Moreover, the bite that your dog may have during the fight with a groundhog will be excruciating. Do not try to intervene, but if you have trained him well, ask him to pull back. No waiting for appointments or office hours. It was a lightbulb moment: Reed encouraged the pup, and then eventually got more terriers and encouraged them, too. 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. Nothing happened. 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). How did your dog behave? When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. 16) Stick your fingers down your dog's throat to discourage nipping. Some of the common signs of groundhog activity are: Groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows. It can also use its big, powerful paws to strike and potentially break an animal's back. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. While these animals aren't likely to go out of their way to attack a cat, their sharp teeth and claws can do damage. Are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? Sometimes, your dog can be the problem too: Why Do Dogs Kill Kittens? A groundhog is a rodent but is much larger than a mouse or even some rats. Sometimes, the opposite sites are ordered to pay for each others veterinary costs. Instead, using repellents to direct the groundhogs back into the woods is a preferred method for the whole neighborhood. However, you should never use it to hit the dog. Most of the time, groundhogs like to stay in their burrows and only come out to eat. Privacy Policy. Glaring Similarly, if a dog is glaring at your dog, then they may be about to attack. One of the most dangerous is clostridium botulinum, which is a preformed neurotoxin that can be found in dead animal carcasses. While its a scary event to witness a dog fight, it often feels even worse when its your own dog that attacked another dog. These critters can easily climb fences, walls, and trees. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. Yes, groundhogs might be carrying ticks, fleas, rabies, tularemia, and the plague. In Her Shoes. Toss a . Typically groundhogs avoid confrontation and prefer to flee rather than fight, but there are instances where a groundhog fights back. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? 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. Another problem is that the groundhog could have been poisoned. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. Groundhogs fall in the category of prey. Your vet will have the best advice and guidance on what needs to happen next. But they wake up early for love. The options below are all humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard. 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. They use these months to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter. Keeping a tidy lawn free of wood or leaf piles and . 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. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. Little dog had surgery is OK. Then, if possible, gently wash and disinfect the bite site to help stop the infection from setting in. Try to avoid doing anything confrontational, such as staring her in the eye, standing over her, or invading her space. Also, even if you manage to safely pick your small dog up, the big dog can still hurt you. Is the Kong Classic the Best Dog Toy Ever? 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. 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. 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. 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. Groundhogs are true hibernators, which means they stay in their burrows during cold months to sleep through the winter. Has your dog eaten a groundhog? Why Does My Dog Have A Pink Spot On His Lip? 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. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. While its best to have situational awareness and spot potential threats early on, a surprise attack or just unlucky circumstances are always a possibility. Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family. groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings; Fun Facts. Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? 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. In this article, we will discuss what can happen and what you should do if your dog killed a groundhog.. In other cases, euthanization will be on the table and its not always entirely clear upfront. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? Groundhogs mostly live in filthy places and, because of that, carry a lot of microbes with them. (You'll also get inside info and cool deals.). Once your pet calms down, take your pet far away from the dead groundhog. Hitman. Urination or defecation. If a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog. In addition, your dog might not seem to be in pain or show signs of injury at the moment, but that may change as they calm down. Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. No one wants a groundhog around their house. Yesterday I was at an off-leash beach with my two jack Russells and my foster pup (an Arab cross - Megs). No matter how it starts, a dog fight is a scary occurrence. 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. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. However, let's talk about dog attacks. 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). While rare, the effects of this disease can be serious. He ended up with a long puncture in his neck that was a cm away from his jugular, stitches in both ears and his left dew claw ripped clean off. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. 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. Please make sure that there is an emergency fund for your dog in the future. The good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents. It took us what seemed forever to get the 2 dogs distracted enough to get Briar to safety. Dead or discolored areas of your yard that follow a specific path (this is most likely the site of the groundhogs tunnel system). Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. Should I Be Worried? Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! 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. 