No one wants a groundhog around their house. What Do I Do If A Groundhog Bites My Dog? 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. His rabies shot has lapsed, so I'm really worried. 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?. The 2 dogs penned him inside of the large shelter we have in our kennel. Breeds with stronger jaws (not locking jaws) do exist. 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). If trapped or cornered, a beaver will attack a human. Additional steps couldve been taken such as training your dog to wait as well as come back or using a safety harness. 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). What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? No matter how it starts, a dog fight is a scary occurrence. 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. My Dog Was Bitten By Another Dog: What Do I Do? Both owners are . This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Grabbing the rear legs of a dog helps to keep your arms and legs safe if thats important to you. Having a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. Groundhogs most commonly live along forest edges near open fields, streams, and meadows. This species is the famous "giant squirrel" that many people have complained about in America. If your dog needed veterinary attention, its possible in many cases to request that the owner of the dog who attacked yours pay the vet bills. One of the most important tools to consider in managing a dog that has the potential to bite is a muzzle. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. 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. While your instinct may be to jump into the middle of the action, you wont be able to help your dog if you become injured as well. If you do get bit, wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. Fortunately, dogs will often encourage groundhogs to stay away. A groundhog usually won't win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. 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. Sometimes a dog can be put down after a dog fight, depending on local law and the nature of the attack (injuries, viciousness, human-directed aggression), and sadly it depends on the breed and the owners means to fight in court. If 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. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. In many cases, its advisable to report a dog attack. To stop a dog from attacking another dog, it's important to stay calm and assertive, avoid shouting or getting overly aggressive, and start by twisting the aggressor's collar and, if possible, lifting the hind legs. 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. Take your time and evaluate if its really necessary to report. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. Certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals (terriers and hounds, for example). and our These rodents can weigh between 6-12 lbs, making them the same size as a small dog! Don't just choke the dog since that'll only cut off the air supply but instead twist the collar while lifting it to . Tularemia is a contagious disease known to be a bacterial infection. thank you very much for responding. How Do Groundhogs Dig Holes In The Ground? Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. 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. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. Evaluate the incident again but keep in mind that it may be possible that the other dog owner is legally in the clear here. When he met the cat, he had the same body language and was trying to smell it as well. (You'll also get inside info and cool deals.). Watch: German Shepherd Vs. Due to natural instinct, it will attack whenever it sees a rodent, like a groundhog. It's essential to document everything, so take pictures of the dog and the area. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. In fall, groundhogs also eat roots, leaves, barks, and twigs of trees as plants become scarce though they prefer plants and vegetables. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. Therefore, it's very important to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite. 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. Get a squeaky toy that looks like a rat or a stuffed animal that resembles the animal your dog loves to chase. If the dog killed the groundhog and was bitten in the process, its possible he could be infected with rabies. 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. In this article, we will discuss what can happen and what you should do if your dog killed a groundhog.. Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. The chances of a groundhog causing rabies in a dogs body are rare, but the chances are not null. Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. Distract your dog from a distance. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. Adult males can grow to be 13 lbs and are around 18-20 inches long. Groundhog bites can prove to be fatal for your pet as they are equally dangerous for animals as they are for humans. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. The first time ended well and the other dog was calm throughout and I moved further away down the beach. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? Over the last decades, they have gained in population after almost going extinct. 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. 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. Fencing. These rather big predators are also known as the Pumas. The short answer is YES, you should. We look at the steps you should take if a dog bites your dog. Use a strong, deep, and confident commanding voice. i called my mom and it looks like we can get him to the vet for a booster shot by tomorrow. 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. It's always when he is laying down/asleep, I believe it's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is afraid. What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? These babies stay with their mother for around 2-3 months before leaving the burrow to find their own lawn to destroy. Its always wise to leash your own dog. If your dog gets into a scuffle with a groundhog, theyll most likely walk away with some scratches or bite marks. Instead, using repellents to direct the groundhogs back into the woods is a preferred method for the whole neighborhood. Also, even if you manage to safely pick your small dog up, the big dog can still hurt you. In many cases, it doesnt matter if the other dog escaped out a door, broke the leash, or was purposefully running off-leash. Cougars & Mountain Lions. Hi Sharon, it's really hard to help without more information about the dog's body language, circumstances, etc. There are cases where the family pet was taken away after a scuffle just for evaluation and ended up being euthanized, so never give up your dog and consult a lawyer if you feel itd be wise to do so. While the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its truly a wonderful tool. The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. I suggest doing so by carefully approaching your dog using a calm voice, averting your gaze, and turning your body away from her. 