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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! 9. I was walking my dog, around 4-5 year old German Shepherd, and he ran off after a groundhog in the distance. Your situation might be totally different (seniors, people with medical conditions, and so on). Ice Age: Continental Drift. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why I'm concerned. In most cases, groundhogs carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, transmitting to the dogs body during the attack. A large dog will kill a marmot, whereas a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. 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. Know what to do if your dog ends up in a fight. Luckily a passerby approached and I asked him to grab him and I was able to secure my dogs and then rang the after hours emergency number for the vet (public holiday). When others came to try to help her, the groundhog turned on them, too! While these tactics can work, you may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately isnt the goal. Archie's mostly fine. Groundhogs are also known as rabies carriers which can be transmitted to your dog through a bite. 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. Hope you'll be able to recover the cost and get your neighbor to take precautions from now on. This question typically depends on your dogs temperament. 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. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? 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. Over the last decades, they have gained in population after almost going extinct. Certain lines of breeds whose terrible breeders foster and feed traits such as aggression do exist too. 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. A groundhog usually won't win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. Groundhog bites can be deep enough to require stitches, and groundhogs often carry the rabies virus, so your dog will need a vaccination to prevent the spread. Separate Your Dog From The Carcass. Cougars & Mountain Lions. These symptoms will soon develop into something more serious, and your pet will start to hallucinate, and they can also experience insomnia and delirium. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? Therefore, it's very important to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. This is extremely important as you don't want your dog to eat it since groundhogs often carry infectious diseases. One of the most dangerous is clostridium botulinum, which is a preformed neurotoxin that can be found in dead animal carcasses. While its best to have situational awareness and spot potential threats early on, a surprise attack or just unlucky circumstances are always a possibility. If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. Even if your dog seems fine at the moment, you should check them over again in 10-20 minutes. If you become agitated, this may make your dog feel more worried. However, it can be argued this only works if you can safely grab your small dog without being bitten yourself. There are several things you can do to stop a dog attack on a cat, other animal or person. What if your dog defended himself and accidentally nibbed a human? Their huge, hardy claws and sharp teeth make for excellent weapons when fighting for their life. Its best to check out your local law, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or suing. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. What Do I Do If A Groundhog Bites My Dog? It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog. There are no breeds inherently predisposed to biting. 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. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. As we have already mentioned, groundhogs can transmit diseases such as rabies tularemia, and symptoms like insomnia, and hallucination can develop in your dog. Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. Theyre often spotted in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'thepupcrawl_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Initially, your dog might develop flu-like symptoms. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. Initially they were all off leash, but Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly. However, this can be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and placing a trap at every exit might not be plausible. 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. A police report was filed. In short, they eat money. 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. Hi Barbara, that sounds terrible, I'm sorry this happened to all dogs involved. Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this. Or perhaps spayed/neutered? If trapped or cornered, a beaver will attack a human. While rare, the effects of this disease can be serious. No waiting for appointments or office hours. This is what I really dont understand. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. As soon as you find out, you should take him to your vet for a quick checkup. If your dog finally manages to win the fight with a groundhog and kills it, then there is a huge possibility that your pet might have eaten it as well. The short answer is YES, you should. You can see groundhogs outside their burrows through late spring, summer, and early fall. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. 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. 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). 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. Groundhogs can climb and dig, making them a double threat. Try to avoid doing anything confrontational, such as staring her in the eye, standing over her, or invading her space. If your dog was attacked by another dog, its also important to get that owners information in case you need to speak with them about paying medical bills or filing a report in the future. Under normal circumstances, the owner might not be liable for the attack. 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. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. This method is most effective if a second person is available to grab the other dog. Groundhogs may be attracted to your yard if there are wood piles, leaf piles, or garbage cans/litter around the area. Skunk. 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. The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. Shouldn't the owner, knowing their dog is reactive have taken more precautions than just having it leashed? Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. 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. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. Anyone deal with this? Just Go With It. We have been told to even attempt to get any reimbursement for vet bills that it would have to be smalls claims for personal property as dogs are considered PP. 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 . 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. A groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) is an animal that belongs to the rodent family. He is not that big or strong but he is definitely stronger than me Im pretty weak and so I always walk him with a choker and a harness. The chance of a close encounter between your dog and a groundhog is relatively slim. I dont know anything about how rabies manifests in groundhogs, though. This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. Take your time and evaluate if its really necessary to report. When this animal has gone searching for food, pour castor oil inside the groundhogs burrows. But it turns out they have a very good reason to drag . But they wake up early for love. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a member of the squirrel family and are known to be common yard pests. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. This is also my first time posting here so sorry if I do anything wrong. It sounds as if you've struggled quite a lot with the dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. 1. 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?. 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. They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. What should you do if a dog attacks you? If a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog. Additional steps couldve been taken such as training your dog to wait as well as come back or using a safety harness. For more information, please see our 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. 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. Signs that your dog is having a panic attack can vary widely, but some of the most common symptoms are: Avoidance of or attempts to escape a situation. That's gross. All opinions remain our own. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. 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. . Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! (You'll also get inside info and cool deals.). Instead, they simply deter them from staying. Coordinate with the Authorities and the Dog Owner. Though I actually have no recollection of what they were doing when the attack took place. Then, if possible, gently wash and disinfect the bite site to help stop the infection from setting in. Little dog had surgery is OK. 3 Reasons Huskies Howl & What to Do About It. He attacked a groundhog, groundhog is still breathing, so we called animal control, but they didn't get back to us yet. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. Trembling. If the cat and the dog live inside together, a lifetime may . In many cases, it doesnt matter if the other dog escaped out a door, broke the leash, or was purposefully running off-leash. 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. 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. Shouldn't the apartment complex had signs up to close gates? You should never pick up your dog in an effort to protect them, as this will encourage the attacking dog to leap at you. 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. Theyre also humane as they dont hurt the groundhogs. A burrow typically consists of the main burrow and several separate tunnels that lead to other entrances and exits. At the very least, there should be reprecussions for this man as he seemingly aimed for the head (? 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. Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security. 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. Face the dog and command, "back away." If the dog continues to behave aggressively, and ignoring or pacifying him is no longer working, face him and sternly command him to leave. Witnesses? They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. 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). Instead, you can use the suggested repellents below to guide the groundhog toward the trap that youve placed in front of the exit. Depending on your local law, you shouldnt count on that though, especially if you have a breed thats affected by breed-specific legislation. Lets get started! 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. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? Dogs in the middle of a dog fight dont pay close attention if they are biting the other dog or if they are accidentally biting a human. You can also treat your dogs wounds at home by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. So, are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? One of the most important tools to consider in managing a dog that has the potential to bite is a muzzle. Groundhogs are smaller in size compared to dogs. Theyre notorious for burrowing in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and more. Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. You can always try filing a claim but your neighbor might end up fighting it and I'm not sure what your options are or if you have any financial aid. 16) Stick your fingers down your dog's throat to discourage nipping. If your dog killed an infected groundhog, it is very much possible that the infection passed on to your dog. Dog-on-dog attacks are happening across Melbourne more often than people think. Should I Be Worried? A bear kills its prey by biting into the animal's neck or even crunching down on its neck. It's always when he is laying down/asleep, I believe it's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is afraid. What happens to that dog from now and the reimbursement of your vet bills really depends on your local law. Fortunately, dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay away. Rat. He has now been snappy towards our 1 yr old Texas heeler an our cats. They mainly eat clover and alfalfa but also dine on grass, weeds, dandelion greens, and other herbs, fruits, and veggies. Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. Cases look entirely different if humans were involved. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. Typically groundhogs avoid confrontation and prefer to flee rather than fight, but there are instances where a groundhog fights back. Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog. None. Their holes can be 8-12 inches in size. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. Train Her Using a Stuffed Animal. Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which dog pee (and most pee) is full of. If the dog had a bite history and it was a designated off-leash area, I agree that the dog should've been muzzled. 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. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? The chances are your dog will not get rabies from a groundhog. A Guide to Pet-Friendly Retailers (2022). When a big dog attacks a small dog, picking them up and shielding them with your arms while turning to one side (avoiding eye contact) and staying calm is the safest way to deal with this situation. As mentioned earlier, groundhogs carry the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. Tularemia: Although rare, tularemia ( also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever) affects the eyes, skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have to risk being bitten. However, if your dog manages to corner or trap a groundhog, they will most likely fight back. Groundhogs are excellent climbers, just like their tiny cousins, so it might not seem like a wire fence with holes up to three inches will stop them. How Stella Got Her Groove Back. I'm really sorry all that happened, it's a difficult situation if your dog is attacked, even more so if it's on your own property and your dog is cornered. Usually, this only happens in cases where the owner was extremely negligent and knew their dog was aggressive but allowed another attack to happen. 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. That can cause several diseases in dogs be afraid to ask them to leash their dog reactive... 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