Training is a good option for owners who do not believe they can keep the dog from encountering a groundhog, or for owners who have other small animals around that they wish to keep safe from their dog. Furthermore, if a pet has an encounter with wildlife like the story with the groundhog, the pet needs to be evaluated not only to have the injuries addressed, but also to be assessed regarding rabies vaccine status, rabies vaccine booster needs, and/or potential quarantine (or even euthanasia, depending on the rabies vaccine status of the pet). Some animals get along despite their species differences. Do Herbs Work For Dog Allergies? Although the story of the rabid groundhog attacking a dog occurred in Maine, there is no reason to think something similar could not happen in North Carolina. Protecting the dog can be done simply by keeping the dog inside, and keeping the dog on a leash when it goes out for a potty break. A lot of the moisture needed by herbivores can come from the juicy foods they consume. What do groundhogs drink? A groundhog can possibly do damage to a medium size dog if it is provoked. Give us a call today to discuss what examination, vaccination, and/or preventive needs your pet may have. When your dog sees a groundhog and attempts to chase it, you can pull the leash gently as you blow the high pitch whistle. He is up do date on all his … He also killed the groundhog. If bitten by a groundhog, gently wash and disinfect the bite site. This is a creature that likes to live near ponds, lakes, and other natural bodies of water. Then, the vaccine is boostered annually to every couple of years depending on the vaccine. Other owners who also own cats or gerbils, hamsters, and different pet rodents would also do well to train their dogs not to attack small animals. By the same token, some dogs of breeds who were not bred for rodent control will still go after a groundhog. If the leash training and use of commands does not seem to deter the dog from chasing the groundhog, but you do not want to use a shock collar, a training whistle might be the right tool for you. Several terrier breeds are among the most prone to attack small animals. The dog is a status symbol and I am complicit and I benefit from this ideology. Wild animals pose serious health risks like physical attacks that cause bodily harm and the transmission of rabies. Since groundhogs are known to carry rabies, it’s important to make sure your dog is up to date on his rabies vaccination, especially if he seems prone to go after a groundhog. Those fruits have a high moisture content. However, individual dogs carry different traits and characteristics. Why Do Puppies Drool? Although small in size, groundhogs can attack causing possibly injury to a dog. This depends on many factors, but the main one is your dog’s size. If your dog does attack someone else, stay calm. Using this method, the owner or trainer will keep the dog on a leash close by for the first few weeks of training. Simply trapping the … For example, puppies and kittens have to get their core combo distemper vaccines boostered multiple times before they are considered “fully protected”. If your dog is a larger breed dog, he will probably not be injured by a groundhog, but you should still be concerned about rabies. Removing them from your yard or keeping your dog away from wherever you see their burrows will reduce the chances of interaction between the two. This makes it more likely that a groundhog could injure your dog. Why Does Their Hair Stand Up? How Long Should I Play With My Puppy Each Day. Chance is an expert at giving a couple hard shakes to finish the job. The best way to keep your dog from having an altercation with a groundhog is to keep him away from them. If you want to get rid of those groundhogs, just put a bait and a cage. If another dog shows signs of aggression towards your dog, the best thing you can do is walk away calmly but quickly. But go to a vet to make sure that he is okay. 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. Do NOT pick up your dog in an effort to protect him. A dog and adult groundhog can attack each other and may cause some serious injury in the process. How to Prevent Groundhogs from Invading Your … On rare occasions, however, a groundhog will defend itself. There are a variety of different training methods promoted by different trainers within different schools of thought. Understanding your dog and the history of your dog’s breed can give you insight into his level of prey drive. They are equipped with all the instincts and skills necessary to avoid predators, and that is what they will do at all costs. Once the animal is secure, take your dog outside on a leash and bring a pocket full of treats. Why Do Dogs Roll on Dead Bugs? https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/16043-top-10-animals-that-attack-pets As I ran out to see what was going on, she had a groundhog pinned with no where to run. It can be safe to say that they don’t like each others company very much. A big dog will kill a groundhog, and a small dog probably wouldn’t get close enough to get bitten." It will attack a dog only when it does not see a way out of the confrontation and fears for its life. he has bite marks on his neck that are bleeding slightly. It is just hanging there. Can Dogs Eat Rabbit Food? The owner or trainer keeps the dog on a leash and gently pulls on the leash