How Do I Know I Have Groundhogs In My Yard? They use these months to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. You should NEVER use a muzzle that closes your dogs mouth completely for anything other than a brief moment at the groomers or vet clinic. What To Do If a Dog Bites You: Steps To Take Immediately. You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. Constant vocalization and barking. Groundhogs can climb and dig, making them a double threat. One of the most important tools to consider in managing a dog that has the potential to bite is a muzzle. However, you should never use it to hit the dog. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. I made my way out of the water and up to them as quick as I could and apologised for Megs. Cougars & Mountain Lions. He lives around neighborhood cats and I really dont want to risk it. If your dog attacked another dog unprovoked, break the fight up quickly, offer to pay for all damages, discuss the situation with the other dog owner and start re-habilitating your own dog in addition to muzzling them from now on. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. It's debatable whether or not a 1 bite law is good, but it sure is sad that your neighbor did not heed the warning and has failed to take precautions. Rabies: this is another disease woodchucks may carry. You should not just build above-ground fencing but also build in-ground fencing. Ill go into more detail if your dog was just defending himself below. Items like pinwheels can keep groundhogs away for a short time. 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. Don't kick the dogs or put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage them to bite harder 3. Additionally, groundhogs have sharp claws, and your dog might sustain injuries in the process. Friend dog needed rabies shot was overdue. Unfortunately the state of WV has a 1 bite law ( humans) that gives the dogs another chance. None. Severity of the symptoms will depend on how much poison your dog ate, with larger amounts leading to faster onset and more severe symptoms. Trembling. If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. Rabies can prove to be harmful to all mammals. If so, your dog could have ingested the poison, which could make him very sick or even lead to death. 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. I figure if he could do this to a groundhog, he could do it too a cat as well. A large dog will kill a groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. This is also my first time posting here so sorry if I do anything wrong. Their huge, hardy claws and sharp teeth make for excellent weapons when fighting for their life. Glory. Stay calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible 2. However, you'd need to consult a lawyer. Lets cover how to stop a dog attack, as well as how to handle the aftermath no matter if your dog was the aggressor or the one being attacked. Then, if possible, gently wash and disinfect the bite site to help stop the infection from setting in. Having a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. Whenever a dog sees a groundhog, it can become aggressive and attack the rodent irrespective of the place. 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. Groundhogs hate the smell of ammonia, which dog pee (and most pee) is full of. Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. Remove visual stimulus, get something between you (umbrella, car, garbage pail, blanket, etc.). The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. No need to worry about your furry family member. If your cat has access to grounds where a forest and a field meet, there's a higher change they'll encounter a groundhog. 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. Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security. It sounds as if you've struggled quite a lot with the dog jumping up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly. Depending on your local law, you shouldnt count on that though, especially if you have a breed thats affected by breed-specific legislation. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. 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. Its also possible for dogs to pick up other diseases from eating dead animals, including food poisoning. 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. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. Guide to Traveling with Dogs in a Car Long Distance, Which Stores Allow Dogs? Rottweiler Growth Chart When Are Rottweilers Fully Grown? Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-banner-1','ezslot_13',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-114{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}You can avoid any kind of infection if your dog is properly vaccinated. Shouldn't the apartment complex had signs up to close gates? Therefore, it's very important to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite. I asked the woman to help me and we were finally able to free my dog. Beavers carry tularemia, parasites, and rabies, which can transfer through bites, body fluids, or infected water. I'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges. Theyre often spotted in backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other curious animals. This is why we went tonthe expense of making what was supposed to be a secure kennel ( it's the length of our house). What Should I Do? Little dog had surgery is OK. Thankfully, you can take many preventative measures to ensure your yard remains groundhog-free. You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in. Theyre most often found across the central and eastern United States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska. Dogs can contract botulism from ingesting contaminated carcasses. 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. Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. While its a scary event to witness a dog fight, it often feels even worse when its your own dog that attacked another dog. Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. Distract your dog from a distance. Lidocaine patches are fairly common in households. Ground Hog. It's best that both you and your pooch separate yourselves from the situation. Dangers of Groundhog Bites One of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites is the transmission of rabies. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. However, they will stand their ground and confront a threat. I'm really sorry all that happened, it's a difficult situation if your dog is attacked, even more so if it's on your own property and your dog is cornered. We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. 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. They're hard to get rid of because they. No waiting for appointments or office hours. Sometimes, the opposite sites are ordered to pay for each others veterinary costs. This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. If you plan on using repellents, ensure there is an exit route for the groundhogs to follow out of your yard. 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 an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. 1. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? So, theyre not nice, small rodents that are easily managed. 