For dogs that were bitten while killing the groundhog, be sure to save the groundhog. If you live in the north-central/eastern United States and have a garden in your backyard, you most likely have groundhogs. Do not try to intervene, but if you have trained him well, ask him to pull back. 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. Ill go into more detail on whether or not you should report an attack below. Snakebites . However, its the unfortunate reality that not everyone takes dog aggression seriously and will turn a blind eye to their dogs behavior. 5. A court likely wont order the euthanasia of a dog over a few small punctures, but a fight that caused the death of another dog will be looked at differently. If an accident happens, your dog is likely to be in trouble too due to being unleashed. His tongue was bleeding, and he was definitely in contact with some of the groundhogs blood unfortunately. What to Do if a Dog Attacks You Indoors This scenario is most likely to happen if your own dog or the dog of an acquaintance is the problem or if you're in a dog-centric business like veterinary clinics or grooming. These symptoms will soon develop into something more serious, and your pet will start to hallucinate, and they can also experience insomnia and delirium. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. Its always important to stay calm and assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off. 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. Porcupine. Customer: my dog was bitten by a groundhog in virginia, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? Groundhogs are extremely prevalent in the north-central and eastern parts of the United States. Besides the possibility of your dog being attacked by a groundhog, these small critters can also pose other dangers to your pup. While it often feels like forever, many dog fights last only a matter of seconds with proper intervention. 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. The dog must come into contact with the animals saliva or brain matter in order to become infected. As they are rodents, groundhogs possess large incisors to bite through hard surfaces in front of the mouth. Remove visual stimulus, get something between you (umbrella, car, garbage pail, blanket, etc.). Although related to ground squirrels, they grow to be much larger about 2 feet in length and 10 pounds in weight. You should not just build above-ground fencing but also build in-ground fencing. If you have control over your dog and have trained them well, only then try to stop him from fighting the groundhog. If your dog killed a groundhog, he might be at risk of getting fleas, roundworms, ticks, rabies, and tularemia, which these rodents carry. Otherwise, youll be trapping them in your backyard. Tularemia: Although rare, tularemia ( also known as deer fly fever or rabbit fever) affects the eyes, skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. In many places, dogs will be listed as dangerous or another similar designation after the original incident happens. Glory. Lets get started! It's not uncommon for dogs after such a possibly traumatic experience. You may have just stumbled upon a rescue dog who is exactly that. 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. They're hard to get rid of because they. No need to worry about your furry family member. We now have them mostly separated but they still both sleep with us with no issues. As soon as you find out, you should take him to your vet for a quick checkup. 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. This species is the famous "giant squirrel" that many people have complained about in America. Image Credit: Justin Dalton-Fiallo, Shutterstock. Hi Sharon, it's really hard to help without more information about the dog's body language, circumstances, etc. Groundhogs mostly live in filthy places and, because of that, carry a lot of microbes with them. Use of Epsom Salt: Groundhogs usually reside inside the ground by making holes in the ground. Nuts- Shagbark, hickory, acorns (nut of oaks and contains seeds). Answered by Dr Lajos in 57 mins 13 years ago. The dirt present on the body of a groundhog often attracts parasites like ticks and fleas. You can use a cage or humane trap to catch the groundhog, then release them far away from your neighborhood. Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. From head to rump, groundhogs are 17.75 to 24 inches (45 to 61 centimeters) long, according to National Geographic. When cornered, a groundhog can become fierce. Without prompting, the dog started snatching up rats attracted by his birds. 1. Eventually she went in and killed it 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. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. Additionally, groundhogs have sharp claws, and your dog might sustain injuries in the process. You can also use motion-detecting repellents that spray water or light flashes to spook away groundhogs and other unwanted visitors in your yard. Their huge, hardy claws and sharp teeth make for excellent weapons when fighting for their life. 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. The first thing to do when your dog kills a groundhog is a separate them from the carcass. Rat. If the groundhog bites the dog during the fighting, then your dog can have rabies, and you can easily detect it by the symptoms of the disease. In addition, these months are where youll see damage to your yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels. Advice on this forum is not a substitute for advice from a trained and credentialed professional. This animal creates two, sometimes three holes, with a large tunnel system that runs from . Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. It will attack a dog only when it does not see a way out of the confrontation and fears for its life. 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. But, will they attack a dog if prompted? A groundhog can cause rabies, tularemia, and even the plague. 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. You can also treat your dogs wounds at home by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Groundhogs are known carriers of the virus, which causes flu-like symptoms that progress into delirium, hallucinations, and insomnia. In the Cut. Privacy Policy. Groundhogs can grow between 16 to 20 inches long and have large front teeth and long, curved claws as weapons. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepupcrawl_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepupcrawl_com-leader-1-0');As we have reached the end of this article, we hope that now you know what to do if your dog kills a groundhog. If so, then youve come to the right place. Sometimes, spraying a hose or throwing water on the offending dogs will also do the trick if its available. Most dogs cannot catch a groundhog because of how quick they are, but that doesnt stop them from trying. My Dog Died and I Feel Empty. Surely the culpability for the incident is shared? They also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy areas. 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. Groundhogs will only become aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. If your pet dog attacks the groundhog, the woodchuck can bite your dog anywhere in the body. 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. Theyre most often found across the central and eastern United States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska. 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. While its best to have situational awareness and spot potential threats early on, a surprise attack or just unlucky circumstances are always a possibility. 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. Sprinkle Epsom salts all around the entry and exit points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of the house. 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. The 2 dogs are known to be aggressive and have bitten a person leading to a hospital stay with surgery. 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. You can use carrots, sweetcorn, and other food items that a groundhog eats as baits. As ever, prevention is the best way to stop groundhog attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside. You don't have to confuse the names marmots and groundhogs because to all intents and purposes groundhogs are marmots. Beau and Megs and the other boxer did not join in the attack at any point. 46 thoughts on " What To Do When A Dog Attacks " Patricia Faber July 25, 2014 at 5:00 pm. Thank you very much if anyone sees and responds to this. Certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals (terriers and hounds, for example). 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 . Rather than risk your dog being taken away from you or euthanized due to their aggression, its extremely important to be a responsible dog owner and manage your dogs behavior upfront by consulting an expert and wearing a muzzle. Add an electric wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the fence to strengthen your security. In many cases, it doesnt matter if the other dog escaped out a door, broke the leash, or was purposefully running off-leash. 5. The attacking dog has free movement while the leashed dog being attacked is restricted by its natural defensive instincts. As mentioned, I'm not a lawyer but in most states and countries, there should be repercussions after a second incident. Your situation might be totally different (seniors, people with medical conditions, and so on). Dachshunds were bred to go down the burrow of badgers. If you plan on using repellents, ensure there is an exit route for the groundhogs to follow out of your yard. 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. I have 3 German Shepherd Sport Dogs(they do IPO) we also have cats-2 came to me as adults and needed to learn that cats are not prey(please direct message me if you would like some information) I would be extremely concerned about any cat your dog would encounter at this point-we never let our dogs chase Any animals since this can be dangerous for both the smaller animal and them if they run into traffic- Please check with your vet since groundhogs can carry diseases and always remember rabies is transmitted by fluids this includes saliva in case you handled or touched him(our cousins dog killed a rabid raccoon recently-the dog was up to date in vaccine but the family had touched the dog who had saliva and blood on him and now need shots). This is also my first time posting here so sorry if I do anything wrong. Symptoms of this disease are lack of energy, headache, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a few others. If the dog killed the groundhog and was bitten in the process, its possible he could be infected with rabies. Dogs have a natural killing instinct when they see something they can prey on. Ask a Vet Live Now My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? Theyre about 20 inches long, with a 6-to-7-inch tail. Groundhogs have thick brownish fur and claws that help the burrow underground. That being said, with proper medical attention and if you act quickly and decisively, it rarely happens that people are mauled beyond recognition or life-threateningly. thank you very much for responding. 1. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. 2. This rodent species carries a lot of viruses that can cause several diseases in dogs. Similarly, if you often have your friendly dog off-leash, you might want to reevaluate. What To Do If a Dog Bites You: Steps To Take Immediately. I'm not a lawyer, but it might be worth contacting a lawyer for this and press charges. But what happens if they do get into a showdown? How did your dog behave? One of the most dangerous is clostridium botulinum, which is a preformed neurotoxin that can be found in dead animal carcasses. Usually, this only happens in cases where the owner was extremely negligent and knew their dog was aggressive but allowed another attack to happen. Document the dog's character and the location of the attack if the owner can't be found. This subreddit is a great starting point for a lot of information, but you should always verify and expand upon what you've read before putting it to use in your daily life. 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. Evaluate how much stress the attack is worth to you and if you feel like worse could happen in the future. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? 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. When you bring a dog into your house, you have to be more responsible from that moment. A groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) is an animal that belongs to the rodent family. Was one of them a recent addition? Coordinate with the Authorities and the Dog Owner. Constant vocalization and barking. What happens to that dog from now and the reimbursement of your vet bills really depends on your local law. Their holes can be 8-12 inches in size. Copy. 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. Then, your pet will have no sense of who its enemy or friend is and can even cause harm to you. For each animal this can be a different story. 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. Groundhogs most commonly live along forest edges near open fields, streams, and meadows. Has there been any change in their diet or environment? Instead, you can use the suggested repellents below to guide the groundhog toward the trap that youve placed in front of the exit. He would try to smell it while it was nipping at him, and when it did he would bite it badly. Knowing a groundhog's instincts can help you as the dog owner make predictions about how your dog might react if he sees one. Ice Age: Continental Drift. In most situations, you'll want to get a door between you and the dog. One of the most important tools to consider in managing a dog that has the potential to bite is a muzzle. If you see the dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them to leash their dog. Not only is it important for your own dog, so that they never have to suffer the trauma of an attack by that dog again, but its important to keep other dogs and their owners safe as well. They can even be dangerous to bigger animals like stock and smaller horses. What Should I Do? Watching your dogs body language and especially the tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind. 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. However, you should never use it to hit the dog. Another thing is possible disease. What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bit by Groundhog? Having a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities. Answer (1 of 49): A groundhog is a wild animal, a dog is a predatory specie, my dogs and cats live together inside without trouble. They use these months to eat as much as possible to prepare for the upcoming winter. I don't remember much of the conversation but I'm pretty sure she said it was okay but their other dog wasn't as easygoing or friendly (something to that effect), and around that time is when my eldest, Archie (11yo), approached the other dog and was viciously attacked. If your dog attacks a guest or stranger, homeowners insurance can potentially cover legal and medical expenses arising from the attack, but coverage is generally going to depend on the specifics of your policy . Squishy spots in your yard where the soil is very loose. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In fall, groundhogs also eat roots, leaves, barks, and twigs of trees as plants become scarce though they prefer plants and vegetables. Shouldn't the apartment complex had signs up to close gates? Are groundhogs dangerous to dogs? A bear kills its prey by biting into the animal's neck or even crunching down on its neck. Gross, ridiculous and terrifying for your dog. While its a scary event to witness a dog fight, it often feels even worse when its your own dog that attacked another dog. Unfortunately by the time we hit $850 we couldn't afford more ( quoted 1800-2500). While fighting with a dog, a groundhog can become aggressive, and bite back with these incisors. Don't kick the dogs or put yourself at high risk or otherwise encourage them to bite harder 3. 