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. It can be a bite, and there are also several other means by which this disease can spread. thank you very much for responding. As with humans, our adrenaline can keep us going to the point of not noticing we are hurt in stressful situations. Groundhogs do not typically chase after and attack dogs. 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. While these tactics can work, you may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately isnt the goal. This species is the famous "giant squirrel" that many people have complained about in America. They are usually harmless, but they can be aggressive if they are attacked. If homemade repellents arent working, you can try making their burrows inhabitable by using water or dirt. 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. Hi Barbara, that sounds terrible, I'm sorry this happened to all dogs involved. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. I cant see him attacking another animal unprovoked, but if another animal were to get aggressive (reasonably) I could see this happening again and thats why im worried. My mother is in the hospital right now and I fear the day we see the bill. Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? What if your dog defended himself and accidentally nibbed a human? Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this. Initially they were all off leash, but Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly. So, are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? This is extremely important as you don't want your dog to eat it since groundhogs often carry infectious diseases. If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. Use a strong, deep, and confident commanding voice. Groundhogs mostly live in filthy places and, because of that, carry a lot of microbes with them. Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have to risk being bitten. Hi Kat, when it comes to liability, it'd be really important to know if there's a bite history with that dog and if the beach was truly a designated off-leash area (not just where people commonly walk their dogs off-leash). Groundhogs are known carriers of the virus, which causes flu-like symptoms that progress into delirium, hallucinations, and insomnia. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. Try not to handle them more than necessary, as they may be very painful even if not obvious on the outside. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. If you decide to take an owner to court over medical bills or the cost of your dog, having a police report on file will also help provide important evidence during your case. In fall, groundhogs also eat roots, leaves, barks, and twigs of trees as plants become scarce though they prefer plants and vegetables. When he met the cat, he had the same body language and was trying to smell it as well. If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. Rottweiler Growth Chart When Are Rottweilers Fully Grown? Your situation might be totally different (seniors, people with medical conditions, and so on). While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. However, you should never use it to hit the dog. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why I'm concerned. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. Freezing. Theyre most often found across the central and eastern United States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska. 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. Coyotes He has now been snappy towards our 1 yr old Texas heeler an our cats. 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. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. Document the dog's character and the location of the attack if the owner can't be found. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? 5. Glaring Similarly, if a dog is glaring at your dog, then they may be about to attack. Having a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. In this article, well take a look at groundhogs and whether or not you need to worry about your dog eating one. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. Unfortunately the state of WV has a 1 bite law ( humans) that gives the dogs another chance. However, you'd need to consult a lawyer. Groundhogs may be attracted to your yard if there are wood piles, leaf piles, or garbage cans/litter around the area. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. While its a scary event to witness a dog fight, it often feels even worse when its your own dog that attacked another dog. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. Allow her to come to you if she isn't tied or in a kennel. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. This can occur in both humans and animals. It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog. Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? From head to rump, groundhogs are 17.75 to 24 inches (45 to 61 centimeters) long, according to National Geographic. Chihuahua's will attack and kill rats and other small prey, but are primarily, because of their size, a companion dog. Breeds with stronger jaws (not locking jaws) do exist. 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. 9. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. 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. Get a squeaky toy that looks like a rat or a stuffed animal that resembles the animal your dog loves to chase. Groundhogs are smaller in size compared to dogs. After the dogs have been separated, its important to take a moment to check each dog for injuries and determine if immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Groundhogs will birth 4-6 babies in their burrows in the spring. 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. Had their dog been muzzled, this wouldn't have happened, yet somehow I was the only one at fault in their eyes. 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. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. He seems shaken up, but okay, and with the current money situation I just dont want to take him unless I have too. 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. Continue to avoid making eye contact. Some of the common signs of groundhog activity are: Groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. My Dog Chewed a Lidocaine Patch. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. Destructive behaviors. Separate Your Dog From The Carcass. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! was he leashed and viciously attacked or not). Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. 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. This question typically depends on your dogs temperament. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. Watching your dogs body language and especially the tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind. Another thing is possible disease. 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. They're hard to get rid of because they. The local authorities will need to contact the pet owner to determine if the dog has been vaccinated. Shouldn't the apartment complex had signs up to close gates? Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. 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. Make sure your yard is groundhog clear before installing fencing. Even if one dog was the initial aggressor, most dogs will (rightfully) try to defend themselves. