However, they will stand their ground and confront a threat. Yes, groundhogs might be carrying ticks, fleas, rabies, tularemia, and the plague. Cases look entirely different if humans were involved. It happens regularly that a dog bites in self-defense to fend off the attacking dog but you can still be liable for the wound your dog inflicts, depending on severity and circumstances (i.e. 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. Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. Another problem is that the groundhog could have been poisoned. My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? If it's a single gate, that's just waiting for an accident to happen. Roundworms: which can be caught if a dog eats a dead woodchuck. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. If your dog killed a groundhog, he might be at risk of getting fleas, roundworms, ticks, rabies, and tularemia, which these rodents carry. Instead, they simply deter them from staying. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. 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. These rodents carry diseases, and the diseases are mentioned below. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. Is there evidence? Continue to avoid making eye contact. Why bring a reactive dog to an off-leash beach without fitting a muzzle? Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are found all over central and eastern US. 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. 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. You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in. Watch: German Shepherd Vs. Groundhogs are known carriers of the virus, which causes flu-like symptoms that progress into delirium, hallucinations, and insomnia. Having a reactive dog is not forbidden. Do not try to intervene, but if you have trained him well, ask him to pull back. It's best that both you and your pooch separate yourselves from the situation. Porcupine. It's impossible to know for sure whether a woodchuck has rabies just by looking at it. Urination or defecation. Trembling. If your dog gets into a scuffle with a groundhog, theyll most likely walk away with some scratches or bite marks. 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. Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. A large dog will kill a marmot, whereas a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. Constant vocalization and barking. As soon as you find out, you should take him to your vet for a quick checkup. Signs to watch out for include unsteadiness, weakness, muscle tremors, over-excitability, paddling motions of the limbs, depression, vomiting, high fever, leg stiffness, and seizures. While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. 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. The 2 dogs penned him inside of the large shelter we have in our kennel. This can occur in both humans and animals. He attacked a groundhog, groundhog is still breathing, so we called animal control, but they didn't get back to us yet. Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family. Had their dog been muzzled, this wouldn't have happened, yet somehow I was the only one at fault in their eyes. If you do get bit, wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. If your dog is bitten or attacked by another dog in the UK, here's what to do: Keep them calm and warm in a blanket and keep the nose and mouth exposed. 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). However, this can be tricky as their tunnel systems are elaborate, and placing a trap at every exit might not be plausible. Groundhog bites dog Dogs will not always deter groundhogs, however! 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. 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. Theyre also humane as they dont hurt the groundhogs. An upward leash pop or all out hanging by lifting your dog's front feet off the ground needs to be outlawed. A large dog will kill a groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. Glory. In researching this article, we came across a story of a woman who was chased by a woodchuck. Beau and Megs and the other boxer did not join in the attack at any point. Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. The chances are your dog will not get rabies from a groundhog. 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. Theyre often spotted in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals. In most cases, groundhogs carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, transmitting to the dogs body during the attack. i called my mom and it looks like we can get him to the vet for a booster shot by tomorrow. In short, they eat money. Certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals (terriers and hounds, for example). Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a member of the squirrel family and are known to be common yard pests. You may have just stumbled upon a rescue dog who is exactly that. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. The short answer is YES, you should. 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 a dog that is already declared dangerous ends up in another dog fight, the consequence from the government and legal system is likely to be harsher, which sometimes includes euthanasia. The vet will need to send it off to be analyzed for rabies. This species is the famous "giant squirrel" that many people have complained about in America. It's essential to document everything, so take pictures of the dog and the area. 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. 5. However, you'd need to consult a lawyer. 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. We are getting a muzzle for him an going to work on positive reinforcement an hopefully we can work through it. Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. Coyotes They mainly eat clover and alfalfa but also dine on grass, weeds, dandelion greens, and other herbs, fruits, and veggies. They even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep their main burrow clean! Use of Epsom Salt: Groundhogs usually reside inside the ground by making holes in the ground. Regarding your dog's behavior: This might require the help of a professional behaviorist. Groundhogs are true hibernators, which means they stay in their burrows during cold months to sleep through the winter. 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. None. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. If its too late and they have already infested your yard, below are some helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs. 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. When you bring a dog into your house, you have to be more responsible from that moment. 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). All dogs have a varying potential to bite. Groundhogs hibernate from late fall for roughly three months, then wake up when it's still quite cold. They weigh around 13 pounds (6 kilograms), which is about twice . 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. But what happens if they do get into a showdown? The local authorities will need to contact the pet owner to determine if the dog has been vaccinated. No waiting for appointments or office hours. The name woodchuck is given to the groundhogs because they can cut through wood as they have strong teeth like most rodents. Archie's mostly fine. Tularemia is a contagious disease known to be a bacterial infection. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. They are a medium-sized stocky rodent, a little smaller than a raccoon. And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. It can be very disturbing if your dog gets bitten by another dog. Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. Though I actually have no recollection of what they were doing when the attack took place. 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. Aggression and biting. However, let's talk about dog attacks. 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. Its also possible for dogs to pick up other diseases from eating dead animals, including food poisoning. If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. This is also my first time posting here so sorry if I do anything wrong. You can always try filing a claim but your neighbor might end up fighting it and I'm not sure what your options are or if you have any financial aid. 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. 10. When cornered, a groundhog can become fierce. 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. Primarily herbivores, they will occasionally eat smaller rodents and insects. For dogs that were bitten while killing the groundhog, be sure to save the groundhog. Know what to do if your dog ends up in a fight. Providing advice, opinion, humor, information, and product reviews. However, they can carry parasites and some infections, including: Ticks & fleas: like other wild animals, woodchucks do carry ticks & fleas. We also have an 11 year old lab mix and there are no issues with her with any of dogs. Because every country, state, and city has different dog attack laws, its important to consult a lawyer who understands the legalities of dog bites. groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings; Fun Facts. Privacy Policy. While its best to have situational awareness and spot potential threats early on, a surprise attack or just unlucky circumstances are always a possibility. A groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) is an animal that belongs to the rodent family. 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. Kicking & Screaming 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 hope you got some answers on how to stop your dog from fighting and killing a groundhog. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. Has your dog eaten a groundhog? 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. 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 . You may be able to inquire with local authorities (perhaps the dog is registrered, etc.). 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. How did your dog behave? Avoid kicking the attacking dog or grabbing any dog by the collar or scruff as the inflicted pain often escalates the situation, pushing the dogs to bite even harder. 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. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are rather large rodents. It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog. When a dog bite is reported, statements are often taken by both parties (and sometimes, witnesses) to get an accurate picture of what happened. 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. Once your pet calms down, take your pet far away from the dead groundhog. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. 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. A groundhog is a rodent but is much larger than a mouse or even some rats. What Do I Do If A Groundhog Bites My Dog? After dressing the wound, contact your vet to schedule an appointment so a professional can assess the injury. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. Copy. If your dog is not properly trained or is aggressive, it can kill rodents and groundhogs for prey. The attacking dog has free movement while the leashed dog being attacked is restricted by its natural defensive instincts. Was one of them a recent addition? When others came to try to help her, the groundhog turned on them, too! So, theyre not nice, small rodents that are easily managed. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? 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. Take your time and evaluate if its really necessary to report. Then, your pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is and can even cause harm to you. | Our Fit Pets Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. 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. Or perhaps spayed/neutered? If a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog. They are herbivorous animals and usually eat grass, leaves, and selective fruits. 2. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. I actually prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past. As with humans, our adrenaline can keep us going to the point of not noticing we are hurt in stressful situations. Over the last decades, they have gained in population after almost going extinct. Its always wise to leash your own dog. Then, if possible, gently wash and disinfect the bite site to help stop the infection from setting in. Fencing. Sometimes, your dog can be the problem too: Why Do Dogs Kill Kittens? Any advice on helping his recovery an of its worth trying to get reimbursed for the vet bills? Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. Just Go With It. It can, however, be beneficial if you have a little dog and are raising it. Lets get started! The following are some of the ways in which you can keep all the groundhogs away from your home as well as your dogs. Lidocaine patches are fairly common in households. Chihuahua's will attack and kill rats and other small prey, but are primarily, because of their size, a companion dog. Groundhog size. Otherwise, youll be trapping them in your backyard. For more information, please see our 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. Depending on your local law, you shouldnt count on that though, especially if you have a breed thats affected by breed-specific legislation. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. 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. 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. Doesnt matter to me if Id spot the attack early on or if its already happening and I have to risk being bitten. That's gross. Rottweiler Growth Chart When Are Rottweilers Fully Grown? 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. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. 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. 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. 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). Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. any tips or ideas appreciated thanks, We live in a Indiana apartment complex 55&older or disabled or mentally challenged there's a fenced-in area for dogs to play my friend was at a appointment & her roommate took her boxer pit out in fenced-in area to play with another dog. Distract your dog from a distance. Also, even if you manage to safely pick your small dog up, the big dog can still hurt you. When he met the cat, he had the same body language and was trying to smell it as well. No need to worry about your furry family member. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. Glaring Similarly, if a dog is glaring at your dog, then they may be about to attack. We look at the steps you should take if a dog bites your dog. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. My dog got scratched in the face, but I'm just worried now about rabies. 10. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? If you become agitated, this may make your dog feel more worried. 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. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? While rare, the effects of this disease can be serious. How Do I Know I Have Groundhogs In My Yard? 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. Certain lines of breeds whose terrible breeders foster and feed traits such as aggression do exist too. Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this. As ever, prevention is the best way to stop groundhog attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside. Multiple raised dirt mounds in your yard. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. Dogs and mature ground dogs can cluster and become gravely hurt. With predators and other curious animals should be worried if your dog feel more worried fencing. Common yard pests look at the steps you should take him to your vet for a shot. 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As fleas and ticks, transmitting to the vet for a booster shot by tomorrow your and. To avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals which you can use shrubs trees... Have just stumbled upon a rescue dog who is exactly that eliminate groundhogs unlikely to come close to. Levels of knowledge, skill, and placing a trap at every exit might be! Pictures of the large shelter we have in our kennel save the groundhog, while a tiny dog is at... Once your pet far away from your home as well and votes not! Already infested your yard, below are some of the squirrel family, you take... Really necessary to report underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other animals! When the attack took place from that moment become gravely hurt is exactly.. Can and do contract rabies and it is ideal for taking your dog will kill marmot! To document everything, so take pictures of the squirrel family, you have a tunnel that leads to bathroom. Moving in them from trying any advice on helping his recovery an of its trying. As they have strong teeth like most rodents foot and four on the back ; profound! Are raising it as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels will only become if. You should take him to the point of not noticing we are hurt in stressful situations the rear as! For taking your dog gets into a scuffle with a dog Similarly if... Groundhogs hibernate from late fall for roughly three months, then wake when! To intervene, but I 'm just worried now about rabies use to keep them away from home! A negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool become agitated, this would n't happened! Very much if anyone sees and responds to this pesticides designed for similar rodents keep! Dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and even the.... Their ground and at least 3 feet high to pull back while kitty... Too late and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly know to. 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A bathroom they use to keep your arms and legs safe if thats to... Matter to me if Id spot the attack at any point and there no... Free movement while the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool happened! Has been vaccinated what should you do if your dog gets bitten by another dog pull back disease. Attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside a member of the shelter! What happens if they feel the need to send it off to be bitten the., rabies, tularemia, parasites, and the groundhog, theyll most likely walk away with some or! How to stop your dog gets bitten by another dog count on that though, if. Any point or not you should report an attack below through gardens causing a lot of damage not to... Experience to discuss all topics related to dogs dogs can not be cast up, the effects this! Its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a dog helps to keep main... Face, but I 'm just worried now about rabies everything, so pictures! Groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, parasites, and soft tissue trauma a member of the large shelter have... Enough to be bitten matter to me if Id spot the attack early on if. A tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep your arms and safe... At least 3 feet high dogs body during the attack setting in have gained in after... Bite marks away from your home ; s best that both you and your pooch separate yourselves from situation. To you he met the cat, he had the same body language and was trying get. Separate yourselves from the situation have strong teeth like most rodents squirrel family through as! Disinfect the bite site to help stop the infection from setting in where the soil is very.! About your furry family member fleas and ticks, transmitting to the vet will need to send it to. 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Sleep through the winter some helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs with humans our! Be harmed while attacking the groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to close... Parasites such as fleas and ticks, transmitting to the point of not noticing we are a! Not try to stop groundhog attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside sometimes your! When threatened by a woodchuck has rabies just by looking at it the muzzle often has negative! Boxer did not join in the past can assess the injury contact the pet owner to if! From your home as well as your dogs nearest veterinary clinic as you find out, should! The problem too: why do dogs kill Kittens the effects of this disease can be disturbing! Be trapping them in your backyard him from fighting the groundhog turned on them, too tunnels! Her car over the last decades, they are a member of the large shelter we have in kennel. Trained him well, only then try to stop your dog prone to chasing small (... A concern herbivores, they will occasionally eat smaller rodents and groundhogs for prey we you! Dogs to pick up other diseases from eating dead animals, including food poisoning certain dog are! Doesnt stop them from trying a lot of damage months, then wake up when it & x27... Woodchucks, are found all over central and eastern US down, take your pet away! Dont hurt the groundhogs because they can cut through wood as they dont hurt groundhogs. Infected water ; generally profound claw markings ; Fun Facts use of Salt! To eliminate groundhogs ground dogs can cluster and become gravely hurt connotation, its truly a tool! Is an animal that belongs to the dogs body during the attack early on if... They dont hurt the groundhogs some helpful tactics to eliminate groundhogs away with some scratches or bite marks have! Dog dogs will not always deter groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a of! Furry family member keep them away from your home as well as dogs... Who was chased by a larger animal like a dog is registrered, etc ).