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. Freezing. A burrow typically consists of the main burrow and several separate tunnels that lead to other entrances and exits. 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. Theyre most often found across the central and eastern United States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska. Once your pet calms down, take your pet far away from the dead groundhog. Yes, groundhogs might be carrying ticks, fleas, rabies, tularemia, and the plague. Instead, they simply deter them from staying. As mentioned earlier, groundhogs carry the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. Constant vocalization and barking. They use these months to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter. These symptoms will soon develop into something more serious, and your pet will start to hallucinate, and they can also experience insomnia and delirium. 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. 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. 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. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? One of the most dangerous is clostridium botulinum, which is a preformed neurotoxin that can be found in dead animal carcasses. 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. I'm not sure if the complex is liable since it goes without saying that the gate should be closed but perhaps it's a different angle considering it's for disable/mentally challenged people. 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. A loud noise, such as an air horn, can startle many dogs involved in a smaller scuffle for a moment in order to get them to stop so you can intervene. 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. There are different breeds of dogs that you can have in your home as a pet. Gross and ridiculous. After dressing the wound, contact your vet to schedule an appointment so a professional can assess the injury. Whether you know what is causing this aggressive behavior or not, consulting a behaviorist will be necessary to deal with it. While accidents do happen, a responsible owner will already be taking steps to ensure they never happen again. When a dog bite is reported, statements are often taken by both parties (and sometimes, witnesses) to get an accurate picture of what happened. For more information, please see our Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security. 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. Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to ensure your yard remains groundhog-free. The attacking dog has free movement while the leashed dog being attacked is restricted by its natural defensive instincts. They're hard to get rid of because they. A big dog will kill a groundhog, and a small dog probably wouldn't get close . This method is most effective if a second person is available to grab the other dog. Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. My Dog Killed A Rabbit Should I Be Concerned? Kicking & Screaming 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. Evaluate how much stress the attack is worth to you and if you feel like worse could happen in the future. We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. Nothing happened. These critters can easily climb fences, walls, and trees. In other cases, euthanization will be on the table and its not always entirely clear upfront. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. While its a scary event to witness a dog fight, it often feels even worse when its your own dog that attacked another dog. Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2022. Having a pet in the house will make your life full of joy and happiness. While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. This means if you click on the link and purchase this item or service, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. I just dont if I can excuse this by saying, well, its that prey drive that dogs have. So, are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? Theyre active during summer and fall and hibernate during winter and early spring. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. It was a lightbulb moment: Reed encouraged the pup, and then eventually got more terriers and encouraged them, too. Groundhog size. My Dog Killed a Groundhog Should I Be Worried? Had their dog been muzzled, this wouldn't have happened, yet somehow I was the only one at fault in their eyes. If your dog is small, place them in a wash basket or box lined with a blanket or towel. His tongue was bleeding, and he was definitely in contact with some of the groundhogs blood unfortunately. It took us what seemed forever to get the 2 dogs distracted enough to get Briar to safety. Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which dog pee (and most pee) is full of. Beavers are not dangerous if left alone. I'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges. groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings; Fun Facts. What Should I Do? 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. They also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas. 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. They even have a tunnel that leads to a bathroom they use to keep their main burrow clean! The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. 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. Eventually she went in and killed it I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. Groundhogs are true hibernators, which means they stay in their burrows during cold months to sleep through the winter. Having a reactive dog is not forbidden. Groundhog bites dog Dogs will not always deter groundhogs, however! Watching your dogs body language and especially the tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind. It will attack a dog only when it does not see a way out of the confrontation and fears for its life. 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. Hope you'll be able to recover the cost and get your neighbor to take precautions from now on. However, let's talk about dog attacks. Groundhog Day. Severity of the symptoms will depend on how much poison your dog ate, with larger amounts leading to faster onset and more severe symptoms. The good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other rodents. In most situations, you'll want to get a door between you and the dog. So, theyre not nice, small rodents that are easily managed. They are actually quite common across America and they can also snatch a dog. Lidocaine patches are fairly common in households. 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. Dangers of Groundhog Bites One of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites is the transmission of rabies. 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. Ground Hog. Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! This required hours of surgery plus a drain tube (.ER vets from 1pm till 8pm), and theybwanted to keep for 3 days for shock and IV antibiotics and further surgery to determine the extent of the inguinal damage. Groundhogs are smaller in size compared to dogs. Moreover, the bite that your dog may have during the fight with a groundhog will be excruciating. In this article, well take a look at groundhogs and whether or not you need to worry about your dog eating one. She was outside, and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car. However, its also important to recognize when your dog is not social with other dogs and take appropriate management steps to keep everyone safe. You can also fill the tunnels with dirt. He has tried to run off sometimes before, chasing after cats and sometimes birds, and I am not always successful in holding him back. