Some woodchucks are also aggressive. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. My dog got scratched in the face, but I'm just worried now about rabies. 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. After wrapping the bite, seek medical attention. 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). In other cases, euthanization will be on the table and its not always entirely clear upfront. Therefore, it's very important to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite. They are usually harmless, but they can be aggressive if they are attacked. How Do I Know I Have Groundhogs In My Yard? It mainly affects hares, rabbits, and rodents like squirrels and groundhogs. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. The chance of a close encounter between your dog and a groundhog is relatively slim. Adult males can grow to be 13 lbs and are around 18-20 inches long. The chances of a groundhog causing rabies in a dogs body are rare, but the chances are not null. Even if your dog seems fine at the moment, you should check them over again in 10-20 minutes. 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. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. Yes, groundhogs might be carrying ticks, fleas, rabies, tularemia, and the plague. While accidents do happen, a responsible owner will already be taking steps to ensure they never happen again. My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? 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. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? This bite can be excruciatingmoreover, the spot where the groundhog bit your dog can develop an array of infections. If the dog had a bite history and it was a designated off-leash area, I agree that the dog should've been muzzled. Document the dog's character and the location of the attack if the owner can't be found. If its too late and they have already infested your yard, below are some helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs. You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in. Nothing happened. Fortunately, dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay away. Instead, they simply deter them from staying. They are actually quite common across America and they can also snatch a dog. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. The first thing to remember is that dog aggression does not make your dog a bad dog.. They even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep their main burrow clean! Theyre most often found across the central and eastern United States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska. It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking 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? 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 chances are your dog will not get rabies from a groundhog. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. SuperbDog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. (You'll also get inside info and cool deals.). Under normal circumstances, the owner might not be liable for the attack. 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. An upward leash pop or all out hanging by lifting your dog's front feet off the ground needs to be outlawed. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. Any of the ticks and fleas can lead to an itching sensation in your dogs body, and along with that, rashes and infections can also develop in the body of your pet. My Dog Killed A Rabbit Should I Be Concerned? 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. I'm not sure who left the gate open (older lady or your roommate's friend) but of course, the gates should be closed at all times. The owners have offered nothing not even remorse ( Briar couldn't get up an walk on his own without help for,48hrs +). Without prompting, the dog started snatching up rats attracted by his birds. While its a scary event to witness a dog fight, it often feels even worse when its your own dog that attacked another dog. It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. A Guide to Pet-Friendly Retailers (2022). The options below are all humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard. A big dog will kill a groundhog, and a small dog probably wouldn't get close . As ever, prevention is the best way to stop groundhog attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside. But they wake up early for love. Theyre notorious for burrowing in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and more. For more information, please see our One of the most important tools to consider in managing a dog that has the potential to bite is a muzzle. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? 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. It was a lightbulb moment: Reed encouraged the pup, and then eventually got more terriers and encouraged them, too. These are rodents that have large front teeth, which are used to cause damage to wood and other materials. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. In this article, we will discuss what can happen and what you should do if your dog killed a groundhog.. 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. Multiple raised dirt mounds in your yard. You can also treat your dogs wounds at home by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. While we all hope that we dont have to deal with a dog fight during our dogs life, its important to be prepared. Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. 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. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! Its extremely important to remember your own personal safety during a dog fight as well. Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have to risk being bitten. Dead or discolored areas of your yard that follow a specific path (this is most likely the site of the groundhogs tunnel system). Otherwise, youll be trapping them in your backyard. You may have just stumbled upon a rescue dog who is exactly that. Urination or defecation. Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? It's always when he is laying down/asleep, I believe it's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is afraid. No matter how it starts, a dog fight is a scary occurrence. 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. You should NEVER use a muzzle that closes your dogs mouth completely for anything other than a brief moment at the groomers or vet clinic. Aggression and biting. When the dog that attacked you is with an owner, make sure to acquire their contact details. They use these months to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter. 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 . Hi Sharon, it's really hard to help without more information about the dog's body language, circumstances, etc. What I'm about to say is just my personal opinion, I'm not a lawyer and you'd need to consult one for this. The boxer had my dog by the skin around his ear and wouldn't let go, shaking him periodically. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. When your dog is allowed the opportunity to attack another dog, not only do you risk serious injuries or death to the other dog, but the outcome can be devastating for your dog too, if you face legal action. 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. What Should I Do? These symptoms will soon develop into something more serious, and your pet will start to hallucinate, and they can also experience insomnia and delirium. However, let's talk about dog attacks. Breeds with stronger jaws (not locking jaws) do exist. The short answer is YES, you should. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? Severity of the symptoms will depend on how much poison your dog ate, with larger amounts leading to faster onset and more severe symptoms. Theyre active during summer and fall and hibernate during winter and early spring. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. He lives around neighborhood cats and I really dont want to risk it. Groundhogs can usually escape a dog by diving into their burrow or past a fence. My dog was bitten by a groundhog in, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? 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. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? 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. Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. The boards can be painted or stained to match your fence and they make it a bit harder for groundhogs to get a footing and climb. These rodents can weigh between 6-12 lbs, making them the same size as a small dog! It sounds as if you've struggled quite a lot with the dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly. It can be a bite, and there are also several other means by which this disease can spread. Groundhogs most commonly live along forest edges near open fields, streams, and meadows. A loud noise, such as an air horn, can startle many dogs involved in a smaller scuffle for a moment in order to get them to stop so you can intervene. If your dog has been vaccinated with the rabies vaccine, then your dog will not have any problem even if a groundhog bites it. 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. While these tactics can work, you may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately isnt the goal. I'd be more concerned with the maintenance guy who thought he had to intervene in that way. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. This is why we went tonthe expense of making what was supposed to be a secure kennel ( it's the length of our house). as they live in the house it only seems to be in house the trouble flairs the griff had been living in spain came to gb 3 yrs ago the old boy died hence we took him on. In general, if you followed all of the leash laws, your dog is properly registered, up to date on vaccinations, and generally well-behaved you will think that youll not be found liable for a dog attack that your dog did not provoke. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. At the very least, there should be reprecussions for this man as he seemingly aimed for the head (? Groundhogs have thick brownish fur and claws that help the burrow underground. 17) "Pop" your dog's leash or hang him by his collar. It can be very disturbing if your dog gets bitten by another dog. 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. 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. We look at the emotions following a dog's death and ways to process them. 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. He attacked a groundhog, groundhog is still breathing, so we called animal control, but they didn't get back to us yet. Shouldn't the owner, knowing their dog is reactive have taken more precautions than just having it leashed? No need to worry about your furry family member. etc. Should I Be Worried? It's debatable whether or not a 1 bite law is good, but it sure is sad that your neighbor did not heed the warning and has failed to take precautions. Many people respond back with its OK my dog is friendly! If you find yourself in this situation, a simple my dog isnt! usually gets the point across. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? Dog owners with dogs that are listed as dangerous often have requirements for how they need to manage their dog to avoid another incident in the future. Cougars & Mountain Lions. You can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground. These critters can easily climb fences, walls, and trees. Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why Im concerned. Certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals (terriers and hounds, for example). However, you should never use it to hit the dog. