I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family. Its also possible for dogs to pick up other diseases from eating dead animals, including food poisoning. It could be a whole range of issues, separation anxiety, food aggression, resource guarding. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. 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. By Julie Updated: 03/29/21 3 min read Health Digestive System Theres truly no way to put what most of our dogs mean to us in monetary form, but covering the cost of the dog you lost is often the way courts decide to handle these cases. Usually, this only happens in cases where the owner was extremely negligent and knew their dog was aggressive but allowed another attack to happen. Along with other types of smaller mammals like possums and groundhogs, raccoons are considered vermin by most insurance companies. Anyone deal with this? The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. 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. Professional dog trainers recommend: 1. One of the most dangerous is clostridium botulinum, which is a preformed neurotoxin that can be found in dead animal carcasses. Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which dog pee (and most pee) is full of. They build extensive burrows similar to prairie dogs. I suggest doing so by carefully approaching your dog using a calm voice, averting your gaze, and turning your body away from her. Guide to Traveling with Dogs in a Car Long Distance, Which Stores Allow Dogs? It depends on a lot of factors that make prediction hard. However, this can be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and placing a trap at every exit might not be plausible. If a dog that is already declared dangerous ends up in another dog fight, the consequence from the government and legal system is likely to be harsher, which sometimes includes euthanasia. This subreddit is a great starting point for a lot of information, but you should always verify and expand upon what you've read before putting it to use in your daily life. Adult males can grow to be 13 lbs and are around 18-20 inches long. Porcupine. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Rat. Groundhog size. 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. Distract your dog from a distance. The groundhog is a member of the marmot family which are essentially ground dwelling squirrels. 5. Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. The short answer is YES, you should. My Dog Ate Kong Rubber What Should I Do? Coyotes Although related to ground squirrels, they grow to be much larger about 2 feet in length and 10 pounds in weight. Hi Barbara, that sounds terrible, I'm sorry this happened to all dogs involved. If you do get bit, wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. You can read about other animals that you need to be wary of with a dog in the house, such as My Dog Killed A Rabbit Should I Be Concerned?. No high fees. Allow her to come to you if she isn't tied or in a kennel. Roundworms: which can be caught if a dog eats a dead woodchuck. Having a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. 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). They even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep their main burrow clean! You may be able to safely separate the dogs and avoid serious damage to both animals. We look at the steps you should take if a dog bites your dog. If it's a single gate, that's just waiting for an accident to happen. We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. Expert's Assistant chat. I cant see him attacking another animal unprovoked, but if another animal were to get aggressive (reasonably) I could see this happening again and thats why im worried. If an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. A groundhog usually won't win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. The rodents' sharp teeth may cause serious injury as well as infection. 16) Stick your fingers down your dog's throat to discourage nipping. 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. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why I'm concerned. She screamed at me to get my other dog away, (I was trying to put Archie on the lead at the time and Beau (my 3 yo) was getting too close. Some of the breeds are small, whereas some others are quite large. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. Toss a . Over the last decades, they have gained in population after almost going extinct. 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. But it turns out they have a very good reason to drag . Glad the small dog is ok, but not sure what happened to the other dog or why the rabie shot matters. Constant vocalization and barking. Moreover, the bite that your dog may have during the fight with a groundhog will be excruciating. Most households nowadays have a pet, and whenever we think of a pet, the first animal that comes to our mind might be a dog. Was one of them a recent addition? Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. In short, they eat money. If your dog is small, place them in a wash basket or box lined with a blanket or towel. If you have groundhogs living near you that are causing a problem, it's best not to take care of the problem on your own. These rather big predators are also known as the Pumas. If not, just let your dog do what it wants to do. Friend dog needed rabies shot was overdue. Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. Maybe you can get them to share costs if they do it on their own volition, you may have to contact a lawyer regarding your chances of recouping money but it's hard without finding the owners. I asked the woman to help me and we were finally able to free my dog. Yes, even though they are herbivores, they have very sharp teeth. The first time ended well and the other dog was calm throughout and I moved further away down the beach. If your dog killed an infected groundhog, it is very much possible that the infection passed on to your dog. In case an off-leash dog attacked your dog, you should break up the fight as quickly as possible and evaluate whether or not the dog should have been supposed to be leashed in that area, and then take it from there. Make sure your yard is groundhog clear before installing fencing. While these tactics can work, you may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately isnt the goal. If you become agitated, this may make your dog feel more worried. ), not to mention that it might not have been legal but as I said, I'm not familiar with Indiana law at all. Even if your dog seems fine at the moment, you should check them over again in 10-20 minutes. Groundhog Day. However, if your dog manages to corner or trap a groundhog, they will most likely fight back. If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. No matter how it starts, a dog fight is a scary occurrence. For each animal this can be a different story. Dogs have not always been domesticated animals. My mother is in the hospital right now and I fear the day we see the bill. An upward leash pop or all out hanging by lifting your dog's front feet off the ground needs to be outlawed. Dog fights are always heart-breaking to watch but these situations can happen and its important to stay level-headed and do our companions justice by resolving them quickly. 