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. You may have just stumbled upon a rescue dog who is exactly that. The first thing to remember is that dog aggression does not make your dog a bad dog.. They are a medium-sized stocky rodent, a little smaller than a raccoon. I am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training and behavior. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. But what happens if they do get into a showdown? If the cat and the dog live inside together, a lifetime may . Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are found all over central and eastern US. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This bite can be excruciatingmoreover, the spot where the groundhog bit your dog can develop an array of infections. The 2 dogs are known to be aggressive and have bitten a person leading to a hospital stay with surgery. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? Some terrific groundhog repellents include epsom salt, ammonia, talcum powder, red pepper flakes, and garlic. 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. As they are rodents, groundhogs possess large incisors to bite through hard surfaces in front of the mouth. The chances of the groundhog even having rabies to begin with are quite low. Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog. 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. If you are not physically able to break up the dog fight, or if getting involved would put you at risk of injury, it may be a tough call for you and its true that these fights often sound worse than they are. Having a reactive dog is not forbidden. 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. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why Im concerned. Dogs have a natural killing instinct when they see something they can prey on. The boxer had my dog by the skin around his ear and wouldn't let go, shaking him periodically. One simple way of stopping your dog from chasing groundhogs is to keep this animal far away from your pet dog. Groundhogs most commonly live along forest edges near open fields, streams, and meadows. When a dog bite is reported, statements are often taken by both parties (and sometimes, witnesses) to get an accurate picture of what happened. 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. 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. They also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas. Knowing a groundhog's instincts can help you as the dog owner make predictions about how your dog might react if he sees one. You may be able to inquire with local authorities (perhaps the dog is registrered, etc.). Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or "whistle-pigs," are a type of mammal called a marmot, a member of the squirrel family. What happens to that dog from now and the reimbursement of your vet bills really depends on your local law. If the handbag doesn't keep the dog from attacking, use pepper spray, if you have it on hand during an attack to avoid injury. Groundhog bites dog Dogs will not always deter groundhogs, however! 10. 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 can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. My dog got scratched in the face, but I'm just worried now about rabies. However, if your dog happens to land a measured bite on another dog in a situation where the other dog provoked the fight, you are often not held liable. If you have groundhogs living near you that are causing a problem, it's best not to take care of the problem on your own. Archie's mostly fine. A groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) is an animal that belongs to the rodent family. I don't know for sure, but I think he hit it in the head, which did largely nothing. Theres truly no way to put what most of our dogs mean to us in monetary form, but covering the cost of the dog you lost is often the way courts decide to handle these cases. A large dog will kill a groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. 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. i called my mom and it looks like we can get him to the vet for a booster shot by tomorrow. As mentioned, I'm not a lawyer but in most states and countries, there should be repercussions after a second incident. He attacked a groundhog, groundhog is still breathing, so we called animal control, but they didn't get back to us yet. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. 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. Don't just choke the dog since that'll only cut off the air supply but instead twist the collar while lifting it to . I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. That being said, how lapsed is lapsed? I made my way out of the water and up to them as quick as I could and apologised for Megs. Fencing. He lives around neighborhood cats and I really dont want to risk it. The mauling of a dachshund by a Staffordshire terrier in Pakenham earlier this week made headlines. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in. 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. 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. 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. Luckily he is healing physically, but emotionally I'm afraid we will have more work an time. However, Id never let a dog fight play out and instead always step in. 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. If an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. Cougars & Mountain Lions. The following are some of the ways in which you can keep all the groundhogs away from your home as well as your dogs. Once your pet calms down, take your pet far away from the dead groundhog. Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. Mind you he was supposed to bring her right back in because she was on quarantine she has for some reason problems with small dogs a older lady was bringing her dog out door & he went to put leash on my friend dog & didn't close gates& friend dog ran out & attacks little dog & maintenance guy shot my friend dog in the head. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to ensure your yard remains groundhog-free. Use of Epsom Salt: Groundhogs usually reside inside the ground by making holes in the ground. Groundhog Day. What Is Wrong? Press J to jump to the feed. This is why we went tonthe expense of making what was supposed to be a secure kennel ( it's the length of our house). The man was trying to get him to stop. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. Customer: my dog was bitten by a groundhog in virginia, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? In addition, your dog might not seem to be in pain or show signs of injury at the moment, but that may change as they calm down. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-box-3','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-box-3-0');One of our regulars asked us: my dog killed a groundhog should I be worried? We asked him to immediately take the dog to his vet for a checkup, and heres why. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. Nothing happened. Otherwise, youll be trapping them in your backyard. The chances are your dog will not get rabies from a groundhog. Dogs have not always been domesticated animals. 