what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog
Image Credit: Justin Dalton-Fiallo, Shutterstock. If an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. You should never pick up your dog in an effort to protect them, as this will encourage the attacking dog to leap at you. Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? 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. Was it an appropriate and measured response? If your dog needed veterinary attention, its possible in many cases to request that the owner of the dog who attacked yours pay the vet bills. Under normal circumstances, the owner might not be liable for the attack. 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. None. If your dog is not properly trained or is aggressive, it can kill rodents and groundhogs for prey. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. Even if one dog was the initial aggressor, most dogs will (rightfully) try to defend themselves. What to do if your dog attacks another dog It's easy to feel powerless or embarrassed if your dog has become aggressive, but here are a couple of things you can do to help. Professional dog trainers recommend: 1. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-box-3','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-box-3-0');One of our regulars asked us: my dog killed a groundhog should I be worried? We asked him to immediately take the dog to his vet for a checkup, and heres why. Hope you'll be able to recover the cost and get your neighbor to take precautions from now on. Its best to check out your local law, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or suing. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? Then, your pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is and can even cause harm to you. He attacked a groundhog, groundhog is still breathing, so we called animal control, but they didn't get back to us yet. I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. My almost two year old lab has recently become aggressive with my 5 year old dog.other than with that dog, she is sweet and submissive. To stop a dog from attacking another dog, it's important to stay calm and assertive, avoid shouting or getting overly aggressive, and start by twisting the aggressor's collar and, if possible, lifting the hind legs. 7 Of The Largest Pet Lizards The Biggest Lizards You Can Own. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Having a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. 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. Your dog may have just had negative experiences in the past or is simply not socialized. Ask a Vet Live Now My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? 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). We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. Yes, even though they are herbivores, they have very sharp teeth. A groundhog may try to attack a person if they think they have no other choice, but they will often attempt to run away when approached. This bite can be excruciatingmoreover, the spot where the groundhog bit your dog can develop an array of infections. Your vet will have the best advice and guidance on what needs to happen next. The major problems that they cause are the large holes they dig and the damage that occurs from this animal. This means if you click on the link and purchase this item or service, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Along with other types of smaller mammals like possums and groundhogs, raccoons are considered vermin by most insurance companies. My Dog Killed A Rabbit Should I Be Concerned? If its too late and they have already infested your yard, below are some helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs. 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. Punctures dont usually start bleeding right away, and you may notice them after theyve had some time to form. 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. The good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents. Groundhogs can usually escape a dog by diving into their burrow or past a fence. 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. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security. I actually prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past. Your situation might be totally different (seniors, people with medical conditions, and so on). All dogs have a varying potential to bite. In many places, dogs will be listed as dangerous or another similar designation after the original incident happens. These bacterias and viruses live on the surface of the body and also inside the body of a groundhog. I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. any tips or ideas appreciated thanks, We live in a Indiana apartment complex 55&older or disabled or mentally challenged there's a fenced-in area for dogs to play my friend was at a appointment & her roommate took her boxer pit out in fenced-in area to play with another dog. 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. Release the Leash Many times when dogs are being attacked by other dogs, the leash helps to keep the other dog which is being attacked in a useless position. 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 . Their huge, hardy claws and sharp teeth make for excellent weapons when fighting for their life. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog. You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in. Other Groundhog-Related Risks To Your Dog. Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. Fortunately, dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay away. Another thing is possible disease. Document the dog's character and the location of the attack if the owner can't be found. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. Has there been any change in their diet or environment? But oftentimes there have been subtle signs prior to the attack. 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). Some of the common signs of groundhog activity are: Groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. Answered by Dr Lajos in 57 mins 13 years ago. Stay calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible 2. Ill go into more detail if your dog was just defending himself below. They almost look like squirrels but are bigger in comparison to a squirrel. In fact, if you also have cats, it's a known deterrent to sprinkle soiled cat litter in their burrows. 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. Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. Instead, using repellents to direct the groundhogs back into the woods is a preferred method for the whole neighborhood. weve thought about looking into dog trainers and the such for awhile, but i think its long overdue since this happened :/. A large dog will kill a marmot, whereas a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog. The dog must come into contact with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected. If the attacking dog is listed as "dangerous" and your dog has to be put down, the owner may be held responsible for the original amount you paid for your dog. Anyone deal with this? Nothing happened. What happens to that dog from now and the reimbursement of your vet bills really depends on your local law. Do I HAVE to take him for a checkup? My dog was bitten by a groundhog in, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? But, will they attack a dog if prompted? Rather than risk your dog being taken away from you or euthanized due to their aggression, its extremely important to be a responsible dog owner and manage your dogs behavior upfront by consulting an expert and wearing a muzzle. I am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training and behavior. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which dog pee (and most pee) is full of. This disease is spread through the saliva of an animal. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. Initially they were all off leash, but Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly. A groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) is an animal that belongs to the rodent family. 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. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Over the last decades, they have gained in population after almost going extinct. Drooling. 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. He seems shaken up, but okay, and with the current money situation I just dont want to take him unless I have too. Items like pinwheels can keep groundhogs away for a short time. My dog got scratched in the face, but I'm just worried now about rabies. It will attack a dog only when it does not see a way out of the confrontation and fears for its life. Groundhogs do not typically chase after and attack dogs. They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. In this article, we will discuss what can happen and what you should do if your dog killed a groundhog.. When others came to try to help her, the groundhog turned on them, too! When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? In short, they eat money. Hi there. 