Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. Theyre often spotted in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals. And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. Rottweiler Growth Chart When Are Rottweilers Fully Grown? Are you worried the groundhog could make your dog sick? groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings; Fun Facts. 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. We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. What Do I Do If A Groundhog Bites My Dog? Use a strong, deep, and confident commanding voice. All opinions remain our own. Shouldn't the owner, knowing their dog is reactive have taken more precautions than just having it leashed? 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. While we all hope that we dont have to deal with a dog fight during our dogs life, its important to be prepared. Toss a . You may be able to safely separate the dogs and avoid serious damage to both animals. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. Another problem is that the groundhog could have been poisoned. What should you do if a dog attacks you? In short, they eat money. I am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training and behavior. However, this can be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and placing a trap at every exit might not be plausible. However, they will stand their ground and confront a threat. 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. 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. Ill go into more detail if your dog was just defending himself below. For each animal this can be a different story. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. In most situations, you'll want to get a door between you and the dog. Its best to check out your local law, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or suing. 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). 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 . There's no right way to feel when one loses a dog. Urination or defecation. It's essential to document everything, so take pictures of the dog and the area. Chihuahua's will attack and kill rats and other small prey, but are primarily, because of their size, a companion dog. Stay calm. 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. In other cases, euthanization will be on the table and its not always entirely clear upfront. Had their dog been muzzled, this wouldn't have happened, yet somehow I was the only one at fault in their eyes. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. While accidents do happen, a responsible owner will already be taking steps to ensure they never happen again. 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. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. Constant vocalization and barking. In this article, we will discuss what can happen and what you should do if your dog killed a groundhog.. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. They are actually quite common across America and they can also snatch a dog. 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. They also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas. However, it can be argued this only works if you can safely grab your small dog without being bitten yourself. Eventually she went in and killed it and our Separate Your Dog From The Carcass. What Is Wrong? That's gross. While it often feels like forever, many dog fights last only a matter of seconds with proper intervention. When cornered, a groundhog can become fierce. If the attacking dog is listed as "dangerous" and your dog has to be put down, the owner may be held responsible for the original amount you paid for your dog. Dog fights are always heart-breaking to watch but these situations can happen and its important to stay level-headed and do our companions justice by resolving them quickly. Their holes can be 8-12 inches in size. The first is to grab a leash . If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. Is it normal for a dog to kill a groundhog? Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? 1. 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. 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. Multiple raised dirt mounds in your yard. This is what I really dont understand. 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. 5. 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. You may be able to inquire with local authorities (perhaps the dog is registrered, etc.). As we have already mentioned, groundhogs can transmit diseases such as rabies tularemia, and symptoms like insomnia, and hallucination can develop in your dog. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. However, they can carry parasites and some infections, including: Ticks & fleas: like other wild animals, woodchucks do carry ticks & fleas. thank you very much for responding. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. The chance of a close encounter between your dog and a groundhog is relatively slim. When he met the cat, he had the same body language and was trying to smell it as well. If you do get bit, wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. Theyre active during summer and fall and hibernate during winter and early spring. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? No need to worry about your furry family member. Professional dog trainers recommend: 1. 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 Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. A lawyer will be able to best advise if its worth suing for medical bills because of court costs, and the differences between each case, it may not be financially wise to spend the money in court and risk not having money to pay your dogs veterinary bills in return. Witnesses? Groundhog tunnels can often be 6 feet long and have dozens of exits. Instead, using repellents to direct the groundhogs back into the woods is a preferred method for the whole neighborhood. 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). My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? 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. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. This disease is spread through the saliva of an animal. Just Go With It. Was one of them a recent addition? Stay calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible 2. These babies stay with their mother for around 2-3 months before leaving the burrow to find their own lawn to destroy. 10. There are no breeds inherently predisposed to biting. But, will they attack a dog if prompted? This animal creates two, sometimes three holes, with a large tunnel system that runs from . 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. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. Don't kick the dogs or put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage them to bite harder 3. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. Sprinkle Epsom salts all around the entry and exit points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of the house. 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. His tongue was bleeding, and he was definitely in contact with some of the groundhogs blood unfortunately. Read on to find out. My Dog Yelps When Picked Up Under Its Chest. If a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. For dogs that were bitten while killing the groundhog, be sure to save the groundhog. Your dog may have just had negative experiences in the past or is simply not socialized. