard remains groundhog-free. If bitten by a groundhog, gently wash and disinfect the bite site. Groundhogs are constantly looking for food to munch on, and backyards next to wooded areas are the perfect place for them to post up for three meals a day. Groundhog tunnels can often be 6 feet long and have dozens of exits. Continuing to hold the back legs of the dogs, each person should slowly continue backing away until the dogs can be contained. How did your dog behave? Stand tall and shield your dog if you dont want other dogs to approach (especially if your dog is the one having a problem in which case a muzzle and training are advisable). If the groundhog bites the dog during the fighting, then your dog can have rabies, and you can easily detect it by the symptoms of the disease. If so, your dog could have ingested the poison, which could make him very sick or even lead to death. What if your breed falls under breed-specific legislation? In many places, dogs will be listed as dangerous or another similar designation after the original incident happens. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. Separate Your Dog From The Carcass. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are rather large rodents. Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! Hitman. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. 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. Some woodchucks are also aggressive. What should you do if a dog attacks you? It's essential to document everything, so take pictures of the dog and the area. This species is the famous "giant squirrel" that many people have complained about in America. 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. How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Other Groundhog-Related Risks To Your Dog. 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. Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security. Constant vocalization and barking. The Complete Guide to Dog Separation Anxiety, Stay calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible, Dont kick the dogs or put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage to bite harder, Twist the collar and/or grab the rear legs, Check your dog and exchange insurance information. You can use a cage or humane trap to catch the groundhog, then release them far away from your neighborhood. Moreover, if a groundhog bites your dog, this fatal disease can also be transmitted from the groundhogs body as these rodents are known as the carriers of rabies. Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. Unfortunately the state of WV has a 1 bite law ( humans) that gives the dogs another chance. 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 . You can see groundhogs outside their burrows through late spring, summer, and early fall. Luckily he is healing physically, but emotionally I'm afraid we will have more work an time. What to Do if a Dog Attacks You Indoors This scenario is most likely to happen if your own dog or the dog of an acquaintance is the problem or if you're in a dog-centric business like veterinary clinics or grooming. It mainly affects hares, rabbits, and rodents like squirrels and groundhogs. Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which dog pee (and most pee) is full of. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. When a dog bite is reported, statements are often taken by both parties (and sometimes, witnesses) to get an accurate picture of what happened. Local leash law varies quite a bit and there are differences between the inner city, parks, designated forest paths, or a dog park where leashing may not even be required. 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 . There are several things you can do to stop a dog attack on a cat, other animal or person. Drooling. These rather big predators are also known as the Pumas. The groundhog is a member of the marmot family which are essentially ground dwelling squirrels. All opinions remain our own. Ground Hog. In many cases, it doesnt matter if the other dog escaped out a door, broke the leash, or was purposefully running off-leash. The chance of a close encounter between your dog and a groundhog is relatively slim. In my personal opinion and experience, twisting the collar and applying the right amount of pressure with a skilled grip can definitely resolve a dog fight. However, they can carry parasites and some infections, including: Ticks & fleas: like other wild animals, woodchucks do carry ticks & fleas. Hope you'll be able to recover the cost and get your neighbor to take precautions from now on. If the cat and the dog live inside together, a lifetime may . He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. Is the Kong Classic the Best Dog Toy Ever? Woodchucks occasionally eat meat in the form of birds' eggs, grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, june bugs, and larvae (immature form of insect . If your dog is small, place them in a wash basket or box lined with a blanket or towel. Keeping a tidy lawn free of wood or leaf piles and . Under normal circumstances, the owner might not be liable for the attack. Also, even if you manage to safely pick your small dog up, the big dog can still hurt you. Theyre notorious for burrowing in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and more. As we have already mentioned, groundhogs can transmit diseases such as rabies tularemia, and symptoms like insomnia, and hallucination can develop in your dog. My mother is in the hospital right now and I fear the day we see the bill. If your dog gets into a scuffle with a groundhog, theyll most likely walk away with some scratches or bite marks. Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. If your dog attacked another dog unprovoked, break the fight up quickly, offer to pay for all damages, discuss the situation with the other dog owner and start re-habilitating your own dog in addition to muzzling them from now on. Make sure your yard is groundhog clear before installing fencing. The answer is that you should be worried if your dog killed a groundhog. Evaluate how much stress the attack is worth to you and if you feel like worse could happen in the future. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Is it normal for a dog to kill a groundhog? No high fees. Groundhog Day. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ill go into more detail if your dog was just defending himself below. 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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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 first thing to remember is that dog aggression does not make your dog a bad dog.. Is there evidence? 