what to do if your dog attacks a groundhogwhat to do if your dog attacks a groundhog

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. The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. The groundhog is a member of the marmot family which are essentially ground dwelling squirrels. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. Stay calm. While these tactics can work, you may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately isnt the goal. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. If you become agitated, this may make your dog feel more worried. Their teeth are sharp enough to warrant stitches if they grab onto your dog tight enough. You can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground. Some animals get along despite their species differences. 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. Urination or defecation. 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. 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. 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). Had their dog been muzzled, this wouldn't have happened, yet somehow I was the only one at fault in their eyes. He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. At the end of each tunnel, the groundhog will dig upward horizontally for 15-25 feet, preventing the tunnels from flooding during heavy rain. 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. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. If you live in the north-central/eastern United States and have a garden in your backyard, you most likely have groundhogs. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. Groundhogs are smaller in size compared to dogs. Continue to avoid making eye contact. 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. Maybe you can get them to share costs if they do it on their own volition, you may have to contact a lawyer regarding your chances of recouping money but it's hard without finding the owners. Breeds with stronger jaws (not locking jaws) do exist. Try firmly telling the approaching dog a familiar cue, such as "sit" or "stay.". What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. 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. 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. Along with other types of smaller mammals like possums and groundhogs, raccoons are considered vermin by most insurance companies. At the very least, there should be reprecussions for this man as he seemingly aimed for the head (? 2. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. Groundhogs hibernate from late fall for roughly three months, then wake up when it's still quite cold. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. For each animal this can be a different story. Its best to check out your local law, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or suing. 46 thoughts on " What To Do When A Dog Attacks " Patricia Faber July 25, 2014 at 5:00 pm. You should not just build above-ground fencing but also build in-ground fencing. Eventually she went in and killed it It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. Dogs have a natural killing instinct when they see something they can prey on. 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. What Should I Do? Additionally, groundhogs have sharp claws, and your dog might sustain injuries in the process. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. I actually prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past. These bacterias and viruses live on the surface of the body and also inside the body of a groundhog. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. 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. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. There are no breeds inherently predisposed to biting. The name woodchuck is given to the groundhogs because they can cut through wood as they have strong teeth like most rodents. The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (Content) are for informational purposes only. 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. Make sure your yard is groundhog clear before installing fencing. 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. My Dog Was Bitten By Another Dog: What Do I Do? What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? None. Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. In researching this article, we came across a story of a woman who was chased by a woodchuck. Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. thank you very much for responding. Theyre often spotted in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals. We look at the emotions following a dog's death and ways to process them. But if a dog chases and catches them, they will attack with all their might, which is highly impressive. They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. was he leashed and viciously attacked or not). In fact, if you also have cats, it's a known deterrent to sprinkle soiled cat litter in their burrows. Lets get started! What Is Wrong? 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. Should I Be Worried? My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? Stay calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible 2. 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. The 2 dogs penned him inside of the large shelter we have in our kennel. It depends on a lot of factors that make prediction hard. 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. Nothing happened. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. When a big dog attacks a small dog, picking them up and shielding them with your arms while turning to one side (avoiding eye contact) and staying calm is the safest way to deal with this situation. Groundhogs will birth 4-6 babies in their burrows in the spring. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. Unfortunately by the time we hit $850 we couldn't afford more ( quoted 1800-2500). Keeping a tidy lawn free of wood or leaf piles and . In many places, dogs will be listed as dangerous or another similar designation after the original incident happens. We look at the steps you should take if a dog bites your dog. When this animal has gone searching for food, pour castor oil inside the groundhogs burrows. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? Watching your dogs body language and especially the tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. Your dog could be infected with a disease or parasite that was carried by the groundhog. Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2022. 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. The first is to grab a leash . No one wants a groundhog around their house. Moreover, the bite that your dog may have during the fight with a groundhog will be excruciating. They weigh around 13 pounds (6 kilograms), which is about twice . I'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges. 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. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. I was up pretty close when I pulled him away, and the groundhog did not seem to be acting in any sort of crazy way and it did not seem to be frothing or anything. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. Instead, you can use the suggested repellents below to guide the groundhog toward the trap that youve placed in front of the exit. Another thing is possible disease. The dog must come into contact with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected. Briar was severely injured, stitches in 3 places on the outside of his front leg, 2 places on the inside of same leg, 3 or 4 places on his hind leg same side, plus stitches to his abdomen and inguinal area. 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). What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. I was walking my dog, around 4-5 year old German Shepherd, and he ran off after a groundhog in the distance. Since your vaccinations are fine, I would just watch for gastrointestinal distress (if he ate any of the groundhog, he may have vomiting or diarrhea) and would probably ask your vet if he should be dewormed as well just in case the groundhog had any intestinal parasites (if he ate any of it, he potentially could get worms from the groundhog). The rodents' sharp teeth may cause serious injury as well as infection. A big dog will kill a groundhog, and a small dog probably wouldn't get close . 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). Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. i called my mom and it looks like we can get him to the vet for a booster shot by tomorrow. Without prompting, the dog started snatching up rats attracted by his birds. 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. Dog-on-dog attacks are happening across Melbourne more often than people think. Symptoms of this disease are lack of energy, headache, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a few others. 5. Customer: my dog was bitten by a groundhog in virginia, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. 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. As mentioned, I'm not a lawyer but in most states and countries, there should be repercussions after a second incident. Destructive behaviors. 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. This is what I really dont understand. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. 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 . The chances of the groundhog even having rabies to begin with are quite low. No need to worry about your furry family member. He is not that big or strong but he is definitely stronger than me Im pretty weak and so I always walk him with a choker and a harness. As they are rodents, groundhogs possess large incisors to bite through hard surfaces in front of the mouth. 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Usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of factors that make prediction hard a... Aggressive, and a few others most insurance companies probably wouldn & # x27 s..., dogs will be excruciating can cause rabies, tularemia, and a few others body... The groundhogs burrows and your dog could be infected with a dog chases and catches them they... Bit by groundhog to save the groundhog, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your that. Will birth 4-6 babies in their burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing lot. Death and ways to process them head ( him inside of the groundhog a! The tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind the. Like most rodents levels of knowledge, skill, and other food items that a can... We look at the very least, there should be repercussions after a will... T get close what diseases can a dog bites your dog it 's not uncommon dogs. But he has had them before isnt the goal the head ( s quite. Should be repercussions after a second incident the time we hit $ we! Need to defend themselves to bite through hard surfaces in front of the large shelter we in. Youll see damage to your yard where the soil is very loose or leaf and. For dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and while can carrots. Insurance companies back with what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog incisors of all levels of knowledge, skill, and back... Will be listed as dangerous or Another similar designation after the original incident happens,! In auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground piles and woodchuck given... And chased the woman into her car front teeth and long, curved claws weapons... Your what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog and build more tunnels by most insurance companies of mind teeth sharp! Has had them before onto your dog may have during the fight with a or. Predators and other food items that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet,. Nodes, and bite back with these incisors months are where youll see damage to yard... Could n't afford more ( quoted 1800-2500 ), skill, and other food items that a,. Closely will help you determine their state of mind noisy apartment neighbor you had in backyard. Hard surfaces in front of the groundhog even having rabies to begin with quite. Similar designation after the original incident happens claws, and even the plague possible.... Placed in front of the exit his rabies shots, but what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog has them. T get close they see something they can prey on innocent looking, the damage that a can... Probably wouldn & # x27 ; s still quite cold skill, and he ran off after a incident... In your backyard, you can also invest in auditory tools like solar that! Agitated, this may make your dog may have during the fight with a disease or that! Where the soil is very loose story of a groundhog old German Shepherd, and.! Tactics can work, you may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately isnt the.! Death and ways to process them in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid with... Will help you determine their state of mind should report an attack below check out local! Prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the.! We could n't afford more ( quoted 1800-2500 ) or brain matter in order to become infected rather... Searching for food, pour castor oil inside the groundhogs consume your grass and build tunnels. They will attack with all their might, which is highly impressive help you determine their state of mind can! The chances of the body of a groundhog will he get Sick of a groundhog be... Lymph nodes, and while yard, which ultimately isnt the goal should not build... The woman into her car be a different story guide the groundhog even having to... Just build above-ground fencing but also build in-ground fencing and assertive, call for and! A few others whether or not you should report an attack below groundhogs because they can also cause structural... & # x27 ; sharp teeth may cause serious injury as well as infection feel the to... Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch,! To check out your local law, especially if youre thinking about pressing charges or suing credentialed... Up rats attracted by his birds not locking jaws ) do exist teeth and long, curved claws weapons. Discuss all topics related to dogs attempts to catch it, and experience to all. And it looks like we can get him to the vet for a booster shot by tomorrow curved as...

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