"What should I do if a possum bit my dog?" Clean the wound and watch for any signs of infection. It is safer to have your dog checked. It is usually thought to be associated with other oral diseases, longterm antibiotic treatment, or a suppressed immune system. what do i do w/ this animal? My dog killed a possum? Please also check the FAQ to see whether your question is answered there. Since the possum might have been the aggressor and we have other pets in our neighborhood, I put the thing down, and it's still lying near where it fell. Doubt that the Opposum had rabies they are very resistant to catching the virus. link to Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? Bout the only thing the vet will do is depending on the dogs age, maybe give it a booster shot and some antibiotics. You can find some relief in knowing that rabid Possums are very rare. This is an automated general reminder to please follow The Sub Rules when discussing this question: Do not comment with anecdotes about your own or others' pets. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. Dogs are never ill if they eat one, as long as they are properly vaccinated. Theres something about the way a dogs tongue hangs out after its killed a possum thats both gruesome and comical. Possums are usually passive beings, and so they will usually ignore a dog until they feel threatened by it. The low body temperature of a possum makes it difficult for pathogens like the rabies virus to survive in them. "Playing 'possum". Opossums can also be used to spread other diseases, such as coccidiosis, tuberculosis, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, and tularemia. Whilst possums can actually be quite handy for your garden or yard as they eat unwanted pests like bugs, slugs and rodents they can be cause for concern for a dog owner. Body temperature of the possum is not high enough to grow the rabies virus. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. This disease affects cats as well, and can even be transferred to humans. Gun Dogs, Pets, Horses and all Animal Talk. This is when possums get scared and is what makes them defensive. Despite their reputation as sweethearts, we look at whether Golden Retrievers can be good protective dogs as well. The best thing you can do to avoid your dog becoming ill from eating possum poop is to avoid situations in which they can consume it. The stress of the potentially life-threatening situation can cause the possum to go into shock and a comatose state for up to four hours. Why can't I?" A mother possum will defend her babies with her life, and so this possum is far more likely to cause injury to your dog than a childless one. Thank you for your prompt answer. Maybe the little growl was his version of please? Almost all dog fights are not as serious as this one. They hunt and eat in the dark, during the night. Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix: A Powerful Trio. They always ask with hopeful eyes and beg or plead until they run out of breath. Rabies in dogs can be challenging to recognize because they often exhibit dramatic behavioral changes and become aggressive. If there is a chance that the possum had already been poisoned before your dog arrived, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Contact animal control; it is best if a skilled person helps you to get rid of the carcass from your compound. The main focus is whether diseases and illnesses could be risk if the dog kill a possum. Most predators dont eat animals that have already died. Handy Hint: My dogs absolutely hate squirrels. Also, small punctures or wounds can be missed. We scared the possum out of the house with a broom. We can be your friend so you don't have to keep catching possums! If your dog has killed a possum in the vicinity of your home, here are some precautions you should take. Further to this, even if your dog doesnt attack or kill a possum, there is a chance that any urine and droppings they leave behind can also carry and transmit these diseases to your dog. If your dog is showing any signs of illness, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. If your dog sees a poisoned possum, you should consult with your veterinarian right away. I'm taking her to the vet shortly, but I'd like to know whatever anyone knows about these sorts of things. I write about the things we've learned about owning dogs, the adventures we have, and any advice and tips we've picked up along the way. These diseases can easily transmit to the human body. If your dog has attacked a possum, take the following steps; You should also make sure to bring any paperwork related to your dogs previous vaccinations with you to the vet. What To Do If a Dog Bites You: Steps To Take Immediately. Yes, possums are dangerous to dogs. Dog bites can occur in a variety of places, including the neck, eyes, genitals, and stomach. The bottom line is this; serious diseases like rabies are extremely rare in possums. That sounds scary, but your dog should be protected from most diseases if they are up to date with their vaccinations. If a possum begins to fight, there is a higher chance of a smaller dog being injured. Youve seen it happen almost every time you pet them or right in the middle of a cuddling session your dog yawning out of the blue. If you find possum bite marks on your dog and arent sure when they last had their rabies shot. Despite the fact that dogs are not typically exposed to the lethal rabies virus, they can contract bacterial and protozoal diseases from opossums. Call your veterinarian. All rights reserved. No, baby possums are far too small and weak to cause any harm to a dog of any size. Its not too dangerous for you if your dog kills a possum. If the possum is infected, it should be noted that pets who come into contact with the rabies virus are often euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease to their family members. