No one wants a groundhog around their house. 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. 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. The boards can be painted or stained to match your fence and they make it a bit harder for groundhogs to get a footing and climb. 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). So, if you have a large-sized aggressive dog, then it is completely natural for your dog to kill a groundhog. Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. 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). Distract your dog from a distance. Primarily herbivores, they will occasionally eat smaller rodents and insects. Groundhogs are true hibernators, which means they stay in their burrows during cold months to sleep through the winter. Read on to find out. If the cat and the dog live inside together, a lifetime may . Sometimes, your dog can be the problem too: Why Do Dogs Kill Kittens? 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 a dog is growling, snarling or baring their teeth, this is the most obvious sign of aggression and that a dog is ready to bite or attack. If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. weve thought about looking into dog trainers and the such for awhile, but i think its long overdue since this happened :/. Luckily he is healing physically, but emotionally I'm afraid we will have more work an time. Friend dog needed rabies shot was overdue. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or "whistle-pigs." The familiar name woodchuck actually has nothing to do with wood, and stems from the Native American names for them: wuchak, wejack, and possibly otchek, which is a name for fishers. In Her Shoes. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are found all over central and eastern US. It can be a bite, and there are also several other means by which this disease can spread. In many cases, its advisable to report a dog attack. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. They all involve a level of risk. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? The boxer had my dog by the skin around his ear and wouldn't let go, shaking him periodically. This is what I really dont understand. If the attacking dog is already listed as a "dangerous dog," the owner may be responsible for harboring an aggressive or violent animal and held liable for any damages or veterinary bills. However, they will stand their ground and confront a threat. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. In fall, groundhogs also eat roots, leaves, barks, and twigs of trees as plants become scarce though they prefer plants and vegetables. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. 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. If your dog killed a groundhog, he might be at risk of getting fleas, roundworms, ticks, rabies, and tularemia, which these rodents carry. Urination or defecation. The owners have offered nothing not even remorse ( Briar couldn't get up an walk on his own without help for,48hrs +). After dressing the wound, contact your vet to schedule an appointment so a professional can assess the injury. This is also my first time posting here so sorry if I do anything wrong. 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. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? If an unleashed dog attacks a leashed dog, thats definitely in favor of the leashed dog, but cases become more complex once the leashed dog is the one who started attacking. The 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. All opinions remain our own. 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. Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have to risk being bitten. Not sure how to resolve this issue. While these tactics can work, you may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately isnt the goal. I'd be more concerned with the maintenance guy who thought he had to intervene in that way. Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. Having a pet in the house will make your life full of joy and happiness. 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. Expert's Assistant chat. Initially they were all off leash, but Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly. Drooling. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. 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. The attacking dog has free movement while the leashed dog being attacked is restricted by its natural defensive instincts. It's always when he is laying down/asleep, I believe it's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is afraid. Has your dog eaten a groundhog? Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. While these animals aren't likely to go out of their way to attack a cat, their sharp teeth and claws can do damage. Its definitely not 100% safe to intervene in a dog fight and you can have a lot of complications from a big dogs bite (or even a small dog when the wound is getting infected). Groundhogs hibernate from late fall for roughly three months, then wake up when it's still quite cold. He seems shaken up, but okay, and with the current money situation I just dont want to take him unless I have too. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. You can make your fence more secure by digging a small ditch under your fence and positioning these boards partially below the surface of the ground. I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. Use a hose to flood their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find drier land. 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. Sprinkle Epsom salts all around the entry and exit points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of the house. They weigh around 13 pounds (6 kilograms), which is about twice . 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. Along with other types of smaller mammals like possums and groundhogs, raccoons are considered vermin by most insurance companies. For dogs that were bitten while killing the groundhog, be sure to save the groundhog. 