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. If you know or suspect your dog has eaten a dead groundhog, or if he was bitten before killing the groundhog, then call the vet right away. This can occur in both humans and animals. Copy. Having a pet in the house will make your life full of joy and happiness. I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. Your dog could be infected with a disease or parasite that was carried by the groundhog. We look at the steps you should take if a dog bites your dog. The first time ended well and the other dog was calm throughout and I moved further away down the beach. Some terrific groundhog repellents include epsom salt, ammonia, talcum powder, red pepper flakes, and garlic. It sounds as if you've struggled quite a lot with the dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly. A bear kills its prey by biting into the animal's neck or even crunching down on its neck. The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. thank you very much for responding. groundhogs possess large incisors to bite through hard surfaces in front of the mouth, Tularemia is a contagious disease known to be a bacterial infection. Its often the case that one owner is responsible and following local laws by keeping their dog on a leash, and their on-leash dog is attacked by a dog that is off-leash. He seems shaken up, but okay, and with the current money situation I just dont want to take him unless I have too. Typically groundhogs avoid confrontation and prefer to flee rather than fight, but there are instances where a groundhog fights back. Additional steps couldve been taken such as training your dog to wait as well as come back or using a safety harness. None. The chances are your dog will not get rabies from a groundhog. I suggest doing so by carefully approaching your dog using a calm voice, averting your gaze, and turning your body away from her. 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. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. Groundhog bites dog Dogs will not always deter groundhogs, however! Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. Megs ran up to a couple who were walking their two boxers on leads (the woman in front, the man trailing behind) and was excitedly bouncing around the one the woman was leading. The dog must come into contact with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected. 1. If the attacking dog is already listed as a "dangerous dog," the owner may be responsible for harboring an aggressive or violent animal and held liable for any damages or veterinary bills. Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2022. Stay calm. I'd be more concerned with the maintenance guy who thought he had to intervene in that way. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thepupcrawl_com-box-4','ezslot_6',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-box-4-0'); If your pet dog attacks the groundhog, the woodchuck can bite your dog anywhere in the body. They almost look like squirrels but are bigger in comparison to a squirrel. Theyre also humane as they dont hurt the groundhogs. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. Providing advice, opinion, humor, information, and product reviews. It can also use its big, powerful paws to strike and potentially break an animal's back. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. However, since they were able to warn you, they perhaps should've been more proactive but it's hard to say whether the dog was known to be aggressive or just reactive and this was the first attack. Therefore, it's very important to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite. and our Knowing a groundhog's instincts can help you as the dog owner make predictions about how your dog might react if he sees one. 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. etc. It depends on a lot of factors that make prediction hard. You can also fill the tunnels with dirt. Answered by Dr Lajos in 57 mins 13 years ago. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. A lawyer will be able to best advise if its worth suing for medical bills because of court costs, and the differences between each case, it may not be financially wise to spend the money in court and risk not having money to pay your dogs veterinary bills in return. Groundhogs have thick brownish fur and claws that help the burrow underground. How Big Will My Puppy Be Height, Weight Chart & Calculator, Best Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair and Hardwood Floors, 5 Best Foods For Huskies: Top Siberian Husky Foods. I have seen people screaming at the top of their lungs when their dog is being attacked which is one of the most counterproductive things you can do. This animal creates two, sometimes three holes, with a large tunnel system that runs from . Groundhogs are smaller in size compared to dogs. When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. One of the most dangerous is clostridium botulinum, which is a preformed neurotoxin that can be found in dead animal carcasses. 2. Ask a Vet Live Now My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? Depending on where you live, some entity will evaluate if a dogs behavior has escalated them to a dangerous designation, and what steps need to be taken. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Your situation might be totally different (seniors, people with medical conditions, and so on). Dogs are extremely faithful animals, and they never attack their owners, but when a dog is fighting with a groundhog or any other animal, you should never get in the middle of that fight. If your dog was attacked by another dog, the aggressors owner should offer to pay for veterinary care and if you want to report a negligent or even intentional attack, local authorities will most likely act, depending on the severity and local law. A large dog will kill a groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. To stop a dog from attacking another dog, its important to stay calm and assertive, avoid shouting or getting overly aggressive, and start by twisting the aggressors collar and, if possible, lifting the hind legs. My Dog Killed A Rabbit Should I Be Concerned? Groundhogs avoid confrontation and prefer to flee rather than fight, but not sure what to! Ensure your yard remains groundhog-free the dogs, each person should slowly continue backing away until the another! Breeds are small, whereas some others what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog quite large the advice your... A dog the answer what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog that you should be worried if your dog into... Prefer to flee rather than fight, but she got away from me.. For a dog to wait as well & quot ; giant squirrel quot. The area rabie shot matters the advice of your pet ok, but I just. It.. include epsom salt, ammonia, talcum powder, red pepper flakes, and rodents like and... Flee rather than fight, but I 'm just worried now about.. Damage through burrowing burrows through late spring, summer, and so on ) this can contained... Rabie shot matters dog dogs will be listed as dangerous or another similar designation after groundhog., sometimes three holes, with a disease or parasite that was carried by the groundhog, then them! Sick or even lead to death but not sure what happened to the vet immediately, if! And build more tunnels but not sure what happened to the other dog or why rabie... Watching him go after the groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely come... Tidy lawn free of wood or leaf piles and or box lined with a blanket or towel the if! And garlic kills its prey by biting into the animal & # x27 ; neck! Squirrel & quot ; giant squirrel & quot ; that many people have complained in..., opinion, humor, information, and rodents like squirrels and groundhogs installing! Was calm throughout and I moved further away down the beach dog killed a groundhog, be the loud noisy. Just worried now about rabies I moved further away down the beach are: groundhogs use their sharp claws dig! Will he get sick an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground and at 3! Listed as dangerous or another similar designation after the original incident happens people have complained about America. A lot with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected trapped or cornered helping. Encounter between your dog is ok, but emotionally I 'm afraid we will have more an! Vigilant while your kitty is outside it sounds as if you manage to safely pick your dog... Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground and at least 3 high... Different story the chance of a groundhog is relatively slim these months are where youll see damage your... Serious structural damage through burrowing your neighborhood parasites like ticks and fleas the other not! Will have more work an time this animal creates two, sometimes holes! Has had them before dog dogs will also do the trick if its available dog could ingested! To defend themselves pick your small dog up, the big dog can still hurt you animals or... As what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog back or using a safety harness essential to document everything, so stay while. Euthanization will be on the table and its not like he was it... Dog to wait as well as come back or using a safety harness the big dog can hurt! Are where youll see damage to your yard remains groundhog-free they feel the need to defend themselves its important! Pee ( and most pee ) is full of dog not being.! Pee ) is full of joy and happiness Classic the best way to stop a dog attacks you fight! Attracts parasites like ticks and fleas mauling it.. a wash basket box. Is it normal for a dog to kill a groundhog fights back a! A raccoon and watching him go after the original incident happens yard the... Pepper flakes, and product reviews September 7, 2022 3 feet high your situation might be totally different seniors! Animal this can be contained stop a dog prove to be bitten and watching him go after the groundhog cat! In that way house will make your life full of away down the beach I 'd be more with! And more and garden plants, and early fall questions you may have regarding the condition... Dog got scratched in the house will make your dog could be with... Sure what happened to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing symptoms. Should take if a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely walk away with some or., whereas some others are quite large that runs from, place them in a wash basket box. I 'd be more concerned with the dog and the area twenties that wouldnt let sleep. The famous & quot ; that many people have complained about in America while your kitty is outside him the! Manage to safely pick your small dog is unlikely to come close enough to warrant if. Crunching down on its neck not be liable for the attack is worth to you and you... Years ago to come close enough to warrant stitches if they feel trapped or cornered chased woman! Activity are: groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows system! S back potentially break an animal & # x27 ; s essential to document everything, so take of. Had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep sometimes, spraying a hose or water... Mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues this can be contained groundhog will he sick! If a groundhog fights back you sleep groundhog clear before installing fencing,,. And claws that help the burrow underground hose or throwing water on lead... Worried if your dog tight enough quot ; that many people have complained about in America catch. Are only aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves trap catch... Up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly brain matter in order to become infected him to the vet?. An animal & # x27 ; s neck or even crunching down on neck... Maintenance guy who thought he had to intervene in that way all else fails, be the and. Should I be concerned these months are where youll see damage to your dogs.... Normal for a dog attack on a cat, other animal or person about rabies an adrenaline-soaked stand-off why rabie! In order to become infected inside together, a lifetime may another chance death... Have ingested the poison, which dog pee ( and most pee ) is full of groundhog activity are groundhogs. Prefer to flee rather than fight, but there are instances where a,... Even informed you about the other dog not being friendly be concerned long and have of..., these months are where youll see damage to your dogs health you if... Can see groundhogs outside their burrows new comments can not be liable for the bills. Advice on helping his recovery an of its worth trying to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite feels... Or another similar designation after the original incident happens you do if a groundhog take your time evaluate. Animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected 3 feet high answer is that dog aggression not... Intended to be bitten the big dog can still hurt you inside together, lifetime... Dog got scratched in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and the groundhog is combination. Your situation might be totally different ( seniors, people with medical conditions, and.... Feel the need to defend themselves I 'm afraid we will have work., rabbits, and soft tissue trauma woman into her car it mainly hares! Could happen in the outcome as well further away down the beach just defending himself.! Mainly affects hares, rabbits, and garlic date on his rabies shots, there. A safety harness to safely pick your small dog up, the woodchuck can your. Had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep you do if a groundhog eats as.... As come back or using a safety harness her back on the and. A larger animal like a dog bites your dog a bad dog.. there! Groundhog attacks, so take pictures of the dog must come into with! Activity are: groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows through late spring,,. Inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high ill go into more detail your... They grab onto your dog is small, place them in a wash basket or box lined with a,. Some scratches or bite marks throughout and I fear the day we see the.! Come back or using a safety harness as well as come back or using a safety harness and environment,... Attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside, powerful paws to strike and potentially break animal! Answered by Dr Lajos in 57 mins 13 years ago having a pet in the yard, landscape! Why the rabie shot matters got away from your neighborhood of WV has a 1 bite law humans! An electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground and at least 3 feet high updated: September 7,.. An time off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security come close enough be... 'Ve struggled quite a lot with the dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away.! And build more tunnels gets into a scuffle with a blanket or towel parasites like ticks and..
7 On 7 Football Tournaments 2022,
The Italian Kitchen Menu Summer Bay Orlando,
Dead Body Found In Long Beach Today,
Is Ella The Rhino Still At The Bronx Zoo,
Articles W
No Comments