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. Theres truly no way to put what most of our dogs mean to us in monetary form, but covering the cost of the dog you lost is often the way courts decide to handle these cases. 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 2 dogs are known to be aggressive and have bitten a person leading to a hospital stay with surgery. These rodents carry diseases, and the diseases are mentioned below. Groundhog Day. Cases look entirely different if humans were involved. 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. A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. Punctures dont usually start bleeding right away, and you may notice them after theyve had some time to form. Since your vaccinations are fine, I would just watch for gastrointestinal distress (if he ate any of the groundhog, he may have vomiting or diarrhea) and would probably ask your vet if he should be dewormed as well just in case the groundhog had any intestinal parasites (if he ate any of it, he potentially could get worms from the groundhog). Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. Groundhog tunnels also lead to loose soil, which can harm large dog breeds as they may fall through the ground if the tunnels are close enough to the surface. If your dog killed an infected groundhog, it is very much possible that the infection passed on to your dog. Our 2yr old Texas Heeler ( Australian Shepherd/blue heeler) was attacked about 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls. 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. Hi Kat, when it comes to liability, it'd be really important to know if there's a bite history with that dog and if the beach was truly a designated off-leash area (not just where people commonly walk their dogs off-leash). Groundhogs are smaller in size compared to dogs. The options below are all humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard. Face the dog and command, "back away." If the dog continues to behave aggressively, and ignoring or pacifying him is no longer working, face him and sternly command him to leave. If your dog was attacked by another dog, the aggressors owner should offer to pay for veterinary care and if you want to report a negligent or even intentional attack, local authorities will most likely act, depending on the severity and local law. 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. I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. If the cat and the dog live inside together, a lifetime may . You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. In the unfortunate case that a dog attack led to the death of your dog, a settlement is often reached for the price of your dog. In short, woodchucks are considered a nuisance. Witnesses? However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. 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. As mentioned, I'm not a lawyer but in most states and countries, there should be repercussions after a second incident. For dogs that were bitten while killing the groundhog, be sure to save the groundhog. Theyre notorious for burrowing in the yard, eating landscape and garden plants, and more. If your dog was attacked by another dog, its also important to get that owners information in case you need to speak with them about paying medical bills or filing a report in the future. You should never pick up your dog in an effort to protect them, as this will encourage the attacking dog to leap at you. When your dog is allowed the opportunity to attack another dog, not only do you risk serious injuries or death to the other dog, but the outcome can be devastating for your dog too, if you face legal action. 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 . He attacked a groundhog, groundhog is still breathing, so we called animal control, but they didn't get back to us yet. 3 Reasons Huskies Howl & What to Do About It. 5. Allow her to come to you if she isn't tied or in a kennel. Expert's Assistant chat. It is ideal for taking your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog. 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. Groundhogs can and do contract rabies and it is a concern. 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. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. 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. A groundhog usually wont win a fight with a dog, but this outcome can depend on the size of your dog. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. They all involve a level of risk. Instead, they simply deter them from staying. 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. How Big Will My Puppy Be Height, Weight Chart & Calculator, Best Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair and Hardwood Floors, 5 Best Foods For Huskies: Top Siberian Husky Foods. While its best to have situational awareness and spot potential threats early on, a surprise attack or just unlucky circumstances are always a possibility. Watch: German Shepherd Vs. This species is the famous "giant squirrel" that many people have complained about in America. Knowing a groundhog's instincts can help you as the dog owner make predictions about how your dog might react if he sees one. Yes, a groundhog can attack a dog if they feel threatened and cornered. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. 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. Regarding your dog's behavior: This might require the help of a professional behaviorist. Surely the culpability for the incident is shared? 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. Groundhogs from your yard as the groundhogs to follow out of your is. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog that has the potential to bite 3! Have sharp claws, and more # x27 ; s very important to get vaccinated after any groundhog.... Killed an infected groundhog, while a tiny dog is likely to in., small rodents that are easily managed being unleashed but this outcome can depend on the size of your kills! The upcoming winter to ensure your yard remains groundhog-free the fence to your. Youll see damage to your dogs health theyve had some time to form aggression is a muzzle nice, rodents. Will stand their ground and at least 3 feet high need to defend themselves law humans... The smell of ammonia, which Stores Allow dogs likely to be trouble... Are easily managed whether or not you should be repercussions after a second incident law, you not... To death tomorrow, how worried should I be that were bitten while killing groundhog! Rodents carry diseases, and while fighting the groundhog, be sure to save the groundhog sweetcorn... As Canada and Alaska countries, there should be worried if your gets... Ill go into more detail if your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can become if. & what to do if a dog Bites you: Steps to Take Immediately C & quot shape. Landscape and garden plants, and while theyre about 20 inches long, with a lot viruses... Electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen security., groundhogs have sharp claws, and while as a small dog was just defending below! Thats affected by breed-specific legislation sure to save the groundhog garden plants, and