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. It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog. Kicking & Screaming We are getting a muzzle for him an going to work on positive reinforcement an hopefully we can work through it. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. 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. There are different breeds of dogs that you can have in your home as a pet. Wanna boost your dog's superpowers? The 2 dogs penned him inside of the large shelter we have in our kennel. Whether you know what is causing this aggressive behavior or not, consulting a behaviorist will be necessary to deal with it. The local authorities will need to contact the pet owner to determine if the dog has been vaccinated. Puppy Playtime Guidelines, Road Trip! The major problems that they cause are the large holes they dig and the damage that occurs from this animal. Groundhogs are very defensive about their burrows, and trying to dig into the burrow is likely to aggravate the groundhog to attack, and they do have large front teeth that can deliver a nasty bite. Know what to do if your dog ends up in a fight. 1. As mentioned, I'm not a lawyer but in most states and countries, there should be repercussions after a second incident. Yes, it is possible to get rabies from a groundhog, if it bit 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. Don't just choke the dog since that'll only cut off the air supply but instead twist the collar while lifting it to . Unfortunately by the time we hit $850 we couldn't afford more ( quoted 1800-2500). 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 . Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog. Primarily herbivores, they will occasionally eat smaller rodents and insects. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. 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. Continue to avoid making eye contact. Not only is it important for your own dog, so that they never have to suffer the trauma of an attack by that dog again, but its important to keep other dogs and their owners safe as well. Signs to watch out for include unsteadiness, weakness, muscle tremors, over-excitability, paddling motions of the limbs, depression, vomiting, high fever, leg stiffness, and seizures. I'd be more concerned with the maintenance guy who thought he had to intervene in that way. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? 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. Considering the size of a groundhog compared to that of a large bear, the odds during a bear attack is unfortunately in the bears favour. Personally, I would look up local law but I'd be pretty confident that getting reimbursed for all vet bills should be a no-brainer since it happened on your own property with dogs who had a bite history. Aggression and biting. They are a medium-sized stocky rodent, a little smaller than a raccoon. 5. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. If so, your dog could have ingested the poison, which could make him very sick or even lead to death. Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to ensure your yard remains groundhog-free. 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. Hitman. They use these months to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter. What Is Wrong? Groundhog tunnels can often be 6 feet long and have dozens of exits. I think that I should look into how to better control and handle him if something like this should ever happen again, but also, Im just not sure if I should take that chance? Larger-breed dogs may chase and attack a groundhog, but Prange says the scenario almost always ends badly for the groundhog, although the dog can be in danger as well. Press J to jump to the feed. Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. If your dog has been vaccinated with the rabies vaccine, then your dog will not have any problem even if a groundhog bites it. While thats true most of the time, it can definitely backfire. After dressing the wound, contact your vet to schedule an appointment so a professional can assess the injury. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. was he leashed and viciously attacked or not). 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. However, they can carry parasites and some infections, including: Ticks & fleas: like other wild animals, woodchucks do carry ticks & fleas. When he met the cat, he had the same body language and was trying to smell it as well. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. Dont just choke the dog since thatll only cut off the air supply but instead twist the collar while lifting it to quickly end the fight and avoid damage to the dogs throat if possible. Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. You can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. I actually prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past. My dog got scratched in the face, but I'm just worried now about rabies. I was walking my dog, around 4-5 year old German Shepherd, and he ran off after a groundhog in the distance. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. In the unfortunate case that a dog attack led to the death of your dog, a settlement is often reached for the price of your dog. Also, even if you manage to safely pick your small dog up, the big dog can still hurt you. How Do I Know I Have Groundhogs In My Yard? None. You can make your fence more secure by digging a small ditch under your fence and positioning these boards partially below the surface of the ground. No waiting for appointments or office hours. thank you very much for responding. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why Im concerned. 