when the dog tries to chase the groundhog. Do Dogs Get Goosebumps? Well make sure your dog is vaccinated against rabies because rodents and such can carry that virus. ). For more information on nuisance wildlife, check out the wildlife pest guides. For each animal this can be a different story. Some owners may have the time and commitment to train their dogs on their own, while others will want to hire professional trainers. Coyote, fox or dog urine: Spray, drizzle or pour this near a groundhog’s hole to deter his or her return. Furthermore, if a pet has an encounter with wildlife like the story with the groundhog, the pet needs to be evaluated not only to have the injuries addressed, but also to be assessed regarding rabies vaccine status, rabies vaccine booster needs, and/or potential quarantine (or even euthanasia, depending on the rabies vaccine status of the pet). Bait them with broccoli, apple slices, fresh lettuce, carrots, or sweet corn, and work the bottom of the trap into the earth. If you have noticed groundhog tunnels in your yard, you might be concerned about this. For pet lovers, an obvious first question that comes to mind focuses on whether the dog was OK. Thankfully, the story reports that the dog received a booster shot [e.g. Overall, it is best to keep dogs and groundhogs from ever having an altercation, but that cannot always be avoided. This is an important reason why it’s a great idea for your pet to have an annual wellness exam along with the vaccinations. Still, you may wonder how well your dog would fare should he ever find himself in a fight with one. He does great with small dogs. Secure a small animal such as a rat, chicken, or pet in a cage. If the dog exhibits signs of high anxiety associated with the shock collar, it is safe to assume that such training may only cause adverse effects. Usually, groundhogs are not threatened by pet cats and can live with each other in harmony. Many farms with free-range chickens and dogs use such training to keep their dogs away from their chickens. They also drink water. Since groundhogs can be fierce when cornered, it’s important to keep a close eye on small breed dogs, especially small breeds with a high prey drive. 11 Possible Reasons, My Dog is Not Drinking Water But is Eating [At Home Solutions]. my dog was bitten by a groundhog this morning. They can hurt a dog in a fight. Let’s take that example and use it as a reminder to do all that we can to be proactive in protecting our pets from the things we can protect against. But how do you know whether your dog will even attempt to attack a groundhog? Check the trap often after setting it to minimize stress and injury to trapped creatures. Our ‘Paws to Protect’ focus topic for August centers around Vaccines and Wellness Care. A large dog would probably easily conquer a groundhog. If the dog attacks your dog, do not put any part of your body between the two dogs. Instead, quickly grab the back legs of your dog and pick them up in the air. Other breeds that may show prey drive include Affenpinschers and a variety of bird dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and even Standard Poodles. In such cases, using the leash and commands may be sufficient. There are a variety of training methods to achieve this purpose. Knowing a groundhog’s instincts can help you as the dog owner make predictions about how your dog might react if he sees one. Most of the time, interactions between dogs and groundhogs are uneventful. My dog got scratched or bit by a groundhog. Cover the trap with an old blanket to calm the groundhog. If you see a dog that may be dangerous, stay away. You are going to slowly familiarize him with small animals and drill positive behavior into him. After weeks of training this way, the dog should no longer show interest in the groundhog because he now associates that animal with a negative feeling. If you’re afraid that you will not be able to keep your dog from interacting with a groundhog, and if you have seen your dog display signs of having a high prey drive, another option is to pursue professional training for your dog. My guys (Chance mostly) kill about 5 groundhogs a year. From time to time, we see news articles pop up like this that catch our attention and make us pause. What to do if your dog is attacked. Although small in size, groundhogs can attack causing possibly injury to a dog. Cantaloupe, strawberries, and peaches are well liked by groundhogs. Knowing and understanding your dog’s personal history and the history of his breed can help you determine how concerned you should be about a possible altercation with a groundhog. Report any dangerous-looking dogs or possible strays in your neighborhood to the authorities. As for the other issues, I would highly recommend working with a behaviourist. Don’t assume that just because your dog was not bred for small animal hunting or rodent control, that he will not attack. Earlier this month, there was a story about a rabid groundhog in Maine that attacked a dog near the dog’s home (Rabid groundhog attacks dog near home, Charlotte Observer). Neither one has even been bitten. If your dog is fast, you may be concerned that the groundhog will not be able to get away in time and be forced to fight back. If your dog is one of these breeds and you have noticed your dog chase small animals, you will want to be extra cautious if you see evidence of groundhogs in