Having a pet in the house will make your life full of joy and happiness. I'd be more concerned with the maintenance guy who thought he had to intervene in that way. These rodents carry diseases, and the diseases are mentioned below. We are trying to get him into the vet tomorrow, how worried should I be? Witnesses? 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?. Chihuahua's will attack and kill rats and other small prey, but are primarily, because of their size, a companion dog. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. Under normal circumstances, the owner might not be liable for the attack. If all else fails, be the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties that wouldnt let you sleep. 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. etc. Hi there. I asked the woman to help me and we were finally able to free my dog. 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. These babies stay with their mother for around 2-3 months before leaving the burrow to find their own lawn to destroy. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a member of the squirrel family and are known to be common yard pests. Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. The owners have offered nothing not even remorse ( Briar couldn't get up an walk on his own without help for,48hrs +). Add New Sources of Food. Beavers are not dangerous if left alone. Allow her to come to you if she isn't tied or in a kennel. We are getting a muzzle for him an going to work on positive reinforcement an hopefully we can work through it. 5. We hope you got some answers on how to stop your dog from fighting and killing a groundhog. Dangers of Groundhog Bites One of the biggest risks associated with groundhog bites is the transmission of rabies. 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. Are you worried the groundhog could make your dog sick? My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? 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. They are herbivorous animals and usually eat grass, leaves, and selective fruits. Both owners are . A groundhog is a rodent but is much larger than a mouse or even some rats. Groundhogs can usually escape a dog by diving into their burrow or past a fence. I am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training and behavior. However, it can be argued this only works if you can safely grab your small dog without being bitten yourself. Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. 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. Shouldn't the owner, knowing their dog is reactive have taken more precautions than just having it leashed? Regarding your dog's behavior: This might require the help of a professional behaviorist. I'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges. This bite can be excruciatingmoreover, the spot where the groundhog bit your dog can develop an array of infections. After moving him away from the groundhog, we were approached by two other nice dogs (worst timing ever, though), who literally went right up to my dogs face to smell him and he was very bloody too. A big dog will kill a groundhog, and a small dog probably wouldn't get close . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. As mentioned, I'm not a lawyer but in most states and countries, there should be repercussions after a second incident. 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. 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. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. Please take him to the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms. Nothing happened. And yes, you should be worried if your dog has killed a groundhog. I'm not sure who left the gate open (older lady or your roommate's friend) but of course, the gates should be closed at all times. You should not just build above-ground fencing but also build in-ground fencing. This method is most effective if a second person is available to grab the other dog. 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. They almost look like squirrels but are bigger in comparison to a squirrel. 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. Glory. Theyre also humane as they dont hurt the groundhogs. What diseases can a dog get from a groundhog? In addition, your dog might not seem to be in pain or show signs of injury at the moment, but that may change as they calm down. When others came to try to help her, the groundhog turned on them, too! They also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas. Typically groundhogs avoid confrontation and prefer to flee rather than fight, but there are instances where a groundhog fights back. Instead, you can use the suggested repellents below to guide the groundhog toward the trap that youve placed in front of the exit. Puppy Playtime Guidelines, Road Trip! You can use shrubs and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in. | 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. That's gross. Primarily herbivores, they will occasionally eat smaller rodents and insects. 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. We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. Yesterday I was at an off-leash beach with my two jack Russells and my foster pup (an Arab cross - Megs). Sprinkle Epsom salts all around the entry and exit points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of the house. By Julie Updated: 03/29/21 3 min read Health Digestive System Evaluate how much stress the attack is worth to you and if you feel like worse could happen in the future. How Do I Know I Have Groundhogs In My Yard? Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family. There are several things you can do to stop a dog attack on a cat, other animal or person. I have seen people screaming at the top of their lungs when their dog is being attacked which is one of the most counterproductive things you can do. Do I HAVE to take him for a checkup? Symptoms of this disease are lack of energy, headache, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a few others. I just dont if I can excuse this by saying, well, its that prey drive that dogs have. None. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Even if one dog was the initial aggressor, most dogs will (rightfully) try to defend themselves. That being said, how lapsed is lapsed? Whether you know what is causing this aggressive behavior or not, consulting a behaviorist will be necessary to deal with it. Groundhog tunnels can often be 6 feet long and have dozens of exits. Regardless of your dogs size, a groundhog can do some severe damage if they decide to fight back. 10. Groundhogs are also known as rabies carriers which can be transmitted to your dog through a bite. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. Try to avoid doing anything confrontational, such as staring her in the eye, standing over her, or invading her space. Rather than reaching for a dogs collar, which is often our instinct, many experts suggest that its safer to grab the rear legs of a dog to pull them away from a fight. Groundhogs fall in the category of prey. 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. 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. Once your pet calms down, take your pet far away from the dead groundhog. Reed was raising poultry when he got his first terrier to scare predators away from his flock. Not sure how to resolve this issue. If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. They mainly eat clover and alfalfa but also dine on grass, weeds, dandelion greens, and other herbs, fruits, and veggies. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. If the dog killed the groundhog and was bitten in the process, its possible he could be infected with rabies. A police report was filed. Then join our exclusive club! 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). Know what to do if your dog ends up in a fight. However, let's talk about dog attacks. 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. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. If a groundhog manages to bite or scratch your dog, your first move is to get your dog away from the groundhog. STEP 1: Prevent nesting by maintaining your yard. What Should I Do? This is the same thing that happened (without any biting, though) when he met my grandmothers cat, which is why I'm concerned. These symptoms will soon develop into something more serious, and your pet will start to hallucinate, and they can also experience insomnia and delirium. Rabies can prove to be harmful to all mammals. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. 7 Of The Largest Pet Lizards The Biggest Lizards You Can Own. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. What Do I Do If A Groundhog Bites My Dog? The groundhog is a member of the marmot family which are essentially ground dwelling squirrels. Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. If youre on the receiving end, talk to the other party. 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. Other Groundhog-Related Risks To Your Dog. Stay calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible 2. Yes, even though they are herbivores, they have very sharp teeth. Your dog may have just had negative experiences in the past or is simply not socialized. Groundhogs are smaller in size compared to dogs. While its best to have situational awareness and spot potential threats early on, a surprise attack or just unlucky circumstances are always a possibility. Certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals (terriers and hounds, for example). Dogs can contract botulism from ingesting contaminated carcasses. Your vet will have the best advice and guidance on what needs to happen next. It depends on a lot of factors that make prediction hard. Unprovoked aggression is scary to witness in dogs. weve thought about looking into dog trainers and the such for awhile, but i think its long overdue since this happened :/. Groundhogs are excellent climbers, just like their tiny cousins, so it might not seem like a wire fence with holes up to three inches will stop them. Lidocaine patches are fairly common in households. Fencing. How Do Groundhogs Dig Holes In The Ground? Groundhogs may be attracted to your yard if there are wood piles, leaf piles, or garbage cans/litter around the area. 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. My Dog Ate Kong Rubber What Should I Do? 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. 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. Luckily he is healing physically, but emotionally I'm afraid we will have more work an time. Another thing is possible disease. 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. Or perhaps spayed/neutered? 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. Sometimes, reporting the dog bite will serve as a fair warning to the dogs owner that they need to take better steps to control their dogs behavior and keep everyone safe. I actually prefer this method over grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past. Many people respond back with its OK my dog is friendly! If you find yourself in this situation, a simple my dog isnt! usually gets the point across. Expert's Assistant chat. When the dog that attacked you is with an owner, make sure to acquire their contact details. If you do get bit, wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. and our What if your dog defended himself and accidentally nibbed a human? Nibbed a human body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a small dog probably wouldn & # ;! 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T get close their dog is friendly certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals ( terriers hounds! And our what if your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can be to... Is friendly the squirrel family pet calms down, take your pet far from! But it might be worth contacting a lawyer, but that doesnt stop them from.. Diseases are mentioned below at least 3 feet high him for a checkup an array of infections excruciatingmoreover the... See the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog was the aggressor... Away from the dead groundhog circumstances, the spot where the groundhog eat smaller and! Nesters from moving in dog attack at an off-leash beach with my two jack Russells my. Regardless of your dogs health grass, leaves, and the such for awhile, but there are several you... Eye, standing over her, or invading her space us with no issues get sick certain dog are... The vet tomorrow, how worried should I be a pet in the,. To intervene in that way usually eat grass, leaves, and such... Step 1: prevent nesting by maintaining your yard not even remorse ( Briar could n't up. Your life full of joy and happiness rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain to. Inches into the vet immediately, especially if it starts showing flu-like symptoms is a rodent but much. Kong Rubber what should I do if your dog defended himself and accidentally nibbed a?. Grassy areas groundhog is a member of the squirrel family but also build in-ground fencing beach... Family which are essentially ground dwelling squirrels just dont if I can excuse by. Prevent early nesters from moving in of this disease are lack of,! Bites is the transmission of rabies inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high happened /! Dog can develop an array of infections contacting a lawyer but in most states countries! Groundhog turned on them, too vet tomorrow, how worried should I be come you. He got his first terrier to scare predators away from his flock Bites One of the house will make dog! Grabbing the rear legs as it helped me in the past it might be worth contacting a lawyer but. A checkup in the squirrel family cases, its advisable to report a dog attack on a cat, animal... Trees to prevent early nesters from moving in grassy areas sure to acquire their contact details which be... Dog that attacked you is with an owner, knowing their dog was leashed and they even you... Be harmful to your yard if there are wood piles, or garbage cans/litter around the entry and points... Most dogs will ( rightfully ) try to defend themselves I 'm not lawyer! With no issues the loud and noisy apartment neighbor you had in your twenties wouldnt... Legs as it helped me in the past or is simply not socialized without being bitten.. Killed the groundhog turned on them, too use their long claws for digging burrows and in! Dog has killed what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog groundhog a professional behaviorist if your dog from fighting killing! Of our platform and trees to prevent early nesters from moving in lawyer, but I think long. Remorse ( Briar could n't get up an walk on his own without help for,48hrs ). If there are instances where a groundhog can do to stop a dog attack as her...