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. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. However, if your dog manages to corner or trap a groundhog, they will most likely fight back. I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why Im concerned. In short, they eat money. Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which dog pee (and most pee) is full of. Regarding your dog's behavior: This might require the help of a professional behaviorist. But it turns out they have a very good reason to drag . A court likely wont order the euthanasia of a dog over a few small punctures, but a fight that caused the death of another dog will be looked at differently. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. Not only is it a feat to break up the fight, but you might leave the battlefield scarred, perhaps even caused by your own dogs fangs. Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? The following are some of the ways in which you can keep all the groundhogs away from your home as well as your dogs. Breeds with stronger jaws (not locking jaws) do exist. But, will they attack a dog if prompted? Try not to handle them more than necessary, as they may be very painful even if not obvious on the outside. Groundhog bites dog Dogs will not always deter groundhogs, however! What to do if your dog attacks another dog It's easy to feel powerless or embarrassed if your dog has become aggressive, but here are a couple of things you can do to help. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. Just Go With It. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thepupcrawl_com-box-4','ezslot_6',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-box-4-0'); If your pet dog attacks the groundhog, the woodchuck can bite your dog anywhere in the body. 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. Separate Your Dog From The Carcass. Some animals get along despite their species differences. 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. 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. These bacterias and viruses live on the surface of the body and also inside the body of a groundhog. "Groundhogs do have large incisors like rodents do, so your dog stands a chance of being bitten. However, letting your dog run free always harbors risk that's why I never do it with other dogs around, wouldn't want to do that with three dogs, one of them being a foster. You can see groundhogs outside their burrows through late spring, summer, and early fall. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. No matter how it starts, a dog fight is a scary occurrence. If your dog is not properly trained or is aggressive, it can kill rodents and groundhogs for prey. Dogs can contract botulism from ingesting contaminated carcasses. This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. Groundhog Day. In this article, well take a look at groundhogs and whether or not you need to worry about your dog eating one. Dog was outside when she spotted a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it. My Dog Killed a Groundhog Should I Be Worried? A groundhog usually won't win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. Both owners are . 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. I'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges. Dog-on-dog attacks are happening across Melbourne more often than people think. Roundworms: which can be caught if a dog eats a dead woodchuck. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. If an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. A large dog will kill a marmot, whereas a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. Don't just choke the dog since that'll only cut off the air supply but instead twist the collar while lifting it to . Items like pinwheels can keep groundhogs away for a short time. It mainly affects hares, rabbits, and rodents like squirrels and groundhogs. I asked the woman to help me and we were finally able to free my dog. Groundhog bites can prove to be fatal for your pet as they are equally dangerous for animals as they are for humans. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. I was walking my dog, around 4-5 year old German Shepherd, and he ran off after a groundhog in the distance. Continue to avoid making eye contact. 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 . Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. Glad the small dog is ok, but not sure what happened to the other dog or why the rabie shot matters. These rather big predators are also known as the Pumas. The good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents. Take your time and evaluate if its really necessary to report. Ticks and fleas: Dogs can catch ticks and fleas from wild animals like groundhogs. If a groundhog has already started tunneling in your yard, you can use the above repellents in the burrows closest to your home, moving further away until you have treated the last tunnel. . If you do get bit, wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. Over the last decades, they have gained in population after almost going extinct. 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. These babies stay with their mother for around 2-3 months before leaving the burrow to find their own lawn to destroy. Our 2yr old Texas Heeler ( Australian Shepherd/blue heeler) was attacked about 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls. 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. Groundhogs are extremely prevalent in the north-central and eastern parts of the United States. Constant vocalization and barking. Reed was raising poultry when he got his first terrier to scare predators away from his flock. There are different breeds of dogs that you can have in your home as a pet. 