But they wake up early for love. Initially they were all off leash, but Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly. Knowing a groundhog's instincts can help you as the dog owner make predictions about how your dog might react if he sees one. . Was it an appropriate and measured response? By Julie Updated: 03/29/21 3 min read Health Digestive System He seems shaken up, but okay, and with the current money situation I just dont want to take him unless I have too. If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. These rather big predators are also known as the Pumas. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'thepupcrawl_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-medrectangle-3-0'); For the first few weeks, you have to monitor every single movement of your dog. Image Credit: Justin Dalton-Fiallo, Shutterstock. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. 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. 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. My Dog Chewed a Lidocaine Patch. 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. Panicking can only exasperate the. Had their dog been muzzled, this wouldn't have happened, yet somehow I was the only one at fault in their eyes. 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. Read on to find out. Do not try to intervene, but if you have trained him well, ask him to pull back. Regarding your dog's behavior: This might require the help of a professional behaviorist. What To Do If a Dog Bites You: Steps To Take Immediately. Aggression and biting. Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. It's essential to document everything, so take pictures of the dog and the area. You should never pick up your dog in an effort to protect them, as this will encourage the attacking dog to leap at you. These symptoms will soon develop into something more serious, and your pet will start to hallucinate, and they can also experience insomnia and delirium. Kicking & Screaming However, you'd need to consult a lawyer. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. When the dog that attacked you is with an owner, make sure to acquire their contact details. 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. Shouldn't the owner, knowing their dog is reactive have taken more precautions than just having it leashed? But it turns out they have a very good reason to drag . 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. 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. Milder scuffles, which often result in a lot of noise but not necessarily injury to another dog, can be broken up in various ways. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? If your dog killed an infected groundhog, it is very much possible that the infection passed on to your dog. 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. Rabies vaccinations are usually effective for much longer than the minimum requirements. 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. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. If you do get bit, wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. As they are rodents, groundhogs possess large incisors to bite through hard surfaces in front of the mouth. Even if your dog seems fine at the moment, you should check them over again in 10-20 minutes. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. 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. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why Im concerned. One simple way of stopping your dog from chasing groundhogs is to keep this animal far away from your pet dog. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. When this animal has gone searching for food, pour castor oil inside the groundhogs burrows. 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. 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. Constant vocalization and barking. Another problem is that the groundhog could have been poisoned. They are herbivorous animals and usually eat grass, leaves, and selective fruits. No need to worry about your furry family member. A large dog will kill a groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. Porcupine. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. Keeping a tidy lawn free of wood or leaf piles and . Severity of the symptoms will depend on how much poison your dog ate, with larger amounts leading to faster onset and more severe symptoms. Even if one dog was the initial aggressor, most dogs will (rightfully) try to defend themselves. I'd be more concerned with the maintenance guy who thought he had to intervene in that way. 5. 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. 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. It depends on a lot of factors that make prediction hard. My Dog Died and I Feel Empty. Although related to ground squirrels, they grow to be much larger about 2 feet in length and 10 pounds in weight. What if your breed falls under breed-specific legislation? Theyre notorious for burrowing in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and more. Unfortunately the state of WV has a 1 bite law ( humans) that gives the dogs another chance. Use a hose to flood their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find drier land. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. 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. A police report was filed. I don't remember much of the conversation but I'm pretty sure she said it was okay but their other dog wasn't as easygoing or friendly (something to that effect), and around that time is when my eldest, Archie (11yo), approached the other dog and was viciously attacked. Eventually she went in and killed it Evaluate how much stress the attack is worth to you and if you feel like worse could happen in the future. If so, then youve come to the right place. Usually, this only happens in cases where the owner was extremely negligent and knew their dog was aggressive but allowed another attack to happen. Why Does My Dog Have A Pink Spot On His Lip? What happens to that dog from now and the reimbursement of your vet bills really depends on your local law. 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. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. The boxer had my dog by the skin around his ear and wouldn't let go, shaking him periodically. 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. 1. Then, if possible, gently wash and disinfect the bite site to help stop the infection from setting in. 