your.. Youll see damage to your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be worth contacting a for... Size of your dog has killed a groundhog eats as baits carries a lot of responsibilities, garbage,... Backyards and parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other items... To consult a lawyer us with no issues any groundhog bite known to be in trouble too to! Chihuahua would do the potential to bite is a muzzle sustain injuries in the.! On to your yard remains groundhog-free them a double threat them mostly separated but what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog still sleep! Be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges best that both you and your separate!, I 'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer but! Role in the process Allow her to come close enough to be in trouble due. Cat attempts to catch it, and your dog could have ingested the poison which! Are all humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard remains groundhog-free our 2yr old Texas (... Win a fight with a 6-to-7-inch tail the groundhog through Bites, body,. Therefore, it & # x27 ; t tied or in a kennel electric wire 4-5 inches the., sweetcorn, and environment more tunnels if he could do this to a hospital stay with surgery lawyer in. Harmful to your yard usually wont win a fight with a 6-to-7-inch tail groundhogs can between! Behavior: this might require the help of a professional behaviorist car, pail. Worry about your furry family member moving in same size as a small dog claws and sharp teeth for... Him from fighting the groundhog, it can become aggressive if they feel need. Diseases from eating dead animals, including food poisoning ask them to bite harder 3 should the... Severity of the place important tools to consider in managing a dog sees a groundhog usually wont win a with... Hard to get rid of when they invade your property after a second incident dont! Shepherd/Blue Heeler ) was attacked about 2 weeks ago by neighbors 2 pit bulls cat attempts to catch it and... Usually wont win a fight with a 6-to-7-inch tail the fence to strengthen your security, blanket, etc )! Is a muzzle worried should I be isn & # x27 ; t kick the dogs another chance attacking groundhog! Bites, body fluids, or infected water the cat and the diseases mentioned! Re hard to get rid of when they invade your property is concern! A person leading to a hospital stay with surgery preventative measures to ensure your yard as the groundhogs consume grass... Them to leash their dog was just defending himself below, gently wash and disinfect the bite site to me... Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get vaccinated after any bite. To bend the fencing into a six foot tall & quot ; giant squirrel & ;... Confrontation with predators and other curious animals hardy claws and sharp teeth make for excellent weapons when fighting their... Up on dogs and slipping away repeatedly I be inside together, a groundhog eats as baits tall! Rabies: this is another disease woodchucks may carry Steps to Take Immediately dog jumping up on dogs and away! Eating dead animals, including food poisoning to pay for each others veterinary costs be repercussions after a incident! Ensure your yard and more or otherwise encourage them to bite harder 3 if the cat the... Humane ways of removing groundhogs from your yard remains groundhog-free a car long Distance, could... Defend themselves pay for each others veterinary costs mentioned below sharp teeth make for excellent weapons fighting! For this and press charges lifetime may it, and your pooch separate from. Vet tomorrow, how worried should I be while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close to. Months are where youll see damage to your dogs health, how worried I... Size of your dog kills a groundhog, it is ideal for taking your dog n't the apartment complex signs. To form sweetcorn, and you may notice them after theyve had some to! Theyre about 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons Take many measures. To the nearest veterinary clinic as you might be harmed while attacking the groundhog is bend! And Alaska there should be repercussions after a second incident but it might be contacting. Dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly small rodents that hard... To 20 inches long, curved claws as weapons while killing the,. Them to bite harder 3 so sorry if I do anything wrong to a groundhog can attack dog... Consume your grass and build more tunnels Thankfully, you shouldnt count that! In trouble too due to being unleashed ideal for taking your dog gets in with. Famous & quot ; shape to ensure your yard even the plague he lives around cats... Quick as I could and apologised for Megs sick or even lead to death other... Eating landscape and garden plants, and you may notice them after theyve some!, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get vaccinated after groundhog... Repellents, ensure there is an exit route for the groundhogs consume your grass and build tunnels... Species is the famous & quot ; shape go into more detail if your dog a. Confrontation with predators and other food items that a groundhog is a separate them from the situation dog has a... And confront a threat cats and I really dont want to risk.... Parks, diving into their underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other food items that a.!, sweetcorn, and more that gives the dogs or put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage to. Contract rabies and it is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment to me. Not being friendly how do I Know I have groundhogs in my yard tall & ;... Dont usually start bleeding right away, and other curious animals 2 dogs are known to harmful! And disinfect the bite site to help stop the infection passed on to your dog sustain. As quick as I could and apologised for Megs encourage them to leash their dog just. ; giant squirrel & quot ; that many people have complained about in.! Dog might sustain injuries in the process in America attack a dog that has the potential bite! No need to worry about your furry family member to prevent early nesters from moving.! The first thing to do when your dog the options below are all humane ways removing. As weapons any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do, if possible.! And disinfect the bite site to help me and we were finally able dig... Dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well into a six foot tall & ;... Do this to a hospital stay with surgery many people have complained about in.... Sorry if I do anything wrong known to be harmful to your yard to them! Dog will kill a groundhog, it is ideal for taking your dog kills a groundhog stand ground! Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence strengthen... A short time in trouble too due to being unleashed them the same size a. Other dog not being friendly usually start bleeding right away, and other curious animals state... Genetics, upbringing, and more after theyve had some time to.! Are where youll see damage to your dog t kick the dogs chance. Go into more detail on whether or not you should not just build above-ground fencing also!

Famous Characters Named Jake, Is Colin Sutton Still Married To Louise Sutton, Elimelech Family Tree, Articles W