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. No need to worry about your furry family member. The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? I posted about it in a local FB discussion group, hoping to reach the attacking dog's owner to ask that they contribute to the vet bill and all I got was criticism from all sides and people telling me to "suck it up princess", "you're at fault", "you're to blame", "your dogs were the aggressors" and only sparing sympathy. A court likely wont order the euthanasia of a dog over a few small punctures, but a fight that caused the death of another dog will be looked at differently. 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. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? we have rescue dogs an old austrailian silkie, a young shitzu,a jack russell we rescued 7 yrs ago we have just took on a wire haired pointer griffon hes been ok for a couple of months now suddenly the jack and him will start eyeballing then go for it, one fight took off where the griff had the jack around the throat i managed to part them with puncture wounds to the jack i seperated the living area and upped the walksthis seemed to work for a few weeks then the griff launched an attack on the jack again had him by the throat i quickly quelled it but they walktogether outside and go to the feild not a problem. This method is most effective if a second person is available to grab the other dog. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. Fencing. Groundhogs most commonly live along forest edges near open fields, streams, and meadows. The chances are your dog will not get rabies from a groundhog. This is why we went tonthe expense of making what was supposed to be a secure kennel ( it's the length of our house). When you bring a dog into your house, you have to be more responsible from that moment. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. 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). Woodchucks occasionally eat meat in the form of birds' eggs, grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, june bugs, and larvae (immature form of insect . Their huge, hardy claws and sharp teeth make for excellent weapons when fighting for their life. Witnesses? I'm not sure if the complex is liable since it goes without saying that the gate should be closed but perhaps it's a different angle considering it's for disable/mentally challenged people. The following are some of the ways in which you can keep all the groundhogs away from your home as well as your dogs. Theyre also humane as they dont hurt the groundhogs. Sometimes, the opposite sites are ordered to pay for each others veterinary costs. The boxer had my dog by the skin around his ear and wouldn't let go, shaking him periodically. The first thing to remember is that dog aggression does not make your dog a bad dog.. I don't remember much of the conversation but I'm pretty sure she said it was okay but their other dog wasn't as easygoing or friendly (something to that effect), and around that time is when my eldest, Archie (11yo), approached the other dog and was viciously attacked. I just dont if I can excuse this by saying, well, its that prey drive that dogs have. If you leave the spot where your dog has received a bite from the groundhog untreated and do not sanitize it, then the infections can prove to be deadly for your dog. Customer: my dog was bitten by a groundhog in virginia, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? Try firmly telling the approaching dog a familiar cue, such as "sit" or "stay.". Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. 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. But if a dog chases and catches them, they will attack with all their might, which is highly impressive. I don't know for sure, but I think he hit it in the head, which did largely nothing. Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. So, theyre not nice, small rodents that are easily managed. 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). Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. While rare, the effects of this disease can be serious. No one wants a groundhog around their house. If its too late and they have already infested your yard, below are some helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs. As with humans, our adrenaline can keep us going to the point of not noticing we are hurt in stressful situations. When cornered, a groundhog can become fierce. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Rottweiler Growth Chart When Are Rottweilers Fully Grown? Some woodchucks are also aggressive. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. 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. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. There was nothing Briar could do to escape, he hunkered down an even rolled over in submission. So, are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? Depending on your local law, you shouldnt count on that though, especially if you have a breed thats affected by breed-specific legislation. If the dog had a bite history and it was a designated off-leash area, I agree that the dog should've been muzzled. Unfortunately the state of WV has a 1 bite law ( humans) that gives the dogs another chance. (You'll also get inside info and cool deals.). Nothing happened. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. Another problem is that the groundhog could have been poisoned. The answer is that you should be worried if your dog killed a groundhog. Use a hose to flood their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find drier land. Dogs have a natural killing instinct when they see something they can prey on. Read on to find out. Sometimes a dog can be put down after a dog fight, depending on local law and the nature of the attack (injuries, viciousness, human-directed aggression), and sadly it depends on the breed and the owners means to fight in court. Get a squeaky toy that looks like a rat or a stuffed animal that resembles the animal your dog loves to chase. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Groundhogs have thick brownish fur and claws that help the burrow underground. The chances of the groundhog even having rabies to begin with are quite low. If homemade repellents arent working, you can try making their burrows inhabitable by using water or dirt. As mentioned earlier, groundhogs carry the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. If you plan on using repellents, ensure there is an exit route for the groundhogs to follow out of your yard. Both owners are . You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. 7 Of The Largest Pet Lizards The Biggest Lizards You Can Own.
Lavendertowne Controversy,
Khadeen Ellis Twin Sister,
18th Engineer Brigade,
Kristine Leahy What Is She Doing Now,
Articles W