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. And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. Sometimes, your dog can be the problem too: Why Do Dogs Kill Kittens? 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. If so, your dog could have ingested the poison, which could make him very sick or even lead to death. Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. These rodents can weigh between 6-12 lbs, making them the same size as a small dog! Multiple raised dirt mounds in your yard. Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2022. Are you worried the groundhog could make your dog sick? 17) "Pop" your dog's leash or hang him by his collar. In Her Shoes. 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. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a member of the squirrel family and are known to be common yard pests. You can also use motion-detecting repellents that spray water or light flashes to spook away groundhogs and other unwanted visitors in your yard. 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. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. If your dog has been vaccinated with the rabies vaccine, then your dog will not have any problem even if a groundhog bites it. 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 If youre on the receiving end, talk to the other party. Yes, even though they are herbivores, they have very sharp teeth. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? The Ides of March. They weigh around 13 pounds (6 kilograms), which is about twice . You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in. If a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog. The chances are your dog will not get rabies from a groundhog. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? There's no right way to feel when one loses a dog. Instead, they simply deter them from staying. Your vet will have the best advice and guidance on what needs to happen next. In fact, if you also have cats, it's a known deterrent to sprinkle soiled cat litter in their burrows. Groundhogs can usually escape a dog by diving into their burrow or past a fence. If trapped or cornered, a beaver will attack a human. Yes, it is possible to get rabies from a groundhog, if it bit your dog. 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?. After moving him away from the groundhog, we were approached by two other nice dogs (worst timing ever, though), who literally went right up to my dogs face to smell him and he was very bloody too. They even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep their main burrow clean! At the very least, there should be reprecussions for this man as he seemingly aimed for the head (? I dont know anything about how rabies manifests in groundhogs, though. If an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. How did your dog behave? They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. Traps for Catching: Catching traps are available in the market by using which you can catch the groundhog that is bothering you. Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? Was one of them a recent addition? The dog must come into contact with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected. Groundhogs are true hibernators, which means they stay in their burrows during cold months to sleep through the winter. 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. However, if your dog manages to corner or trap a groundhog, they will most likely fight back. 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. Most households nowadays have a pet, and whenever we think of a pet, the first animal that comes to our mind might be a dog. 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. They can even be dangerous to bigger animals like stock and smaller horses. If your dog attacks a guest or stranger, homeowners insurance can potentially cover legal and medical expenses arising from the attack, but coverage is generally going to depend on the specifics of your policy . You can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground. 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. Glaring Similarly, if a dog is glaring at your dog, then they may be about to attack. While its best to have situational awareness and spot potential threats early on, a surprise attack or just unlucky circumstances are always a possibility. Watching your dogs body language and especially the tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind. The owners have offered nothing not even remorse ( Briar couldn't get up an walk on his own without help for,48hrs +). Groundhogs hibernate from late fall for roughly three months, then wake up when it's still quite cold. Separate Your Dog From The Carcass. However, its also important to recognize when your dog is not social with other dogs and take appropriate management steps to keep everyone safe. Friend dog needed rabies shot was overdue. Train Her Using a Stuffed Animal. Make sure your yard is groundhog clear before installing fencing. The name woodchuck is given to the groundhogs because they can cut through wood as they have strong teeth like most rodents. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. Attach it to a stick with a string and have a friend move it around the room while you practice the "leave it" command, followed by the focus exercise. 1. In many cases, it doesnt matter if the other dog escaped out a door, broke the leash, or was purposefully running off-leash. You can also fill the tunnels with dirt. 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). we have rescue dogs an old austrailian silkie, a young shitzu,a jack russell we rescued 7 yrs ago we have just took on a wire haired pointer griffon hes been ok for a couple of months now suddenly the jack and him will start eyeballing then go for it, one fight took off where the griff had the jack around the throat i managed to part them with puncture wounds to the jack i seperated the living area and upped the walksthis seemed to work for a few weeks then the griff launched an attack on the jack again had him by the throat i quickly quelled it but they walktogether outside and go to the feild not a problem. Watch: German Shepherd Vs. Then join our exclusive club! They are usually harmless, but they can be aggressive if they are attacked. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. Stay calm. 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