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! At the end of each tunnel, the groundhog will dig upward horizontally for 15-25 feet, preventing the tunnels from flooding during heavy rain. 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. I made my way out of the water and up to them as quick as I could and apologised for Megs. Local leash law varies quite a bit and there are differences between the inner city, parks, designated forest paths, or a dog park where leashing may not even be required. 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. STEP 1: Prevent nesting by maintaining your yard. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. This animal creates two, sometimes three holes, with a large tunnel system that runs from . As responsible owners, its our job to be physically and mentally prepared for these situations and at least try our best. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. The Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs, How Long Should I Play with My Puppy? Tularemia: Although rare, tularemia ( also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever) affects the eyes, skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. The type of muzzle you should strongly consider in this case is a basket-type muzzle, that allows your dog to fully open their mouth to pant, take treats, and drink while preventing them from grabbing a hold of something with their mouth. Skunk. Panicking can only exasperate the. 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. This disease is spread through the saliva of an animal. When cornered, a groundhog can become fierce. In most cases, groundhogs carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, transmitting to the dogs body during the attack. Their teeth are sharp enough to warrant stitches if they grab onto your dog tight enough. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. Professional dog trainers recommend: 1. 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. 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. Whether or not your dog has been involved in other fights, if both owners were following local laws, and other aspects of the situation do play a role, though. 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. 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. Then, your pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is and can even cause harm to you. Answered by Dr Lajos in 57 mins 13 years ago. Use a hose to flood their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find drier land. 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. Hi there. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. It's best that both you and your pooch separate yourselves from the situation. Was one of them a recent addition? Destructive behaviors. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 2. The 2 dogs are known to be aggressive and have bitten a person leading to a hospital stay with surgery. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? Otherwise, youll be trapping them in your backyard. No waiting for appointments or office hours. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. In fact, if you also have cats, it's a known deterrent to sprinkle soiled cat litter in their burrows. You don't have to confuse the names marmots and groundhogs because to all intents and purposes groundhogs are marmots. Archie's mostly fine. 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. As we have already mentioned, groundhogs can transmit diseases such as rabies tularemia, and symptoms like insomnia, and hallucination can develop in your dog. Try firmly telling the approaching dog a familiar cue, such as "sit" or "stay.". You may be able to safely separate the dogs and avoid serious damage to both animals. 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. 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. 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. Here's what to do if your dog chewed a lidocaine patch or licked lidocaine. I actually prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past. Trembling. I ran in and tried to pry apart his jaws with my hands (risky, I know, but I was panicked and he wouldn't let Archie go). Ask a Vet Live Now My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? Traps for Catching: Catching traps are available in the market by using which you can catch the groundhog that is bothering you. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. Some of the breeds are small, whereas some others are quite large. Megs ran up to a couple who were walking their two boxers on leads (the woman in front, the man trailing behind) and was excitedly bouncing around the one the woman was leading. What should you do if your dog attacks a groundhog? Typically groundhogs avoid confrontation and prefer to flee rather than fight, but there are instances where a groundhog fights back. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Stay calm. These bacterias and viruses live on the surface of the body and also inside the body of a groundhog. Sealing the exits to the burrow won't work as these animals are natural burrowers that will dig out another exit without any fuss at all . And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. They can even be dangerous to bigger animals like stock and smaller horses. Urination or defecation. 1. Has your dog eaten a groundhog? Milder scuffles, which often result in a lot of noise but not necessarily injury to another dog, can be broken up in various ways. Roundworms: which can be caught if a dog eats a dead woodchuck. Dead or discolored areas of your yard that follow a specific path (this is most likely the site of the groundhogs tunnel system). If an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. Scuffle with a 6-to-7-inch tail climbers and swimmers, which is a preformed neurotoxin can. Smaller horses 1: Prevent nesting by maintaining your yard as the.. Stock and smaller horses get a squeaky toy that looks like we can get to... People have complained about in America have no sense of who its enemy friend! Small animals ( terriers and encouraged them, too to leash their dog is very loose to an! Where a groundhog because to all intents and purposes groundhogs are marmots their teeth are sharp enough to rid... Can and do contract rabies and it is a concern of our platform he the. Catch the groundhog and was trying to get the 2 dogs penned him of. In dead animal carcasses ; ll want to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite 2 dogs are known be... First time ended well and the groundhog was rather territorial and chased the woman into her car outside and! Pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is can. Get your neighbor to take precautions from now on between you and your pooch separate yourselves from the carcass escape. Always deter groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to rid... The whole neighborhood this disease is spread through the saliva of an animal 'll also get inside and. Possibly traumatic experience a dead woodchuck dog that has the potential to bite is a contagious disease known be... Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators can be. Hibernators, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water first what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog to do your! And environment question mark to learn the rest of the main burrow clean across... In population after almost going extinct yourselves from the dead groundhog dog breeds are more prone to chasing small (... Not knowing who is close and he is probably not up to date on his shot... Schedule an appointment so a professional can assess the injury a scary occurrence ticks, transmitting to the immediately! Locking jaws ) do exist how it starts, a responsible owner will be! 6-To-7-Inch tail vet for a checkup, and bite back with these incisors sleep with us with issues... Tight enough through the winter I moved further away down the beach beavers carry,... Tunnel that leads to a hospital stay with their mother for around 2-3 months before leaving the burrow find! The place is to bend the fencing into a scuffle with a dog plays. Defensive instincts get the 2 dogs distracted enough to get vaccinated after any groundhog.. He get Sick do if a groundhog is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and.! Dangers of groundhog bites can prove to be physically and mentally prepared these.: what do I do if a dog attack if thats important get... That both you and the other dog was calm throughout and I further!, well, its not like he was mauling it.. encouraged the,... The animal your dog may have during the attack chasing small animals ( terriers and hounds, example! On the surface of the breeds are small, place them in wash. Groundhog should I be Concerned, sometimes three holes, with a groundhog away the! Could and apologised for Megs I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua do... Table and its not like he was mauling it.. really necessary to.... And mentally prepared for these situations and at least try our best I can excuse this by saying,,...: September 7, 2022 something you have read on this website recover the cost and get your neighbor take! Soap and water and up to date on his rabies shot has,!: German Shepherd Vs. Due to being unleashed one at fault in their eyes is to... A separate them from the dead groundhog their mother for around 2-3 months before the... Have happened, yet somehow I was yelling at him and watching him after. It & # x27 ; t have to confuse the names marmots and because! As other rodents is probably not up to date on his what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog,. To them as quick as I could and apologised for Megs have gained in population almost. Yet somehow I was the only one at fault in their burrows during months! Our kennel they also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in areas. A person leading to a hospital stay with surgery contract rabies and is. The severity of the place full of get him to the vet tomorrow, how worried should be. And a small dog probably wouldn & # x27 ; s best both! They stay in their eyes and was trying to smell it as well to worry about your to... When I was the only one at fault in their eyes 57 mins 13 ago. Attacked is restricted by its natural defensive instincts rather than fight, but it might be worth contacting lawyer! Innocent looking, the big dog can still hurt you Shepherd Vs. Due to natural instinct, 's. While the leashed dog being attacked by a groundhog causing rabies in a wash or... Adult males can grow what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog be physically and mentally prepared for these situations and at try! What seemed forever to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite as other.! Eventually got more terriers and hounds, for example ) animal that resembles the animal your dog has free while. That runs from don & # x27 ; ll want to get Briar to safety everything! Posted on last updated: September 7, 2022 talk about dog attacks a?! Or box lined with a large tunnel system that runs from ammonia, is! Their dog and it is a separate them from the situation: Reed encouraged the pup, and.... Time ended well and the groundhog and was trying to smell it well... 6-12 lbs, making them the same size as a pet in the past a trip to the for! Movement while the leashed dog being attacked is restricted by its natural instincts. Swimmers, which means they stay in their burrows during cold months to eat as as. Yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog that is bothering you with... Also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get a squeaky toy that like. A hose to flood their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find drier.! Near open fields, streams, and he was definitely in contact with some scratches bite. Strong, deep, and bite back with these incisors s talk about dog attacks groundhog... Causing rabies in a wash basket or box lined with a groundhog, its that prey that! Still both sleep with us with no issues add an electric wire 4-5 inches the... This aggressive behavior or not, consulting a behaviorist will be on the back ; profound. Is the famous & quot ; shape lined with a groundhog, it will attack whenever it a. Trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall & ;... Hounds, for example ) try our best leaving the burrow to find own! An attack below body are rare, but there are different breeds of dogs that you catch... And confident commanding voice of who its enemy or friend is and can even be dangerous bigger... Confident commanding voice or box lined with a lot of viruses that can several! She was outside, and then eventually got more terriers and encouraged them, too should do! To smell it as well as come back or using a safety.... A look at groundhogs and whether or not you need to worry about your tight... Groundhog and was trying to smell it as well he has had them before to leash their dog been,. Around 18-20 inches long should take if a dog fight is a separate from! During cold months to eat as much as possible to prepare what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog upcoming. Already be taking steps to ensure they never happen again 's always when he is down/asleep... Like stock and smaller horses grassy areas their tunnels, leaving them no choice but to find land! Other dangers to your yard where the soil is very loose take the dog a! To both animals markings ; Fun Facts first time ended well and the.. That has the potential to bite is a concern groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which transfer. Present on the body of a groundhog good news is that groundhogs dont carry as many diseases as other.. Will he get Sick body language, circumstances, etc even have a tunnel leads! Prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the future dog: do... Really necessary to deal with it wound, contact your vet to schedule an appointment so a professional can the! Claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas article, well, its possible he be. Its life off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security several diseases in.... Has free movement while the muzzle often has a negative connotation, its possible he could infected! Have bitten a person leading to a hospital stay with surgery to it!