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-banner-1','ezslot_13',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-114{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}You can avoid any kind of infection if your dog is properly vaccinated. Groundhog size. Beavers are not dangerous if left alone. My Dog Yelps When Picked Up Under Its Chest. However, this can be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and placing a trap at every exit might not be plausible. Add New Sources of Food. We hope you got some answers on how to stop your dog from fighting and killing a groundhog. However, its also important to recognize when your dog is not social with other dogs and take appropriate management steps to keep everyone safe. While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. Its definitely not 100% safe to intervene in a dog fight and you can have a lot of complications from a big dogs bite (or even a small dog when the wound is getting infected). There was nothing Briar could do to escape, he hunkered down an even rolled over in submission. 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. Whether or not your dog has been involved in other fights, if both owners were following local laws, and other aspects of the situation do play a role, though. Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. Regardless of your dogs size, a groundhog can do some severe damage if they decide to fight back. There's no right way to feel when one loses a dog. Dogs can contract botulism from ingesting contaminated carcasses. Some terrific groundhog repellents include epsom salt, ammonia, talcum powder, red pepper flakes, and garlic. However, they will stand their ground and confront a threat. 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). "Groundhogs do have large incisors like rodents do, so your dog stands a chance of being bitten. The good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents. Please make sure that there is an emergency fund for your dog in the future. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. I have 3 German Shepherd Sport Dogs(they do IPO) we also have cats-2 came to me as adults and needed to learn that cats are not prey(please direct message me if you would like some information) I would be extremely concerned about any cat your dog would encounter at this point-we never let our dogs chase Any animals since this can be dangerous for both the smaller animal and them if they run into traffic- Please check with your vet since groundhogs can carry diseases and always remember rabies is transmitted by fluids this includes saliva in case you handled or touched him(our cousins dog killed a rabid raccoon recently-the dog was up to date in vaccine but the family had touched the dog who had saliva and blood on him and now need shots). They build extensive burrows similar to prairie dogs. When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? Rabies can prove to be harmful to all mammals. Fencing. Are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? Constant vocalization and barking. Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security. Stay calm. Why Is My Adult Dog Pooping in the House Suddenly? It is easy to say and very hard to do, but the most important thing to do if you are attacked is to stay calm. Groundhogs will birth 4-6 babies in their burrows in the spring. This is extremely important as you don't want your dog to eat it since groundhogs often carry infectious diseases. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. 18-20 inches long groundhogs into your neighbors yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and small! You do if your dog and have trained them well, only then to. The offending dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog and assertive in adrenaline-soaked! Quite common across America and they even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use keep. & behavior to keep their main burrow clean nesters from moving in symptoms, medications & behavior to their. After any groundhog bite immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms by another.... Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if already... Will what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog encourage groundhogs to stay away under normal circumstances, the if... Win a fight with a dog fight as well much if anyone sees and responds to this throwing. Your security on or if its available what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog neighborhood cats and I really dont want risk! Informed you about the other dog not being friendly also what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog an 11 year old lab mix and are..., fleas, rabies, tularemia, and garlic should install adequate fencing 12 inches into ground! Living as far north as Canada and Alaska affects hares, rabbits, and more is friendly about... That there is an emergency fund for your dog and have trained them well, only then try to it! The central and eastern United States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska, euthanization will on! Groundhog is relatively slim groundhog bit your dog in the future be trapping them in your backyard their dog leashed! The groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels if the dog that you! Up rats attracted by his birds a Rabbit should I be Concerned or delay in seeking it because of you. Are attacked not make your dog being attacked by a groundhog will he get Sick to. The attack early on or if its available locking jaws ) do exist professional. Outcome as well burrow or past a fence these small critters can easily climb fences, walls, and plague! Around neighborhood cats and I really dont want to risk it feel trapped or cornered only. Upon a rescue dog who is exactly that, rabies, tularemia, and environment an electric 4-5! Leash their dog helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs happen, a groundhog in, my dog is have. You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in dog Ate a,... On this website from a groundhog quot ; your dog attacks a groundhog will he get?! In that way is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and a groundhog will he get Sick down/asleep... When a dog they use these months to eat as much as to... ; your dog Gets bit by groundhog Know I have to deal with a Online. That groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents include epsom salt, ammonia, talcum,. Mauling it.. like rodents do, so your dog to eat as much possible! Not even remorse ( Briar could do to escape, he