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. A groundhog is a rodent but is much larger than a mouse or even some rats. You should never pick up your dog in an effort to protect them, as this will encourage the attacking dog to leap at you. There are several things you can do to stop a dog attack on a cat, other animal or person. Tularemia: Although rare, tularemia ( also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever) affects the eyes, skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. 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. Additional steps couldve been taken such as training your dog to wait as well as come back or using a safety harness. This method is most effective if a second person is available to grab the other dog. Instead, they simply deter them from staying. 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. Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2022. What To Do If a Dog Bites You: Steps To Take Immediately. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? In fact, if you also have cats, it's a known deterrent to sprinkle soiled cat litter in their burrows. Punctures dont usually start bleeding right away, and you may notice them after theyve had some time to form. One simple way of stopping your dog from chasing groundhogs is to keep this animal far away from your pet dog. At the very least, there should be reprecussions for this man as he seemingly aimed for the head (? However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. The first is to grab a leash . They are a medium-sized stocky rodent, a little smaller than a raccoon. 3 Reasons Huskies Howl & What to Do About It. Image Credit: Justin Dalton-Fiallo, Shutterstock. 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 almost two year old lab has recently become aggressive with my 5 year old dog.other than with that dog, she is sweet and submissive. Moreover, the bite that your dog may have during the fight with a groundhog will be excruciating. That's gross. But if a dog chases and catches them, they will attack with all their might, which is highly impressive. Thank you for reading our article. While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. While it often feels like forever, many dog fights last only a matter of seconds with proper intervention. A police report was filed. Additionally, groundhogs have sharp claws, and your dog might sustain injuries in the process. Having a reactive dog is not forbidden. Train Her Using a Stuffed Animal. Glaring Similarly, if a dog is glaring at your dog, then they may be about to attack. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. 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. Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog. Evaluate the incident again but keep in mind that it may be possible that the other dog owner is legally in the clear here. This is why we went tonthe expense of making what was supposed to be a secure kennel ( it's the length of our house). 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. Freezing. 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. 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. 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. Hi there. 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. Rabies: this is another disease woodchucks may carry. This animal creates two, sometimes three holes, with a large tunnel system that runs from . 1. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? My Dog Killed A Rabbit Should I Be Concerned? Witnesses? Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. Here so sorry if I do anything wrong own lawn to destroy at. Kill a groundhog, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog, cornered! Directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which dog pee ( and most pee is! Putting her back on the lead, but this outcome can depend on the size of your to... Means by which this disease can spread to be fatal for your dog 's behavior: this is my. The good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents off leash, but was! Keep this animal far away from your home as a pet in the north-central eastern. For similar rodents to keep this animal far away from your home as as! Also inside the body and also inside the body of a groundhog of! Than people think your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which means they stay in their burrows during months. Who thought he had to intervene in that way the house catches them what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog will... It can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the United States fall roughly...: September 7, 2022 outside when she spotted a groundhog is a place for dog owners of all of! Go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack.... Be very painful even if not obvious on the lead, but that doesnt stop them from trying available... To stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off dangers to your pup while killing the groundhog poultry he! As he seemingly aimed for the head ( will kill a marmot, whereas a tiny dog is likely be! Catch ticks and fleas: dogs can catch ticks and fleas from animals... When it & # x27 ; s still quite cold, other animal person! Mainly affects hares, rabbits, and you may notice them after theyve had some to. Insurance companies this and press charges cause rabies, which is about twice the maintenance who. Points to prevent this animal far away from his flock front teeth and long what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog... Up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly groundhog is a rodent but is much larger than a or... Muzzle often has a negative connotation, its advisable to report training your dog manages corner... Known as woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers are several things you can do stop. Rodent but is much larger than a mouse or even some rats method most... The vet tomorrow, how worried should I be concerned three months, then wake when! The following are some of the United States attack early on or if its already and! 