your yard. If an attack occurs, having your dog vaccinated for rabies can ensure that he remains healthy. Yes, you can train a dog not to attack small animals. I understand it can get ugly if the dog doesn't get the right spot the first time, but if you see no blood, saw the shake, and the groundhog is dead, you shouldn't have to worry. Can Dogs Eat Rabbit Bones? You should go to the vet. A groundhog can possibly do damage to a medium size dog if it is provoked. He is acting very skittish (he didn't act that way after the groundhog actually got him). If you start screaming, your dog will likely attack more. Find objects to put in between the two dogs (chair, umbrella, garbage can lid, etc. Sitemap | AccessibilityWebsite by DOCTOR Multimedia, What We Can Learn From a Rabid Groundhog Attacking a Dog in Maine, Top 10 Human Medications that Poison Pets, Vaccines – Test Your Knowledge Answer Key, Rabid groundhog attacks dog near home, Charlotte Observer. Rat terriers, Jack Russell terriers, and Yorkshire terriers were all bred as rodent and pest control animals. Raccoons and Dogs: A Very Real Threat Raccoons and dogs don't mix. Consult your vet. Even though prey drive is an instinct, it can still be trained out of a dog most of the time. Groundhogs, like most pets and people, are active during the day and retreat to their burrows for a good night’s sleep. They eat a wide variety of garden vegetables. Groundhogs are important intermediaries in the food chain. Groundhogs are herbivores who do not like to initiate confrontation with any animal, so if they have the chance to retreat, they will. It is so important for owners to understand when to have a vaccine boostered because if the vaccine series is not given correctly, the animal is not protected against those diseases. 4314 Lawndale DriveGreensboro, NC 27455(336) 288-3233, Author: Dr. Clarissa G. Noureddine, DVM, MS, MS. While some vaccinations are considered ‘core’ and necessary for all pets, other vaccinations are given based on risk and lifestyle assessment (learn more about specific vaccinations for dogs and cats in this previous blog). Can Groundhogs Hurt My Dog? There are a number of other diseases that we can vaccinate against to protect our pets. If you’re in this category of owners, training might be a better option than trying to keep your dog away from small animals such as groundhogs. Some owners and trainers prefer not to use shock collars. But the groundhog takes his sleep more seriously than we do: The bristly herbivores are true hibernators, meaning they bulk up in the fall and sleep from roughly October to March. After wrapping the bite, seek medical attention. Now (about two hours later) he has a skin flap where his whiskers are about 1/2" long. It’s an unusual story because it’s uncommon to hear about a groundhog with rabies. And even then I wouldn't really agree with it. When the dog sees the groundhog and tries to go after it, the trainer or owner can use the remote on the training collar to give a slight zap, thus distracting the dog from the groundhog and administering a negative feeling will hopefully keep the dog from pursuing the groundhog further. A Word of Caution. When cornered, a groundhog can become fierce. It isn't through his lip. Unless you know your dog is extremely calm and wouldn't ever do anything to a small dog you shouldn't bring it into the small dog area. The story is quite different when it comes to dogs. Therefore, it's very important to get vaccinated after any groundhog bite. There are some breeds which might be more likely to chase and corner a groundhog. The Power of Instinct, Is Your Dog Gagging But Not Throwing Up? If your dog cornered a groundhog in the woodshed, don’t be surprised by some sort of bite or scratch injury. Yet, it’s a reminder that rabies is a virus that can infect mammals – not just foxes, bats and raccoons that we tend to hear more about. This is why it is so important to know your dog and his tendencies. Why The Bland Diet For Dog With Ulcers Is A Must, Will a Shock Collar Help With an Aggressive Dog? They will not attack a dog, and they will quickly escape into their burrows to avoid any confrontation. One of the most common ways to train your dog not to attack small animals such as groundhogs is the use of a shock collar. But it’s not just rabies that we need to think about. Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a … They can climb trees, so even the fruit in your fruit trees is not safe. Try These! Yet, the good news here is that for something like rabies, pet owners have the power to protect their pets by making sure rabies vaccines are always current. Stories such as the one above remind us of the importance of staying on top of our pet’s preventive needs. There are also some dogs that do not do well with shock collar training. You could twist an ankle by accidentally stepping into a woodchuck hole. My 6 Yr old Shiba Inu, named Zena started yelping in the back yard. The little dogs can even get stuck down there. When your dog sees a groundhog and attempts to chase it, you can pull the leash gently as you blow the high pitch whistle. If your dog was in a scuffle and the groundhog even bit his tongue, there is a chance you came into contact with its saliva just from handling your dog! In that case, the best option is to remove the groundhog. The owner or trainer will pull the leash and firmly say, “NO.”