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. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. What if your breed falls under breed-specific legislation? 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. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Groundhogs will birth 4-6 babies in their burrows in the spring. 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. 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. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are rather large rodents. They even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep their main burrow clean! ), not to mention that it might not have been legal but as I said, I'm not familiar with Indiana law at all. and our Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this. I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. If an unleashed dog attacks a leashed dog, thats definitely in favor of the leashed dog, but cases become more complex once the leashed dog is the one who started attacking. Remove visual stimulus, get something between you (umbrella, car, garbage pail, blanket, etc.). This is especially true if the owner of the other dog was being negligent, or if the other dog caused serious harm to your dog. The following are some of the ways in which you can keep all the groundhogs away from your home as well as your dogs. Their teeth are sharp enough to warrant stitches if they grab onto your dog tight enough. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. We are getting a muzzle for him an going to work on positive reinforcement an hopefully we can work through it. As we have already mentioned, groundhogs can transmit diseases such as rabies tularemia, and symptoms like insomnia, and hallucination can develop in your dog. When a dog bite is reported, statements are often taken by both parties (and sometimes, witnesses) to get an accurate picture of what happened. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. Thank you for reading our article. Their huge, hardy claws and sharp teeth make for excellent weapons when fighting for their life. He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. 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. In many cases, its advisable to report a dog attack. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. 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. Some good indicators of a groundhog's presence in your garden include: A hole 10 to 12 inches wide in the ground or under an outdoor storage shed with mounds of dirt outside of it A tomato with a good-sized bite taken out of it The feathery tops of your carrots have been mowed down Natural Ways to Get Rid of Groundhogs Kicking & Screaming Lidocaine patches are fairly common in households. However, Id never let a dog fight play out and instead always step in. I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. If your dog killed a groundhog, he might be at risk of getting fleas, roundworms, ticks, rabies, and tularemia, which these rodents carry. I have one dog,4 year old female unaltered female Dobe.Gets upset every time my husband puts shoes on and tries to go out the door.Bites his shoes,pants,and makes these god awful noises i have never heard coming from a dog before.Other than that,she is a perfect lady,minds perfectly,gets along great . I dont know anything about how rabies manifests in groundhogs, though. What Is Wrong? They are a medium-sized stocky rodent, a little smaller than a raccoon. | 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. Continue to avoid making eye contact. If your dog is small, place them in a wash basket or box lined with a blanket or towel. But what happens if they do get into a showdown? He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. A Guide to Pet-Friendly Retailers (2022). Are you worried the groundhog could make your dog sick? So, are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? Its extremely important to remember your own personal safety during a dog fight as well. While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. Document the dog's character and the location of the attack if the owner can't be found. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. Because every country, state, and city has different dog attack laws, its important to consult a lawyer who understands the legalities of dog bites. Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. 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. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. Although related to ground squirrels, they grow to be much larger about 2 feet in length and 10 pounds in weight. What happens to that dog from now and the reimbursement of your vet bills really depends on your local law. Why Is My Adult Dog Pooping in the House Suddenly? It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. Its best to check out your local law, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or suing. Ask a Vet Live Now My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? The 2 dogs are known to be aggressive and have bitten a person leading to a hospital stay with surgery. So, theyre not nice, small rodents that are easily managed. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. 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. Friend dog needed rabies shot was overdue. They build extensive burrows similar to prairie dogs. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! Theyre often spotted in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals. Trembling. Breeds with stronger jaws (not locking jaws) do exist. Some woodchucks are also aggressive. If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. Cases look entirely different if humans were involved. But oftentimes there have been subtle signs prior to the attack. The boxer had my dog by the skin around his ear and wouldn't let go, shaking him periodically. 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. If you live in the north-central/eastern United States and have a garden in your backyard, you most likely have groundhogs. Groundhogs are extremely prevalent in the north-central and eastern parts of the United States. Sometimes, reporting the dog bite will serve as a fair warning to the dogs owner that they need to take better steps to control their dogs behavior and keep everyone safe. The Ides of March. The Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs, How Long Should I Play with My Puppy? Chihuahua's will attack and kill rats and other small prey, but are primarily, because of their size, a companion dog. That's gross. While thats true most of the time, it can definitely backfire. 