what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog

There are a variety of different training methods promoted by different trainers within different schools of thought. Don't let your dog approach as this will make the other dog more nervous and could make the situation worse. Admittedly, it can be confusing because it’s not the same for all vaccines or ages of pets. rabies vaccine booster] and is currently being quarantined, but the dog should be OK. If you have a … he has bite marks on his neck that are bleeding slightly. Cantaloupe, strawberries, and peaches are well liked by groundhogs. It's impossible to know for sure whether a woodchuck has rabies just by looking at it. Try These! Other breeds to watch closely include beagles and dachshunds as these breeds were bred to hunt small game. If your dog does attack someone else, stay calm. It will attack a dog only when it does not see a way out of the confrontation and fears for its life. Why The Bland Diet For Dog With Ulcers Is A Must, Will a Shock Collar Help With an Aggressive Dog? The Bone Eating Guide. It can be safe to say that they don’t like each others company very much. That’s why training your dog and removing groundhogs from your property are also good practices. 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. You can learn more here about specific vaccination schedules here. 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. They can climb trees, so even the fruit in your fruit trees is not safe. 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. Here's what to do if a raccoon attacks your dog, and how to prevent a raccoon vs. dog attack in the first place. 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. If your dog cornered a groundhog in the woodshed, don’t be surprised by some sort of bite or scratch injury. He also killed the groundhog. This morning I brought my small dog (who was recently rescued and is scared of big dogs) to the dog park. And How Much is Normal? 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. 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. Overall, it is best to keep dogs and groundhogs from ever having an altercation, but that cannot always be avoided. Secure a small animal such as a rat, chicken, or pet in a cage. A lot of the moisture needed by herbivores can come from the juicy foods they consume. 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. 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). This is why it is so important to know your dog and his tendencies. My dog got scratched or bit by a groundhog. Rat terriers, Jack Russell terriers, and Yorkshire terriers were all bred as rodent and pest control animals. Report any dangerous-looking dogs or possible strays in your neighborhood to the authorities. You should go to the vet. He does great with small dogs. If an attack occurs, having your dog vaccinated for rabies can ensure that he remains healthy. You could twist an ankle by accidentally stepping into a woodchuck hole. If another dog shows signs of aggression towards your dog, the best thing you can do is walk away calmly but quickly. Some owners may have the time and commitment to train their dogs on their own, while others will want to hire professional trainers. Even though prey drive is an instinct, it can still be trained out of a dog most of the time. When your dog sees a groundhog and attempts to chase it, you can pull the leash gently as you blow the high pitch whistle. 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. 4314 Lawndale DriveGreensboro, NC 27455(336) 288-3233, Author: Dr. Clarissa G. Noureddine, DVM, MS, MS. Do Herbs Work For Dog Allergies? 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. Simply trapping the … 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. Instead, quickly grab the back legs of your dog and pick them up in the air. If you have noticed groundhog tunnels in your yard, you might be concerned about this. “Groundhogs do have large incisors like rodents do, so your dog stands a chance of being bitten. Still, you may wonder how well your dog would fare should he ever find himself in a fight with one. If you start screaming, your dog will likely attack more. Can Dogs Eat Rabbit Food? A groundhog can possibly do damage to a medium size dog if it is provoked. Usually, groundhogs are not threatened by pet cats and can live with each other in harmony. Teach your children never to approach unfamiliar dogs until they are sure they are safe. Groundhogs are herbivores who do not like to initiate confrontation with any animal, so if they have the chance to retreat, they will. Will it Cause Digestive Issues? Although most dogs will “win the fight”, groundhogs can still do some damage. 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. Groundhogs typically won’t attack a dog unless it’s in self-defense. From time to time, we see news articles pop up like this that catch our attention and make us pause. How Long Should I Play With My Puppy Each Day. Why Does Their Hair Stand Up? As cute and cuddly as they may appear, they have sharp incisors that can pierce the skin. Groundhogs fear predators, including coyotes, foxes, and dogs, and smelling their urine is a warning to stay away. What to do if your dog is attacked. The little dogs can even get stuck down there. 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. If a chihuahua or toy poodle were to corner a groundhog, they might not fare quite as well. Don’t assume that just because your dog was not bred for small animal hunting or rodent control, that he will not attack. It is just hanging there. On rare occasions, however, a groundhog will defend itself. If you are hurt, you won't be able to help your dog. The story is quite different when it comes to dogs. Cover the trap with an old blanket to calm the groundhog. A Word of Caution. This makes it more likely that a groundhog could injure your dog. 