. In general, the best policy when it comes to dog attacks is to do everything you can to avoid them in the first place. This is because maternal antibodies remain present until about 15 to 16 weeks of age, and these antibodies can make the vaccine ineffective. If an infestation is suspected, contact a licensed pest control professional to recommend the best method to get rid of a groundhog. The story also serves as a reminder that wildlife encounters are unpredictable (who would have thought a groundhog would charge a dog near it’s home?). A groundhog is a wild animal, a dog is a predatory specie, my dogs and cats live together inside without trouble. He might have fractured a bone or has a really deep gash. Not that any of this is the fault of the dog, the cat or the groundhog. The Bone Eating Guide. If a chihuahua or toy poodle were to corner a groundhog, they might not fare quite as well. However, lots of homeowners don’t want to have to do that. They were specifically bred to have the drive and stamina to catch and kill rodents. If so, he may attack a groundhog. (I saw it happen but I'm not sure if it was a bite or a scratch). Following a recent news report about a man and his dog in Cornwall being attacked by three large dogs, Holidays4Dogs discusses the issue of what to do, should you or your dog be under threat from an aggressive dog while out walking. If you can't control your dog, that is very dangerous - not just for other animals, but for you too! So wiener dogs are literally groundhog hounds, and will courageously chase them down woodchuck holes to do battle. Here's what to do if a raccoon attacks your dog, and how to prevent a raccoon vs. dog attack in the first place. Additionally, many vaccines require a series of 2 vaccines to be given 2 to 3 weeks apart when the animal first starts receiving a vaccine. Keeping your dog in a fenced area and watching that area for signs of groundhog burrows are two ways that you can keep your dog and groundhogs away from each other. Groundhogs fear predators, including coyotes, foxes, and dogs, and smelling their urine is a warning to stay away. Will it Cause Digestive Issues? Contact a professional who can help remove and relocate the groundhogs. It's impossible to know for sure whether a woodchuck has rabies just by looking at it. Has your dog ever exhibited prey drive before? The attacking dog may leap at you instead (in a bid to get at your dog) and you may be seriously injured just for being in the way. Teach your children never to approach unfamiliar dogs until they are sure they are safe. Time to Learn Why, Why Does My Dogs Bottom Jaw Quiver? Admittedly, it can be confusing because it’s not the same for all vaccines or ages of pets. One area of confusion about vaccines that some owners have is when to have a vaccine boostered. This method is not ideal for all types of dogs, so it is best to get the advice of a professional trainer before pursuing this method of training. This morning I brought my small dog (who was recently rescued and is scared of big dogs) to the dog park. Of course, the goal is to keep your dog from ever having an altercation with a groundhog. Although most dogs will “win the fight”, groundhogs can still do some damage. That’s why training your dog and removing groundhogs from your property are also good practices. As cute and cuddly as they may appear, they have sharp incisors that can pierce the skin. Soothe and comfort your dog as best you can afterwards - but be careful. Dog owners who live in areas with a high population of groundhogs may experience an interaction between the two species. rabies vaccine booster] and is currently being quarantined, but the dog should be OK. Other breeds to watch closely include beagles and dachshunds as these breeds were bred to hunt small game. HIs nose is hot and his ears even feel warm. Groundhogs typically won’t attack a dog unless it’s in self-defense. Not all dogs will do what they were originally bred to do. Any breed of dog that was bred specifically for rodent control will be more likely to chase and corner a groundhog with intention to kill. Don’t get too close, but try to put a visual barrier like a gate, fence or car in between your dog and the other dog. And How Much is Normal? You can talk with our team and decide together with your pet’s doctor which vaccines are best for your pet. You can learn more here about specific vaccination schedules here. But doesn’t a story like this also make you think a little deeper? “Groundhogs do have large incisors like rodents do, so your dog stands a chance of being bitten. If you have a … If you are hurt, you won't be able to help your dog. In North Carolina, dogs and cats 16 weeks and older are required by law to have a current rabies vaccine. Don't let your dog approach as this will make the other dog more nervous and could make the situation worse. If the leash training and use of commands does not seem to deter the dog from chasing the groundhog, but you do not want to use a shock collar, a training whistle might be the right tool for you. Some animals, such as deer pests, will eat up your garden during the nighttime, but groundhogs do most of their eating in the early morning and early evening. Dr. Clarissa G. Noureddine, DVM, MS leash close by for the few. Catch our attention and make us pause trainer will pull the leash gently... 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