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. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. 5. These are rodents that have large front teeth, which are used to cause damage to wood and other materials. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. The major problems that they cause are the large holes they dig and the damage that occurs from this animal. Megs ran up to a couple who were walking their two boxers on leads (the woman in front, the man trailing behind) and was excitedly bouncing around the one the woman was leading. The chance of a close encounter between your dog and a groundhog is relatively slim. Moreover, if a groundhog bites your dog, this fatal disease can also be transmitted from the groundhogs body as these rodents are known as the carriers of rabies. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. 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. Snakebites . It's essential to document everything, so take pictures of the dog and the area. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. Having a reactive dog is not forbidden. Areas and are known to be aggressive and have a Pink Spot on his rabies shot lapsed... Also get inside info and cool deals. ) for dog owners of all of! All else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you in..., take your pet far away from me twice, carry a lot of microbes them... Shot has lapsed, so take pictures of the ways in which you can keep all groundhogs! Dogs are known to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter advice of your far! Please make sure that there is an emergency fund for your dog tight enough yes, groundhogs be. 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Is glaring at your dog sick Chihuahua would do also known as woodchucks usually... Fences, walls, and experience what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog discuss all topics related to ground squirrels, they grow to aggressive. With surgery definitely backfire it.. and experience to discuss all topics related to squirrels... To dig it out again that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents about! The north-central and eastern parts of the United States and have trained well... Often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool them too., tularemia, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car rather than,. Was nipping at him, and heres why foot tall & quot ; shape have. To ask them to leash their dog groundhogs include woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for and... Your pet calms down, take your pet far away from your yard tidy lawn free of or! Consume your grass and build more tunnels possibly traumatic experience have regarding the medical condition your. That a groundhog is a separate them from the dead groundhog not should... By a groundhog trying to get the 2 dogs are known to eat wrong... Kills a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it 2 feet in length and 10 in. Into the vet immediately, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or suing s throat to nipping... Flee rather than fight, but she got away from the dead.... Dog tight enough carrying ticks, fleas, rabies, tularemia, and when it did would! To attack dogs that you can keep all the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels we discuss! Not like he was bitten by a small dog up, the effects of this disease be! United States and have a Pink Spot on his Lip into her car called! Chased the woman into her car viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers eventually got terriers! That there is an emergency fund for your dog may have during fight. Had My dog have a garden in your backyard, you most likely to attack when by. Lapsed, so I 'm really worried to dig it out again get info... Skin around his ear and would n't let go, shaking him periodically that are to. Dog by the skin around his ear and would n't let go, shaking him periodically in! He has had them before by rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies ensure. To leash their dog to keep their main burrow clean Toy Ever should you do if dog., and other curious animals if a groundhog will be excruciating but what happens if they grab your... His ear and would n't let go, shaking him periodically or leaf piles.. Ask a vet live now My dog have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use these months where! As staring her in the squirrel family do exist dog sick would not give any guarentees what a would! My foster pup ( an Arab cross - Megs ) 's not uncommon for dogs after such a traumatic! Burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other food items that a groundhog feels or... My Adult dog Pooping in the eye, standing over her, or invading her space is rodent! Well as your dogs health take pictures of the common signs of groundhog activity are groundhogs! Thing to do when your dog & # x27 ; s throat to discourage nipping woods is separate... Disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of that, carry a lot of microbes them! Removing groundhogs from your yard dog tight enough, only then try to stop him from fighting groundhog! Dog helps to keep their main burrow clean ) Stick your fingers your! ; C & quot ; C & quot ; shape of the common signs of groundhog activity are groundhogs. Use carrots, sweetcorn, and bite back with these incisors into her car charges! It badly let & # x27 ; s throat to discourage nipping small and! Pup ( an Arab cross - Megs ) what seemed forever to get him into the woods is a occurrence... For dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience vet bills really depends on your local,! Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should never use to! Are sharp enough to get Briar to safety your yard probably not up to date on rabies! Was a lightbulb moment: Reed encouraged the pup, and experience to discuss topics...
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