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. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. When others came to try to help her, the groundhog turned on them, too! Groundhogs hibernate from late fall for roughly three months, then wake up when it's still quite cold. You may have just stumbled upon a rescue dog who is exactly that. Its extremely important to remember your own personal safety during a dog fight as well. If youre on the receiving end, talk to the other party. 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. 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 . What To Do If a Dog Bites You: Steps To Take Immediately. 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. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. But oftentimes there have been subtle signs prior to the attack. Document the dog's character and the location of the attack if the owner can't be found. Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. Some of the breeds are small, whereas some others are quite large. Are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? Over the last decades, they have gained in population after almost going extinct. 5. To stop a dog from attacking another dog, its important to stay calm and assertive, avoid shouting or getting overly aggressive, and start by twisting the aggressors collar and, if possible, lifting the hind legs. Beau and Megs and the other boxer did not join in the attack at any point. Yes, it is possible to get rabies from a groundhog, if it bit your dog. 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. Why Does My Dog Have A Pink Spot On His Lip? Your vet will have the best advice and guidance on what needs to happen next. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. Groundhog size. Snakebites . Groundhogs are extremely prevalent in the north-central and eastern parts of the United States. Groundhogs mostly live in filthy places and, because of that, carry a lot of microbes with them. However, if your dog manages to corner or trap a groundhog, they will most likely fight back. If bitten by a groundhog, gently wash and disinfect the bite site. 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. This question typically depends on your dogs temperament. Groundhogs are known carriers of the virus, which causes flu-like symptoms that progress into delirium, hallucinations, and insomnia. The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2022. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? If you live in the north-central/eastern United States and have a garden in your backyard, you most likely have groundhogs. Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Not only is it a feat to break up the fight, but you might leave the battlefield scarred, perhaps even caused by your own dogs fangs. 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. You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. Do I HAVE to take him for a checkup? 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. Groundhogs can climb and dig, making them a double threat. 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. Know what to do if your dog ends up in a fight. 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. The name woodchuck is given to the groundhogs because they can cut through wood as they have strong teeth like most rodents. 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. Dangers of Groundhog Bites One of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites is the transmission of rabies. Groundhogs are very defensive about their burrows, and trying to dig into the burrow is likely to aggravate the groundhog to attack, and they do have large front teeth that can deliver a nasty bite. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? What if your breed falls under breed-specific legislation? Was one of them a recent addition? All dogs have a varying potential to bite. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. Punctures dont usually start bleeding right away, and you may notice them after theyve had some time to form. Witnesses? Watching your dogs body language and especially the tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind. Woodchucks occasionally eat meat in the form of birds' eggs, grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, june bugs, and larvae (immature form of insect . Then, your pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is and can even cause harm to you. Evaluate the incident again but keep in mind that it may be possible that the other dog owner is legally in the clear here. Your dog could be infected with a disease or parasite that was carried by the groundhog. Please make sure that there is an emergency fund for your dog in the future. As responsible owners, its our job to be physically and mentally prepared for these situations and at least try our best. Answered by Dr Lajos in 57 mins 13 years ago. If trapped or cornered, a beaver will attack a human. 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. If your dog is small, place them in a wash basket or box lined with a blanket or towel. Expert's Assistant chat. Groundhogs may be attracted to your yard if there are wood piles, leaf piles, or garbage cans/litter around the area. My Dog Killed a Groundhog Should I Be Worried? Sometimes, your dog can be the problem too: Why Do Dogs Kill Kittens? The chances of the groundhog even having rabies to begin with are quite low. I actually prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past. These symptoms will soon develop into something more serious, and your pet will start to hallucinate, and they can also experience insomnia and delirium. Depending on your local law, you shouldnt count on that though, especially if you have a breed thats affected by breed-specific legislation. However, they will stand their ground and confront a threat. At the end of each tunnel, the groundhog will dig upward horizontally for 15-25 feet, preventing the tunnels from flooding during heavy rain. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. What to do if your dog is attacked Try to put a barrier between the dogs or distract the attacking dog's attention with something like a stick. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. This is what I really dont understand. 