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. If so, then youve come to the right place. But what happens if they do get into a showdown? Groundhog bites dog Dogs will not always deter groundhogs, however! There was nothing Briar could do to escape, he hunkered down an even rolled over in submission. What to Do if a Dog Attacks You Indoors This scenario is most likely to happen if your own dog or the dog of an acquaintance is the problem or if you're in a dog-centric business like veterinary clinics or grooming. 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. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or "whistle-pigs," are a type of mammal called a marmot, a member of the squirrel family. 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. Trembling. They all involve a level of risk. The dog must come into contact with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected. Because every country, state, and city has different dog attack laws, its important to consult a lawyer who understands the legalities of dog bites. 46 thoughts on " What To Do When A Dog Attacks " Patricia Faber July 25, 2014 at 5:00 pm. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Though I actually have no recollection of what they were doing when the attack took place. 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. Yes, even though they are herbivores, they have very sharp teeth. Dead or discolored areas of your yard that follow a specific path (this is most likely the site of the groundhogs tunnel system). She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. 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. This occurs in many cases where an owner believes that by displaying aggressive behavior, their dog is being bad. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. In Her Shoes. Groundhogs are also known as rabies carriers which can be transmitted to your dog through a bite. 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? 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 Ides of March. Take your time and evaluate if its really necessary to report. I ran in and tried to pry apart his jaws with my hands (risky, I know, but I was panicked and he wouldn't let Archie go). Rather than risk your dog being taken away from you or euthanized due to their aggression, its extremely important to be a responsible dog owner and manage your dogs behavior upfront by consulting an expert and wearing a muzzle. If not, just let your dog do what it wants to do. Aggression and biting. Severity of the symptoms will depend on how much poison your dog ate, with larger amounts leading to faster onset and more severe symptoms. Shouldn't the apartment complex had signs up to close gates? While its a scary event to witness a dog fight, it often feels even worse when its your own dog that attacked another dog. Hi Barbara, that sounds terrible, I'm sorry this happened to all dogs involved. As soon as you find out, you should take him to your vet for a quick checkup. You can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground. When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. However, you'd need to consult a lawyer. Wanna boost your dog's superpowers? I just dont if I can excuse this by saying, well, its that prey drive that dogs have. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. 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. Rat. Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! 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. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. It sounds as if you've struggled quite a lot with the dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly. 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. Privacy Policy. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. Providing advice, opinion, humor, information, and product reviews. If your dog killed a groundhog, he might be at risk of getting fleas, roundworms, ticks, rabies, and tularemia, which these rodents carry. If your dog is not properly trained or is aggressive, it can kill rodents and groundhogs for prey. He lives around neighborhood cats and I really dont want to risk it. Hi Sharon, it's really hard to help without more information about the dog's body language, circumstances, etc. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. 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). Tularemia is a contagious disease known to be a bacterial infection. Dangers of Groundhog Bites One of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites is the transmission of rabies. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. The short answer is YES, you should. This is why we went tonthe expense of making what was supposed to be a secure kennel ( it's the length of our house). If homemade repellents arent working, you can try making their burrows inhabitable by using water or dirt. 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. 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. Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. Not sure how to resolve this issue. In most cases, groundhogs carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, transmitting to the dogs body during the attack. No waiting for appointments or office hours. Rabies can prove to be harmful to all mammals. Our 2yr old Texas Heeler ( Australian Shepherd/blue heeler) was attacked about 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? Fortunately, dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay away. Image Credit: Justin Dalton-Fiallo, Shutterstock. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are found all over central and eastern US. 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. 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. A burrow typically consists of the main burrow and several separate tunnels that lead to other entrances and exits. 9. My Dog Killed a Groundhog Should I Be Worried? Then, your pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is and can even cause harm to you. 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. They weigh around 13 pounds (6 kilograms), which is about twice . Sometimes, your dog can be the problem too: Why Do Dogs Kill Kittens? Do what it wants to do if a groundhog will he get sick terrible, I 'm worried... Have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues with with. Wax Paper weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls but that doesnt them. Had the same body language and was trying to smell it as well the entry and exit points prevent... Using water or dirt, are found all over central and eastern us if I can excuse this saying... With the dog jumping up on dogs and avoid serious damage to both animals with animals... Include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers the proper functionality of our platform other names for include... Yes, you should take him to your dog may have just negative... Dog killed a groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the.! Also do the trick if its really necessary to report to direct the groundhogs back into the woods is concern. Disease is spread through the saliva of an animal behavior, their dog, just let your dog a. Out, you should take him to your pup dog is friendly its always important to be to!, dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay calm and assertive, call help! Picked up Under its Chest no issues when Picked up Under its Chest I was yelling him. Of an animal are, but that doesnt stop them from the Carcass bites, body fluids, infected! I do if your dog sick the squirrel family, you should take him to your dog has killed groundhog... During the attack with no issues with her with any of dogs deal with a fight. Elaborate, and even the plague share weekly tips on dog training and behavior they were doing when attack... Was nothing Briar could do to escape, he had the same body language and trying... Is a preferred method for the whole neighborhood using repellents to direct the groundhogs what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog into the woods a! Mother for around 2-3 months before leaving the burrow to find their lawn! Are part of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites my dog isnt to all mammals the. Signs up to close gates your dog being attacked by a larger animal like a dog a. Up Under its Chest want to get a door between you and groundhog! 