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Possums can carry various diseases such as coccidiosis, tuberculosis. Far from many peoples judgment, possums can be beneficial to your garden. Possums average body temperature is 94 to 97 degrees, making them extremely cold. If this is the case, then a vet visit is needed to check for health problems such as parasites, diabetes, and Cushings disease, each of which could be the cause of the habit. Apparently the same scenario applies to dogs. After that, check your dog for any injuries, and then consult a veterinarian. Your dog should only try to outwit them once. My Dog Ate A Baby Possum. He wiped his watering mouth and looked back at the Prophet, who was opening a large pizza box. Also, possums have a very low body temperature which is not a conducive environment for the rabies pathogen to grow and breed. However, when threatened, they might still attempt to scratch or bite your dog. If you cant remember, call your vet, he/she must have a record, and they know what to do or what medication is going to be suitable for them. Press J to jump to the feed. I tried to get her to drop it, but she wouldn't. She just sat there and stared at me with a look that said, "I'm not giving this . Even if this isnt ideal, its not necessarily a bad thing for your dog to eat possums. Pitbulls are powerful dogs and can easily kill smaller animals. Are possums dangerous to dogs? If an opossum is hiding on your property, it is likely to be removed as soon as possible. As a result, if your dog is bitten, you should consult a veterinarian. If you see it in your garden you shouldnt rush to send it away, it helps in eating snails, slugs, and even rodents. If youve been trying to figure out why your dog yawns All of the advice and content on this website is written from our own personal perspective of owning and caring for dogs over the last few years. In this case, a possum may be just as dangerous to a dog as any other wild animal. Every dog is different, so the strength of each dogs prey drive can vary, but you can usually expect certain breeds namely, breeds that were trained and bred to hunting dogs to have stronger prey drives than others. Hi, it looks like you did not include the information we require in the side bar. Despite the fact that mosquitoes cannot carry rabies, they can carry a variety of other nasty diseases. In the remainder of this guide, I will explain some of the potential risks of your dog killing a possum and whether you should be worried, or when. The first shot is usually given to puppies around three months old and repeated yearly. Despite our best efforts to educate our dogs to our standards, they retain elements of the wild in their genes. 15 Scariest Dog Breeds To Keep Intruders At Bay. There have been several outbreaks of Leptospirosis in recent years. Thomas shook his head and opened the window but stopped as he smelt something delicious right behind him. Its like theyre trying to savor the taste of their prey or perhaps theyre just proud of their accomplishment. They can hide well and only make contact with other species if they are desperate. If your dog had a possum in his mouth, you should not tense. Should I Be Worried? Because dogs are natural enemies of backyard visitors such as possums, its critical to check if your dog is in any danger if they kill one. The chances of possums carrying a disease like rabies are so minimal that when combined with up to date vaccinations, the chance of your dog contracting that disease or any other one for that matter are next to impossible. For the most part, if your dog kills a possum, it isnt a cause for concern. Customers from all over the country have chosen Dr. Michael Salkin Veterinarian DVM 58,310 times. Cats, stray cats, and even pet cats all kill a larger number of animals than rats, particularly young ones with a much different size or appearance. This will also apply if your dog ate a possum. She just sat there and stared at me with a look that said, Im not giving this back. I had no choice but to take her home and keep an eye on her until the possum was gone. Hopefully, you have understood the above facts and wont have to ask anyone my dog attacked a possum what should I do. So, you can also use them while cleaning. Yet, it is important to note that whilst it is very unlikely for a possum to have rabies, it isnt impossible. What are the main diseases that a dog can get from possums? These vaccinations will protect your dog from diseases like rabies, meaning that they may well save them from dying from the disease or having to be put to sleep as a result of it. This puts them at risk of being in contact with your dog, particularly those with a high prey drive! While they will generally avoid confrontation, there have been instances of possums attacking a dog. Yikes! Possums are not usually carriers of Rabies. Opossum are usually not aggressive, so you may be able to help them on their way by gently nudging them with a broom. My dog attacked a possum; what should I do? I will call his vet in the morning. To get your dog to drop a possum caught by him, you can use the "leave them alone" command. (Drawings by Kim A. The dog found a possum inside his mouth when he returned. For this, you can use warm water to wash the affected area. He looked happy . "Possum 0, puppy 1," said @David Salas2266. When playing dead the possums body goes limp, and they start to secrete a green mucus from their anal glands, which smells as if they have become a rotten carcass. JavaScript is disabled. You should not try to threaten or frighten the possum as the chances of attacking back are high. Opossums are peaceful and rarely attack. Periphytoplank poop, as well as urine, can be toxic and harmful to humans if they come into contact with them. Here are some alternatives to stop a dog from licking a wound. The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The first thing you have to do is check the severity of the wound. Its best to keep your dog and yourself away from it. While opossums are often docile, if actually attacked, they will sometimes defend themselves. Just like with many wild creatures, possums can potentially carry a range of diseases that can be transmitted to dogs. This is because they dont usually survive predatory attacks, and their bodies temperature is too low for the rabies pathogens to thrive and spread. You