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. The first is to grab a leash . Beau and Megs and the other boxer did not join in the attack at any point. But they wake up early for love. 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 2 dogs are known to be aggressive and have bitten a person leading to a hospital stay with surgery. 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. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. Yesterday I was at an off-leash beach with my two jack Russells and my foster pup (an Arab cross - Megs). When he met the cat, he had the same body language and was trying to smell it as well. Is it normal for a dog to kill a groundhog? Use of Epsom Salt: Groundhogs usually reside inside the ground by making holes in the ground. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. However, Id never let a dog fight play out and instead always step in. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? Try firmly telling the approaching dog a familiar cue, such as "sit" or "stay.". Is there evidence? Witnesses? In fall, groundhogs also eat roots, leaves, barks, and twigs of trees as plants become scarce though they prefer plants and vegetables. A Guide to Pet-Friendly Retailers (2022). No one wants a groundhog around their house. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. 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. If the cat and the dog live inside together, a lifetime may . If that is not the case, take your dog immediately to a veterinary clinic for vaccination and all the necessary treatments your dog needs after the fight. . Puppy Playtime Guidelines, Road Trip! We are getting a muzzle for him an going to work on positive reinforcement an hopefully we can work through it. The options below are all humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard. You can also fill the tunnels with dirt. This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. Additional steps couldve been taken such as training your dog to wait as well as come back or using a safety harness. That being said, with proper medical attention and if you act quickly and decisively, it rarely happens that people are mauled beyond recognition or life-threateningly. Lets get started! Rabies: this is another disease woodchucks may carry. Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have to risk being bitten. Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to ensure your yard remains groundhog-free. The Ides of March. 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 . However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. 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. | Our Fit Pets Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. Theyre notorious for burrowing in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and more. Don't kick the dogs or put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage them to bite harder 3. So, if you have a large-sized aggressive dog, then it is completely natural for your dog to kill a groundhog. Get a squeaky toy that looks like a rat or a stuffed animal that resembles the animal your dog loves to chase. No high fees. Try not to handle them more than necessary, as they may be very painful even if not obvious on the outside. Groundhogs hibernate from late fall for roughly three months, then wake up when it's still quite cold. 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. 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. The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. 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. Sometimes, your dog can be the problem too: Why Do Dogs Kill Kittens? 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. This is also my first time posting here so sorry if I do anything wrong. There are different breeds of dogs that you can have in your home as a pet. However, letting your dog run free always harbors risk that's why I never do it with other dogs around, wouldn't want to do that with three dogs, one of them being a foster. 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. Continue to avoid making eye contact. Yes, groundhogs might be carrying ticks, fleas, rabies, tularemia, and the plague. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Groundhog tunnels can often be 6 feet long and have dozens of exits. Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! The name woodchuck is given to the groundhogs because they can cut through wood as they have strong teeth like most rodents. The chances of a groundhog causing rabies in a dogs body are rare, but the chances are not null. In researching this article, we came across a story of a woman who was chased by a woodchuck. Glory. It mainly affects hares, rabbits, and rodents like squirrels and groundhogs. So, theyre not nice, small rodents that are easily managed. These rodents carry diseases, and the diseases are mentioned below. "Groundhogs do have large incisors like rodents do, so your dog stands a chance of being bitten. 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. Dangers of Groundhog Bites One of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites is the transmission of rabies. While thats true most of the time, it can definitely backfire. 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. Expert's Assistant chat. After dressing the wound, contact your vet to schedule an appointment so a professional can assess the injury. The first thing to remember is that dog aggression does not make your dog a bad dog.. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. You may be able to safely separate the dogs and avoid serious damage to both animals. From head to rump, groundhogs are 17.75 to 24 inches (45 to 61 centimeters) long, according to National Geographic. 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. If a groundhog manages to bite or scratch your dog, your first move is to get your dog away from the groundhog. Guide to Traveling with Dogs in a Car Long Distance, Which Stores Allow Dogs? There are cases where the family pet was taken away after a scuffle just for evaluation and ended up being euthanized, so never give up your dog and consult a lawyer if you feel itd be wise to do so. The man was trying to get him to stop. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are found all over central and eastern US. This occurs in many cases where an owner believes that by displaying aggressive behavior, their dog is being bad. Once the fight is over, do a health inspection of your dog and if you notice something unusual, take your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic. Certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals (terriers and hounds, for example). was he leashed and viciously attacked or not). Pouring Castor Oil: Another way to keep the groundhogs away from your pet is to destroy the places where these animals live. Groundhogs are also known as rabies carriers which can be transmitted to your dog through a bite. They are a medium-sized stocky rodent, a little smaller than a raccoon. If the handbag doesn't keep the dog from attacking, use pepper spray, if you have it on hand during an attack to avoid injury. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. Rice Water for Dog Diarrhea How to Prepare It and Use It. Continuing to hold the back legs of the dogs, each person should slowly continue backing away until the dogs can be contained. 5. If your pet dog attacks the groundhog, the woodchuck can bite your dog anywhere in the body. Its also possible for dogs to pick up other diseases from eating dead animals, including food poisoning. If your dog is small, place them in a wash basket or box lined with a blanket or towel. Woodchucks occasionally eat meat in the form of birds' eggs, grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, june bugs, and larvae (immature form of insect . They even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep their main burrow clean! I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. You can also treat your dogs wounds at home by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. When the dog that attacked you is with an owner, make sure to acquire their contact details. Been subtle signs prior to the attack lead, but I 'm just worried now rabies. Chased by a groundhog all off leash, but he has had a rabies shot has lapsed, I! Normal circumstances, the groundhog, its not like he was bitten by a ). Body and also inside the body law, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or.. Become infected in 57 mins 13 years ago trying to get him into the woods a. 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