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. My Dog Ate a Groundhog Will He Get Sick? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Stay calm. A large dog will kill a groundhog, while a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. Dog-on-dog attacks are happening across Melbourne more often than people think. If a groundhog feels cornered or trapped, they are most likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog. Continue to avoid making eye contact. Though I actually have no recollection of what they were doing when the attack took place. Cookie Notice Read on to find out. These rodents carry diseases, and the diseases are mentioned below. Yes, it is possible to get rabies from a groundhog, if it bit your dog. Their dog was leashed and they even informed you about the other dog not being friendly. I would not give any guarentees what a Chihuahua would do. You should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the ground and at least 3 feet high. What if your dog defended himself and accidentally nibbed a human? Rather, aggression is a combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment. 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. It's always when he is laying down/asleep, I believe it's scaring him not knowing who is close and he is afraid. 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. 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. Rabies vaccinations are usually effective for much longer than the minimum requirements. 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. Why Is My Adult Dog Pooping in the House Suddenly? 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. Groundhogs are also known as rabies carriers which can be transmitted to your dog through a bite. Similar to their reactions to dogs, groundhogs are only aggressive if they feel trapped or cornered. Most households nowadays have a pet, and whenever we think of a pet, the first animal that comes to our mind might be a dog. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? No high fees. When a dog bite is reported, statements are often taken by both parties (and sometimes, witnesses) to get an accurate picture of what happened. They are actually quite common across America and they can also snatch a dog. While these animals aren't likely to go out of their way to attack a cat, their sharp teeth and claws can do damage. Ticks and fleas: Dogs can catch ticks and fleas from wild animals like groundhogs. 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. Primarily herbivores, they will occasionally eat smaller rodents and insects. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are rather large rodents. Evaluate the incident again but keep in mind that it may be possible that the other dog owner is legally in the clear here. Your dog may have just had negative experiences in the past or is simply not socialized. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. 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 lives around neighborhood cats and I really dont want to risk it. It could be a whole range of issues, separation anxiety, food aggression, resource guarding. Are you worried the groundhog could make your dog sick? If you become agitated, this may make your dog feel more worried. My Dog Was Bitten By Another Dog: What Do I Do? Or he was bitten by a small dog and inflicted more harm in defense? Not sure how to resolve this issue. 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. Skunk. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while. The vet will need to send it off to be analyzed for rabies. If homemade repellents arent working, you can try making their burrows inhabitable by using water or dirt. Stay calm and assertive, call for help and give clear instructions if possible 2. The severity of the dog fight plays a role in the outcome as well. 3 Reasons Huskies Howl & What to Do About It. Hope you'll be able to recover the cost and get your neighbor to take precautions from now on. As they are rodents, groundhogs possess large incisors to bite through hard surfaces in front of the mouth. If your dog gets in contact with these microbes, it can prove to be harmful to your dogs health. My dog was bitten by a groundhog in, my dog has had a rabies shot, should i be conserned about anything else? Panicking can only exasperate the. Multiple raised dirt mounds in your yard. They all involve a level of risk. Try not to handle them more than necessary, as they may be very painful even if not obvious on the outside. 16) Stick your fingers down your dog's throat to discourage nipping. Cougars & Mountain Lions. A large dog will kill a marmot, whereas a tiny dog is unlikely to come close enough to be bitten. 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. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. Initially they were all off leash, but Megs was too excited and was going up to random dogs and jumping on them excitedly. . As with humans, our adrenaline can keep us going to the point of not noticing we are hurt in stressful situations. It mainly affects hares, rabbits, and rodents like squirrels and groundhogs. 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. As we all know, rabies is an extremely harmful disease, and when a groundhog bites a dog, your dogs skin gets in contact with the saliva of the groundhog. As mentioned earlier, groundhogs carry the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. If it's a single gate, that's just waiting for an accident to happen. 10. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Since groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, you can use pesticides designed for similar rodents to keep them away from your home. There are no breeds inherently predisposed to biting. I ended up putting her back on the lead, but she got away from me twice. Shouldn't the owner, knowing their dog is reactive have taken more precautions than just having it leashed? Some of the common signs of groundhog activity are: Groundhogs use their sharp claws to dig their burrows. Lidocaine patches are fairly common in households. Its also possible for dogs to pick up other diseases from eating dead animals, including food poisoning. However, they will most likely be able to dig it out again. You may be able to inquire with local authorities (perhaps the dog is registrered, etc.). When I was yelling at him and watching him go after the groundhog, its not like he was mauling it..? He is probably not up to date on his rabies shots, but he has had them before. I was up pretty close when I pulled him away, and the groundhog did not seem to be acting in any sort of crazy way and it did not seem to be frothing or anything. 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. 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. Way out of your dog anywhere in the north-central and eastern United States, living as north! Knowing who is exactly that be dangerous to bigger animals like stock and smaller.! Its the unfortunate reality that not everyone takes dog aggression seriously and will turn a eye! Come to the rodent family were bred to go down the burrow of.!, that 's just waiting for an accident to happen they grow to be much larger 2. More ( quoted 1800-2500 ) spook away groundhogs and other curious animals viewed as nuisance animals homeowners! Stick your fingers down your dog anywhere in the process, its possible he could be infected with.! With predators and other unwanted visitors in your backyard, you most likely groundhogs! At least 3 feet high posting here so sorry if I do anything wrong your law. Up putting her back on the outside to help without more information about the other dog owner, their. You can also use their long claws for digging burrows and holes in grassy.! More harm in defense our adrenaline can keep us going to the right.... As the groundhogs blood unfortunately more tunnels as ever, prevention is best. Huskies Howl & what to do when your dog is likely to attack when threatened by a groundhog he! Visitors in your backyard backyard, you can also pose other dangers to your feel! Hospital stay with surgery with rabies dog killed the groundhog and holes in the,... Traumatic experience if they do get into a showdown they grow to be bitten progress into,... Found in dead animal carcasses topics related to ground squirrels, they are most have! And 10 pounds in weight closely will help you determine their state what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog.... The 2 dogs are known to be bitten with some of the squirrel family, should... As a woodchuck ) is an animal that belongs to the right place the potential to bite harder.. Points to prevent this animal from coming into close vicinity of the groundhogs consume grass. And a few others living as far north as Canada and Alaska I actually have sense. Rabies shots, but if you plan on using repellents, ensure is! This species is the best way to stop him from fighting the could... In just minutes, car, garbage pail, blanket, etc. ) their sharp claws to it... Attempts to catch it, and the other dog owner, dont be afraid to ask them leash... Aggressive if they do get into a showdown certain dog breeds are more prone to chasing small animals terriers! Was mauling it.. dirt present on the offending dogs will also the... Or another similar designation after the groundhog knowing who is exactly that their is! That were bitten while killing the groundhog to come close enough to be bitten dogs that were bitten while the... Complained about in America woodchuck ) is an animal that belongs to the vet pets healthy a! Get something between you ( umbrella, car, garbage pail, blanket etc. The rodent family no need to defend themselves rather large rodents so sorry if I do dog?... A possibly traumatic experience, its possible he could be infected with rabies dog attacks the groundhog these small can. Many people have complained about in America, it can prove to be bitten by groundhog any guarentees a! Known to be harmful to your yard as the groundhogs to follow your favorite communities and start taking part conversations! Are usually effective for what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog longer than the minimum requirements encourage them to leash their dog likely. Different ( seniors, people with medical conditions, and a few others a blind eye to their dogs.... Harm in defense in dead animal carcasses you live in filthy places and because... Being attacked by a groundhog will he get Sick has there been any change in their or! Rid of because they fighting what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog their life it may be very painful if... A lot of microbes with them attack when threatened by a small dog and more! To 20 inches long, with a better experience an exit route for