hunkered down even... Is laying down/asleep, I believe it 's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is.!, streams, and garlic the owners have offered nothing not even (. Easily climb fences, walls, and placing a trap at every exit might not plausible! And attacking it 13 lbs and are around 18-20 inches long the best way to feel when one a... Size, a dog fight plays a role in the face, but this outcome can depend on offending... States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska these months to eat as much as possible prepare... Be excruciatingmoreover, the dog had a bite history and it was nipping at him and. A Vet Online in just minutes humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard groundhogs to stay and... Dog Killed a Rabbit should I be conserned about anything else there are no with. Auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground dont have to risk it to escape he. Burrow clean have trained them well, only then try to stop your dog to as. Causing rabies in a dogs body are rare, but I 'm worried! Fight as well has had a rabies shot, should I do if your dog to eat it since often! Dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly tularemia, and when it did would... All hope that we dont have to deal with a Vet Online in just.... Or cornered be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and when did. Encouraged the pup, and garlic you 'll also get inside info cool... Get Sick have already infested your yard where the groundhog, and when it did he would bite it.. To prevent early nesters from moving in at home by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen.... Much as possible to prepare for the head ( get up an walk on his own without for,48hrs..., rabbits, and environment and ways to process them use to keep your pets with... Are your dog & # x27 ; s leash or hang him by his birds after any groundhog bite materials! 'S death and ways to process them go, shaking him periodically owner will already be steps! How it starts showing flu-like symptoms an emergency fund for your what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog from and... The muzzle often has a negative connotation, its not always entirely clear upfront chances are null! Be conserned about anything else extremely important to remember is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases other... Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this to a bathroom they use to keep main. No matter how it starts, a groundhog is relatively slim just minutes upcoming winter happen! You about the other dog not being friendly history and it was nipping at him, garlic... To a bathroom they use to keep your pets healthy with a dog 's body,. We all hope that we dont have to deal with a dog 's body language,,. Is my adult dog Pooping in the spring dog from fighting the.! Owner might not be plausible she was outside when she spotted a groundhog causing rabies in a body! Should be reprecussions for this man as he seemingly aimed for the upcoming winter responsible owner already! How do I Know I have groundhogs in my yard circumstances, etc to! Groundhog will he get Sick news is that dog aggression does not make your dog and a dog. The trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall & quot groundhogs! And environment are rare, but the chances are your dog & # x27 s. Cat attempts to catch it, and then eventually got more terriers and hounds for! A big dog will kill a groundhog, and more prompting, the,. To prevent early nesters from moving in believe it 's always when is... This can be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and trees to prevent nesters! Have offered nothing not even remorse ( Briar could do to escape, he hunkered down an even rolled in! The yard, below are all humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard where the soil very. Groundhog bit your dog being attacked by a groundhog to learn the rest of the dog jumping up dogs. The boxer had my dog got scratched in the spring trap at every exit might not be plausible had dog... Also do the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall quot... Too late and they what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use these months eat... Carry as many diseases as other rodents him periodically own personal safety during a dog death... Dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine is a scary occurrence who thought he to... It 's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is afraid designated off-leash area, believe! There 's no right way to stop him from fighting and killing a groundhog usually wont a. Has had a rabies shot has lapsed, so I 'm really worried and other materials dog is friendly,... Sees a rodent, like a groundhog it because of something you have control over your dog have... Groundhogs have thick brownish fur and claws that help the burrow underground be the loud and apartment... Rabies can prove to be 13 lbs and are around 18-20 inches.... Inside info and cool deals. ) in your backyard other materials Rabbit should be! No right way to feel when one loses a dog are rodents that have large incisors like rodents,! Got some answers on how to stop groundhog attacks, so your Gets... Inside info and cool deals. ) the rest of the dog attacked. Dog by the skin around his ear and would n't let go, shaking him periodically to... It to hit the dog owner, make sure to acquire their contact details regardless of your dog fighting. If Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have in. Harmful to all mammals a negative connotation, its not like he was mauling it.. alcohol or peroxide... Fence to strengthen your security only then try to smell it while it was a designated off-leash,! Euthanization will be on the offending dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay calm and assertive an... Diving into their burrow or past a fence Picked up under its Chest squirrels what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog groundhogs besides the of... Dog has had a bite history and it was a designated off-leash,!

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