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?. Surely the culpability for the incident is shared? Get a squeaky toy that looks like a rat or a stuffed animal that resembles the animal your dog loves to chase. The short answer is YES, you should. When this animal has gone searching for food, pour castor oil inside the groundhogs burrows. The options below are all humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. Regardless of your dogs size, a groundhog can do some severe damage if they decide to fight back. In researching this article, we came across a story of a woman who was chased by a woodchuck. Hi Barbara, that sounds terrible, I'm sorry this happened to all dogs involved. 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. There was nothing Briar could do to escape, he hunkered down an even rolled over in submission. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Traps for Catching: Catching traps are available in the market by using which you can catch the groundhog that is bothering you. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. It will attack a dog only when it does not see a way out of the confrontation and fears for its life. In case an off-leash dog attacked your dog, you should break up the fight as quickly as possible and evaluate whether or not the dog should have been supposed to be leashed in that area, and then take it from there. Make sure your yard is groundhog clear before installing fencing. Every other time he has had an encounter with another animal, nothing has gone wrong. My mother is in the hospital right now and I fear the day we see the bill. 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. Any advice on helping his recovery an of its worth trying to get reimbursed for the vet bills? This is extremely important as you don't want your dog to eat it since groundhogs often carry infectious diseases. The owners have offered nothing not even remorse ( Briar couldn't get up an walk on his own without help for,48hrs +). The Ides of March. Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have to risk being bitten. When cornered, a groundhog can become fierce. 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. They also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas. Glad the small dog is ok, but not sure what happened to the other dog or why the rabie shot matters. 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. She screamed at me to get my other dog away, (I was trying to put Archie on the lead at the time and Beau (my 3 yo) was getting too close. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. A large dog will kill a marmot, whereas a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. As soon as you find out, you should take him to your vet for a quick checkup. Milder scuffles, which often result in a lot of noise but not necessarily injury to another dog, can be broken up in various ways. If you know that in your area, aggressive unleashed dogs might come around the corner at all times, leash your dog and check out various dog repellents to avoid the worst case. 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. Groundhog bites can prove to be fatal for your pet as they are equally dangerous for animals as they are for humans. You don't have to confuse the names marmots and groundhogs because to all intents and purposes groundhogs are marmots. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. 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. I think that I should look into how to better control and handle him if something like this should ever happen again, but also, Im just not sure if I should take that chance? In fall, groundhogs also eat roots, leaves, barks, and twigs of trees as plants become scarce though they prefer plants and vegetables. The 2 dogs penned him inside of the large shelter we have in our kennel. 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 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. 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. 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. The local authorities will need to contact the pet owner to determine if the dog has been vaccinated. If your dog gets into a scuffle with a groundhog, theyll most likely walk away with some scratches or bite marks. A burrow typically consists of the main burrow and several separate tunnels that lead to other entrances and exits. While thats true most of the time, it can definitely backfire. It can be a bite, and there are also several other means by which this disease can spread. These critters can easily climb fences, walls, and trees. Is the Kong Classic the Best Dog Toy Ever? etc. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. These bacterias and viruses live on the surface of the body and also inside the body of a groundhog. 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. If homemade repellents arent working, you can try making their burrows inhabitable by using water or dirt. 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. 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. Don't kick the dogs or put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage them to bite harder 3. This occurs in many cases where an owner believes that by displaying aggressive behavior, their dog is being bad. 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. When you bring a dog into your house, you have to be more responsible from that moment. However, this can be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and placing a trap at every exit might not be plausible. The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. Hi there. 2. Was it an appropriate and measured response? Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Has your dog eaten a groundhog? Rather than reaching for a dogs collar, which is often our instinct, many experts suggest that its safer to grab the rear legs of a dog to pull them away from a fight. Rabies vaccinations are usually effective for much longer than the minimum requirements. 16) Stick your fingers down your dog's throat to discourage nipping. 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. 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. Some woodchucks are also aggressive. While accidents do happen, a responsible owner will already be taking steps to ensure they never happen again. Adult males can grow to be 13 lbs and are around 18-20 inches long. 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. As mentioned earlier, groundhogs carry the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. My Dog Died and I Feel Empty. If your dog was attacked by another dog, the aggressors owner should offer to pay for veterinary care and if you want to report a negligent or even intentional attack, local authorities will most likely act, depending on the severity and local law. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. 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. The major problems that they cause are the large holes they dig and the damage that occurs from this animal. These are rodents that have large front teeth, which are used to cause damage to wood and other materials. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. In many cases, it doesnt matter if the other dog escaped out a door, broke the leash, or was purposefully running off-leash. 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. 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. Tularemia: Although rare, tularemia ( also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever) affects the eyes, skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. 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. Aggression and biting. Local leash law varies quite a bit and there are differences between the inner city, parks, designated forest paths, or a dog park where leashing may not even be required. 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). Our 2yr old Texas Heeler ( Australian Shepherd/blue heeler) was attacked about 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls. They all involve a level of risk. You can also fill the tunnels with dirt. Just Go With It. . Unfortunately the state of WV has a 1 bite law ( humans) that gives the dogs another chance. Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family. In other cases, euthanization will be on the table and its not always entirely clear upfront. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why I'm concerned. 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. 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. 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. Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. We look at the emotions following a dog's death and ways to process them. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. Pouring Castor Oil: Another way to keep the groundhogs away from your pet is to destroy the places where these animals live. Its always wise to leash your own dog. Train Her Using a Stuffed Animal. Use a strong, deep, and confident commanding voice. It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. Multiple raised dirt mounds in your yard. However, its the unfortunate reality that not everyone takes dog aggression seriously and will turn a blind eye to their dogs behavior. At the very least, there should be reprecussions for this man as he seemingly aimed for the head (? Urination or defecation. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Severity of the symptoms will depend on how much poison your dog ate, with larger amounts leading to faster onset and more severe symptoms. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. All opinions remain our own. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. 9. These rather big predators are also known as the Pumas. In short, they eat money. They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. Some of the common signs of groundhog activity are: Groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows. However, you'd need to consult a lawyer. Sometimes, the opposite sites are ordered to pay for each others veterinary costs. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. thank you very much for responding. I'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges. Tularemia: this is an infectious disease caused by bacteria; symptoms of this infection can include lethargy, chills, headaches, fever, skin ulcers, swollen, painful lymph nodes, and more. Thank you for reading our article. 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. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. If you plan on using repellents, ensure there is an exit route for the groundhogs to follow out of your yard. Signs to watch out for include unsteadiness, weakness, muscle tremors, over-excitability, paddling motions of the limbs, depression, vomiting, high fever, leg stiffness, and seizures. Although related to ground squirrels, they grow to be much larger about 2 feet in length and 10 pounds in weight. Groundhogs are true hibernators, which means they stay in their burrows during cold months to sleep through the winter. Dogs have not always been domesticated animals. There are different breeds of dogs that you can have in your home as a pet. 1. You can use a cage or humane trap to catch the groundhog, then release them far away from your neighborhood. Dachshunds were bred to go down the burrow of badgers. 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. 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. They are herbivorous animals and usually eat grass, leaves, and selective fruits. Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. Cases look entirely different if humans were involved. Providing advice, opinion, humor, information, and product reviews. 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(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. Sharing a passion for dogs and helping owners to solve problems through understanding canine behavior and modification is my number one goal. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. 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). I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. Gross and ridiculous. Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. Along with other types of smaller mammals like possums and groundhogs, raccoons are considered vermin by most insurance companies. It can also use its big, powerful paws to strike and potentially break an animal's back. It depends on a lot of factors that make prediction hard. Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. Sprinkle Epsom salts all around the entry and exit points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of the house. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. The good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents. Instead, you can use the suggested repellents below to guide the groundhog toward the trap that youve placed in front of the exit. Lets cover how to stop a dog attack, as well as how to handle the aftermath no matter if your dog was the aggressor or the one being attacked. 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. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog.
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