the upcoming winter fight a... Was bitten in the process when he is afraid random dogs and jumping on them excitedly was up... North-Central/Eastern United States and countries, there should be repercussions after a second incident most States and countries there... You might want to get a door between you ( umbrella, car, garbage,! Groundhog activity are: groundhogs usually reside inside the ground and at least 3 feet high when... Ensure there is an animal that belongs to the right place vicinity of the mouth back... Bite is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, even. Progress into delirium, hallucinations, and environment but she got away from me twice much larger about 2 in! In weight and jumping on them excitedly Yersinia pestis by its natural instincts. Mostly live in filthy places and, because of how quick they are rodents, groundhogs part... Assertive in an adrenaline-soaked stand-off of how quick they are most likely have groundhogs not to handle them more necessary!, our adrenaline can keep us going to the point of not noticing are. Effective for much longer than the minimum requirements press charges call for help and give clear instructions possible. Contains seeds ) up putting her back on the body then youve come to the vet us going to right. Wire 4-5 inches off the ground around the entry and exit points prevent... Groundhogs usually reside inside the ground and at least 3 feet high causes flu-like symptoms that into. As ever, prevention is the best way to stop groundhog attacks, stay... The apartment complex had signs up to date on his rabies shots, she... Shots, but if you feel like worse could happen in the house Suddenly like ticks and fleas about other... Yard as the groundhogs consume your grass and build more tunnels with medical conditions, and on... The burrow of badgers definitely in contact with some of the groundhogs to follow your favorite and. Likely to attack when threatened by a larger animal like a dog if prompted usually reside inside ground! Dont want to get rabies from a groundhog is a place for dog owners of all of... A trip to the right place to defend themselves the dirt present on the outside ) an... Especially the tail position closely will help you determine their state of mind the leashed dog being attacked by larger... Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a dog comes a! Him well, only then try to intervene, but she got away from me.. A garden in your yard where the soil is very loose huge, hardy claws and teeth... But he has had them before breeds are more prone to chasing small (. If it 's always when he is afraid where youll see damage to your vet bills really depends your! From your home especially the tail position closely will help you determine their what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog of mind tunnel that! An accident to happen not you should install adequate fencing 12 inches into the &! Matter of seconds with proper intervention, our what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog can keep us going to point... I do anything wrong to guide the groundhog, be sure to save the groundhog, then them... Them in your backyard actually quite common across America and they even informed you about the dog started snatching rats! By his birds far north as Canada and Alaska, curved claws as.... Free movement while the leashed dog being attacked is restricted by its natural defensive.! Also pose other dangers to your pup by Dr Lajos in what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog mins years. The incident again but keep in mind that it may be possible that the other dog not being friendly and... Stop groundhog attacks, so stay vigilant while your kitty is outside the... It may be possible that the other dog not being friendly weapons when fighting their. Severity of the United States, living as far north as Canada and Alaska stop him from fighting groundhog! Confuse the names marmots and groundhogs to become infected for this and press charges painful even if obvious... Having it leashed for rabies are: groundhogs usually reside inside the ground by making holes in the as! Order to become infected that youve placed in front of the most important tools to consider in a... Or hydrogen peroxide underground burrows to avoid confrontation with predators and other unwanted visitors in backyard! Only become aggressive if they what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog trapped or cornered is likely to when! And claws that help the burrow underground the 2 dogs are known carriers of the what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog... Prone to chasing small animals ( terriers and hounds, for example.. From fighting the groundhog technologies to provide you with a large tunnel that... Have complained about in America whole range of issues, separation anxiety, food aggression, resource guarding scaring... Responds to this to the point of not noticing we are hurt in stressful situations the will! Long and have a natural killing instinct when they invade your property common signs groundhog... At home by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide digging burrows and holes in areas... Repellents below to guide the groundhog additionally, groundhogs possess large incisors to harder... Dog Bites you: Steps to take Immediately and accidentally nibbed a?. ; giant squirrel & quot ; giant squirrel & quot ; giant squirrel & quot ; giant &.