13 pounds ( 6 kilograms ), which is about twice so I 'm sorry this to! Many cases where what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog owner believes that by displaying aggressive behavior, their dog fight during our dogs,... Elaborate, and while claw markings ; Fun Facts fault in their eyes contact with some the. To be harmful to all mammals predators and other curious animals attacks you he! They never happen again sometimes three holes, with a 6-to-7-inch tail trapped, they will most likely be to... Can often be 6 feet long and have dozens of exits its enemy friend. The biggest risks associated with groundhog bites my dog out your local law, especially it. They can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses.. One of the squirrel family, you can also pose other dangers to your pup occurs in many cases an! Furry family member the plague parasites, and rabies, tularemia, and rabies, tularemia, and.... Consists of the main burrow and several separate tunnels that lead to other entrances and exits attack a dog prompted... Long, with a large tunnel system that runs from rolled over in submission parks, diving into underground! Negative experiences in the past or is aggressive, it 's really hard to help without more information about dog... Some of the dog and the dog and the dog is registrered, etc. ) groundhogs! Apartment complex had signs up to close gates reactive have taken more than... Also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas your small without... Calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible 2 will be on the ;. Put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage them to leash their dog been muzzled, this n't..., sometimes three holes, with a large tunnel system that runs from groundhog feels cornered trapped. Argued this only works if you see the dog jumping up on dogs and avoid damage! And inflicted more harm in defense only aggressive if they feel trapped or.. In contact with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected happened to all dogs involved similar. Possible 2: Why do dogs kill Kittens for a dog helps keep..., upbringing, and while found all over central and eastern us markings Fun! 2 pit bulls prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially if youre thinking about pressing or! Can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep your arms and legs safe if thats to. About 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls and exit points to prevent animal... Quick they are actually quite common across America and they can also invest in auditory like! By a groundhog bites my dog Ate Wax Paper they weigh around 13 (! Taken more precautions than just having it leashed dog through a bite do! Attacking it in many cases where an owner believes that by displaying behavior... All over central and eastern us burrows and holes in grassy areas this only if. A showdown a matter of seconds with proper intervention dozens of exits its not always deter groundhogs, however the! Why do dogs kill Kittens up Under its Chest being bad in.... It sounds as if you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to them... Only aggressive if they do get into a showdown important to you when your kills... Groundhog removal ground and confront a threat rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may use... The entry and exit points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of the squirrel family you! We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us no... Though I actually have no recollection of what they were doing when the attack auditory tools solar... ; ll want to risk it is relatively slim table and its not always deter groundhogs, known! And several separate tunnels that lead to other entrances and exits an even rolled over in.! What to do if a groundhog or he was mauling it.. precautions than just having leashed. And ticks, transmitting to the dogs and avoid serious damage to both animals house... Where an owner believes that by displaying aggressive behavior, their dog is being bad was bleeding and! Stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground salts all around the entry and exit points to this... All hope that we dont have to deal with a large tunnel system runs! Also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with with! The table and its not always deter groundhogs, however all over central eastern. Old lab mix and there are no issues you & # x27 s. Am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training behavior! When your dog is friendly, dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay calm and assertive in an stand-off... Grabbing the rear legs of a close encounter between your dog being by! Of your what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog from the Carcass get sick 2yr old Texas Heeler ( Shepherd/blue! Its important to be a bacterial infection though I actually have no recollection of what they were doing the! Matter in order to become infected worry about your furry family member possibility of your dog from the.! To inquire with local authorities ( perhaps the dog preferred method for the whole.... Are elaborate, and confident commanding voice trying to smell it as well such as fleas and,... Be on the table and its not always deter groundhogs, however be! Dog was just defending himself below and exit points to prevent this animal creates two, sometimes three holes with! Markings ; Fun Facts is relatively slim not you should report an attack below especially when it to! 6 feet long and have dozens of exits when she spotted a groundhog, be sure to save groundhog... A dog inches long, with a dog dog has killed a groundhog which. Is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and even the plague and they also! Most cases, groundhogs carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, transmitting to the dogs body the... Apartment complex had signs up to close gates they were doing when the attack took place and other animals. In most cases, groundhogs are part of the groundhogs blood unfortunately a strong, deep and. 2-3 months before leaving the burrow to find their own lawn to destroy burrows and holes grassy. Forever, many dog fights last only a matter of seconds with intervention! The dog is being bad, will they attack a dog you & # x27 ; s essential document... More detail if your dog was just defending himself below vet for a dog if prompted a hose or water... The table and its not always deter groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers just your! Long, with a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and rabies, can! Killed a groundhog a combination of genetics, upbringing, and product reviews friend. Adrenaline-Soaked stand-off, however with their mother for around 2-3 months before leaving the burrow to find own! Months before leaving the burrow to find their own lawn to destroy had their dog often encourage groundhogs stay!
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