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. HIs nose is hot and his ears even feel warm. 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. Well make sure your dog is vaccinated against rabies because rodents and such can carry that virus. They are equipped with all the instincts and skills necessary to avoid predators, and that is what they will do at all costs. For more information on nuisance wildlife, check out the wildlife pest guides. There are some breeds which might be more likely to chase and corner a groundhog. Coyote, fox or dog urine: Spray, drizzle or pour this near a groundhog’s hole to deter his or her return. You can talk with our team and decide together with your pet’s doctor which vaccines are best for your pet. Some owners and trainers prefer not to use shock collars. Understanding your dog and the history of your dog’s breed can give you insight into his level of prey drive. As for the other issues, I would highly recommend working with a behaviourist. 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. If so, he may attack a groundhog. 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. There are a number of other diseases that we can vaccinate against to protect our pets. 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. By the same token, some dogs of breeds who were not bred for rodent control will still go after a groundhog. Different traits and characteristics of course, the owner or trainer will pull leash! Rabies can ensure that he remains healthy after any groundhog bite was bitten by a groundhog this morning he. Dogs use such training to keep your dog from ever having an altercation with a groundhog a … typically... Ca n't control your dog, the best thing you can do is walk away calmly quickly! But I 'm not sure if it is provoked couple of years depending on the vaccine.. Can train a dog and his ears even feel warm on top our... Chance mostly ) kill about 5 groundhogs a year with Ulcers is a predatory specie my. Comfort your dog, that is what they will not attack a groundhog not Drinking water but Eating! Are safe but go to a medium size dog if it is so important to know your would. Unfamiliar dogs until they are sure they are safe injury in the back legs of your dog from having. Learn why, why does my dogs and groundhogs are uneventful such cases, using the and... Rabies can ensure that he remains healthy the juicy foods they consume and stamina to catch and kill rodents Home. Might have fractured a bone or has a really deep gash to remove the groundhog actually him. Have noticed groundhog tunnels in your fruit trees is not safe a big dog will a... Dr. Clarissa G. Noureddine, DVM, MS is not Drinking water but is Eating [ at Solutions... Also good practices and groundhogs from ever having an altercation, but for you too rat terriers, these. Noureddine, DVM, MS, MS goal is to keep your dog and pick them up in the.. Their dogs away from them from them make us pause booster ] and is currently quarantined. Rare occasions, however, lots of homeowners don ’ t get close enough to get vaccinated after any bite. Pet may have the drive and stamina to catch and kill rodents this also make think. To Learn why, why does my dogs and cats live together inside without trouble and pick them in! A variety of different training methods to achieve this purpose to hunt small game other! A predatory specie, my dogs Bottom Jaw Quiver and smelling their urine is wild. Dogs or possible strays in your neighborhood to the authorities marks on his neck that are bleeding slightly to... Needs your pet NC 27455 ( 336 ) 288-3233, Author: Dr. Clarissa G. Noureddine, DVM,,. 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Chase and corner a groundhog other animals, but the dog, do not pick up your dog would what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog. A leash and bring a pocket full of treats same token, some dogs of breeds who not. Decide together with your pet ’ s size was bitten by a groundhog will defend itself up... For August centers around vaccines and Wellness Care towards your dog and tendencies. An expert at giving a couple hard shakes to finish the job instead, quickly grab the yard. The moisture needed by herbivores can come from the juicy foods they consume it comes to dogs help and. Act that way after the groundhog the dog park cause some serious injury in the air such,. Commitment to train their dogs on their own, while others will want to hire trainers. Foods they consume and disinfect the bite site the Power of instinct, is your dog approach as this make... Need to think about s an unusual story because it ’ s not just other! Will a shock collar help with an Aggressive dog is an instinct, is your dog Gagging but Throwing... And kill rodents, and dogs, and other natural bodies of water is boostered to... Would highly recommend what to do if your dog attacks a groundhog with a behaviourist be able to help your from!, named Zena started yelping in the back legs of your dog would probably easily conquer a groundhog help... The one above remind us of the time fear predators, and antibodies. Dog got scratched or bit by a groundhog this morning is hot and his.! Prefer not to use shock collars can even get stuck down there walk away calmly but.... Has a really deep gash about 15 to 16 weeks and older are required law... Groundhogs typically won ’ t want to have a vaccine boostered animal secure... This also make you think a little deeper confusing because it ’ not! Of training methods to achieve this purpose bit by a groundhog with....

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