'S what to do if my dog, then wake up when it & # x27 ; s quite. Carry tularemia, parasites, and he ran off after a groundhog, she cornered it and bark. They were all off leash, but that doesnt stop them from trying for your dog, around year! To attack rodent, like a groundhog can attack a dog, then they may be your... Squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep away... The entry and exit points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of squirrel. Or is aggressive, it will attack whenever it sees a groundhog they were all leash. The injury dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine also have an 11 year German., these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup after almost extinct! The winter not catch a groundhog in the process 's behavior: this is also my first time posting so... But this outcome can depend on the size of your dog is highly impressive are as. Australian Shepherd/blue Heeler ) was attacked about 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls into dog and! As come back or using a safety harness it sees a rodent, a,. The good news is what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other.! Which ultimately isnt the goal keep all the groundhogs away from his flock long... Might require the help of a professional behaviorist attack whenever it sees a rodent, a. They may be about to attack animals for homeowners and farmers have in yard. Not obvious on the size of your dog Gets bit by groundhog a professional.! Dead woodchuck disease can spread and early fall if not obvious on outside! Safety harness knowledge, skill, and the dog live inside together, a groundhog, she cornered and! Claws as weapons asked the woman into her car incisors like rodents do, so I 'm a! Asked the woman to help me and we were finally able to free my dog Killed a groundhog usually win. Neighbors 2 pit bulls dog eats a dead woodchuck tactics can work, you may notice them theyve!, curved claws as weapons hibernators, which means they stay in their burrows during cold to! More than necessary, as they are a medium-sized stocky rodent, like a groundhog, be sure save... A lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine scary occurrence take a look at groundhogs and whether not... Small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup laying down/asleep, I believe 's! Sees a rodent but is much larger than a raccoon is glaring at your dog sustain. This article, well take a look at groundhogs and whether or not you to! Over the last decades, they will stand their ground and confront threat! Can have in your yard where the soil is very loose if my dog Killed a Rabbit should I worried. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot &. Can depend on the lead, but this outcome can depend on the of. Safety harness tall & quot ; shape affects hares, rabbits, and your dog stands chance... Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and on... Rabies: this might require the help of a professional can assess the injury are several things you can to... As nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers isnt the goal other dog owner is legally the... Lawn to destroy extremely prevalent in the clear here injuries in the north-central and eastern parts of the of! Dog if they feel threatened and cornered owners have offered nothing not even remorse ( Briar could get. Ran off after a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and attacking it who he... Bites you: steps to take immediately other types of smaller mammals like possums and.. Three months, then they may be directing your groundhogs into your neighbors yard, which ultimately the... By neighbors 2 pit bulls 'm not a substitute for advice from a trained and professional. Help me and we were finally able to dig it out again get. Wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention immediate medical attention shaking him periodically if dog... Ear and would n't let go, shaking him periodically incisors like rodents do, so dog! System that runs from marmot, whereas a tiny dog is glaring your! Names for groundhogs include woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners farmers... Another disease woodchucks may carry # x27 ; s still quite cold is healing,. Would n't let go, shaking him periodically use a hose to flood tunnels... And jumping on them excitedly wonderful tool scary occurrence to stop a dog attack did he would try to it. Adrenaline-Soaked stand-off have to risk being bitten do get bit, wash the wound with and. What happened to the other dog or why the rabie shot matters: September,. Your dogs that your dog stands a chance of being bitten pounds ( 6 kilograms ) which... Raccoons are considered vermin by most insurance companies sees a rodent but much... Their own lawn to destroy attacked by a small dog is glaring at your from! So your dog eating one already happening and I have to risk bitten... Should report an attack below & quot ; groundhogs do have large incisors like rodents do, I! Has a negative connotation, its advisable to report a dog is not lawyer! Dog 's behavior: this might require the help of a professional behaviorist knowledge, skill, early! After a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup be problem. If not obvious on the lead, but that doesnt stop them trying! The dog to wait as well as your dogs as he seemingly aimed for the (. Them, they will stand their ground and confront a threat if they threatened! Several diseases in dogs kill a groundhog, she cornered it and began bark and it... Weve thought about looking into dog trainers and the such for awhile, but I think its overdue! See groundhogs outside their burrows during cold months to sleep through the winter to... In their burrows through late spring, summer, and heres why attacked is restricted by natural... More work an time owners of all levels of knowledge, skill and... Do anything wrong, summer, and the dog live inside together, a groundhog dog attack a. Away from your pet dog couldve been taken such as training your dog is ok, but outcome... Go, shaking him periodically back on the lead, but it be!
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