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?. Tularemia is a contagious disease known to be a bacterial infection. 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 the dog had a bite history and it was a designated off-leash area, I agree that the dog should've been muzzled. Instead, you can use the suggested repellents below to guide the groundhog toward the trap that youve placed in front of the exit. And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. Face the dog and command, "back away." If the dog continues to behave aggressively, and ignoring or pacifying him is no longer working, face him and sternly command him to leave. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-leader-1-0');As we have reached the end of this article, we hope that now you know what to do if your dog kills a groundhog. It's essential to document everything, so take pictures of the dog and the area. Was it an appropriate and measured response? When the dog that attacked you is with an owner, make sure to acquire their contact details. He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. Another problem is that the groundhog could have been poisoned. Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. I asked the woman to help me and we were finally able to free my dog. It's impossible to know for sure whether a woodchuck has rabies just by looking at it. 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. These rodents can weigh between 6-12 lbs, making them the same size as a small dog! How Do I Know I Have Groundhogs In My Yard? It took us what seemed forever to get the 2 dogs distracted enough to get Briar to safety. Some of the breeds are small, whereas some others are quite large. Its always wise to leash your own dog. Knowing how to stop a dog attack on the spot is extremely important in securing the best outcome possible for the dogs. 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. How Do Groundhogs Dig Holes In The Ground? 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. Usually, this only happens in cases where the owner was extremely negligent and knew their dog was aggressive but allowed another attack to happen. Both owners are . If so, then youve come to the right place. Surely the culpability for the incident is shared? Groundhogs can usually escape a dog by diving into their burrow or past a fence. I posted about it in a local FB discussion group, hoping to reach the attacking dog's owner to ask that they contribute to the vet bill and all I got was criticism from all sides and people telling me to "suck it up princess", "you're at fault", "you're to blame", "your dogs were the aggressors" and only sparing sympathy. The answer is that you should be worried if your dog killed a groundhog. Dachshunds were bred to go down the burrow of badgers. They use these months to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter. Was one of them a recent addition? Yes, it is possible to get rabies from a groundhog, if it bit your dog. I have one dog,4 year old female unaltered female Dobe.Gets upset every time my husband puts shoes on and tries to go out the door.Bites his shoes,pants,and makes these god awful noises i have never heard coming from a dog before.Other than that,she is a perfect lady,minds perfectly,gets along great . Evaluate how much stress the attack is worth to you and if you feel like worse could happen in the future. As mentioned earlier, groundhogs carry the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. You can also treat your dogs wounds at home by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Train Her Using a Stuffed Animal. Glory. Then, your pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is and can even cause harm to you. If your pet dog attacks the groundhog, the woodchuck can bite your dog anywhere in the body. 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. There are no breeds inherently predisposed to biting. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. Moreover, the bite that your dog may have during the fight with a groundhog will be excruciating. An upward leash pop or all out hanging by lifting your dog's front feet off the ground needs to be outlawed. They mainly eat clover and alfalfa but also dine on grass, weeds, dandelion greens, and other herbs, fruits, and veggies. Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! Rat. Has your dog eaten a groundhog? It's always when he is laying down/asleep, I believe it's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is afraid. This disease is spread through the saliva of an animal. Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. Use a hose to flood their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find drier land. My Dog Yelps When Picked Up Under Its Chest. Try to avoid doing anything confrontational, such as staring her in the eye, standing over her, or invading her space. Its extremely important to remember your own personal safety during a dog fight as well. They are actually quite common across America and they can also snatch a dog. You can also invest in auditory tools like solar stakes that emit ultrasonic pulses underground. 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. These are rodents that have large front teeth, which are used to cause damage to wood and other materials. As responsible owners, its our job to be physically and mentally prepared for these situations and at least try our best. 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. 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. Little dog had surgery is OK. etc. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. It can be very disturbing if your dog gets bitten by another dog. The first is to grab a leash . Take your time and evaluate if its really necessary to report. and our Punctures dont usually start bleeding right away, and you may notice them after theyve had some time to form. Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? Please make sure that there is an emergency fund for your dog in the future. 5. No waiting for appointments or office hours. These rodents carry diseases, and the diseases are mentioned below. 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 killed a groundhog, he might be at risk of getting fleas, roundworms, ticks, rabies, and tularemia, which these rodents carry. In many places, dogs will be listed as dangerous or another similar designation after the original incident happens. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? Just Go With It. My Dog Killed A Rabbit Should I Be Concerned? Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. Tularemia: Although rare, tularemia ( also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever) affects the eyes, skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. Your vet will have the best advice and guidance on what needs to happen next. Whether you know what is causing this aggressive behavior or not, consulting a behaviorist will be necessary to deal with it. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. 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. Copy. Traps for Catching: Catching traps are available in the market by using which you can catch the groundhog that is bothering you. Distract your dog from a distance. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. Additional steps couldve been taken such as training your dog to wait as well as come back or using a safety harness.