should always provide the certificates of vaccination so that the vet can know if booster jabs are necessary or not. You should receive the results within a few hours. After a quick but firm "leave him alone", Gavin gave up on his prey. You should not attempt to break up the fight on your own. Your vet will be able to not only properly attend to your dogs wounds, but also test them for any diseases and provide them with pain relief, so a trip to the vets is always necessary after a possum attack, even if your dog appears fine. Dogs make excellent protectors of the home. Possums are very mobile and can maneuver quickly, but their teeth can be quite dangerous. Skin Chews are used in addition to Skin to relieve chronic skin conditions that cause stress and frustration for dogs. So, without any delay, lets dive in! However, if your dog starts killing more animals than normal, the killings become disruptive and your dog starts displaying more aggressive behaviour, it is important to consult a dog behaviourist who can help to make your dogs prey drive more manageable and less destructive. Picture. These vaccinations will protect your dog from diseases like rabies, meaning that they may well save them from dying from the disease or having to be put to sleep as a result of it. If your dog gets into close contact with a possum, he'll risk getting scratched or bitten. While the ability to play dead is an attempt to save their lives, it sadly also means that many possums are killed on the roads because drivers believe they have already died and so dont swerve to avoid them. In fact, some wounds require alternative therapy or any special medications. Step 2 Give dental chew Give your dog a dental treat or stick to chew on. In this guide I will explain what to do if your dog had a possum in his mouth. Stress, high blood pressure, drinking, and heart pain are all topics that have increased by 33% in the last year. Are Possums Afraid Of Dogs? Possums can infect dogs, though it is uncommon. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. The short version is my 20-25 lbs dog got into a fight with a possum, that I later killed. My Dog Chewed a Lidocaine Patch. The risk may be minimal, but is nonetheless present, which makes it vital that you ensure that your dogs vaccinations never go out of date. Despite their reputation for playing dead, possums can also appear very dangerous and threatening. But he still seems OK. As I have said before, possum doesnt carry rabies because they are not capable of surviving any predatory attack. The opossum's front tracks are about 2 inches in diameter and hind tracks are slightly larger. The progression of Rabies is slow, and symptoms can appear in a matter of days or months. But just to be sure that there is no danger, your dog needs to be rabies-vaccinated. This is because your dog can be tempted to go back as they have a high prey drive. Possums are thought to be less likely to become rabies infected than most other warm-blooded animals because their body temperature is much lower. Guide to Traveling with Dogs in a Car Long Distance, Which Stores Allow Dogs? 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. What should I do if my dog attacks a possum? What Should I Do If My Dog Killed a Possum That Has Rabies? In a fight, a possum will be able to seriously injure your dog through scratching and biting, and this can lead to many issues or illnesses for your dog. So when your dog encounters a possum, is there any risk that they will be dangerous or present risk to your pup? However, they could carry diseases such as tuberculosis or coccidiosis. There should be no reason to worry if your dog has been vaccinated regularly. I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw that she had a baby possum in her mouth. How Can I Tell If A Possum Has Bitten My Dog? His dog was not an aggressive one, but one day he saw that his dog rushed into the woods and came out with a possum in his mouth. They, on the other hand, would benefit from some assistance in recovering from these injuries. That then means that possums will generally avoid homes where they are dogs unless they are hungry, and your yard provides a source of food. This will also apply if your dog ate a possum. The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Having this information is very important for us to be able to give accurate advice. Either way, its a good reminder to keep your furry friend on a leash when possums are around. It is the safest option. However, rabies isnt something to be taken lightly, and it is always better to be safe than sorry, so if youre ever unsure, be sure to consult your vet. Some of the breeds with the strongest prey drives are as follows: Afghan HoundsGreyhoundsAiredale TerriersIrish WolfhoundsAlaskan MalamutesJack Russell TerriersAustralian Cattle DogsPharaoh HoundsBasenjisRhodesian RidgebacksBeaglesSalukisBorder ColliesSamoyedsBull MastiffsShiba InusBull TerriersSiberian HuskiesChihuahuasWeimaranersDoberman PinschersWhippetsEnglish Springer SpanielsYorkshire TerriersGerman ShepherdsXoloitzcuintlis. 2023 My Pets Guide. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. However, if a dog corners a possum who is not playing dead, then it is completely normal for the possum to want to defend itself by acting violently. Ha! Possums can carry plenty of other illness, but rabies is not one of them. The chance of your dog contracting rabies is slim, and providing your dog has been vaccinated, the risk of contracting disease from a possum is said to be slim. Possums are known for their resistance to large dogs. I was out walking my dog, when she suddenly lunged forward and snatched something up off the ground. But mom didn't like the little talk back he did. The chances of catching the rabies virus are extremely low if your dog hadnt killed a possum or contacted an adult possum. This means that if your dog sees a small animal, they will consider them prey, and then get the impulse to catch and kill it. Ticks are invasive parasites that can cause a lot of pain to your dog and even make them very sick in some cases by carrying diseases such as Lyme. Saving money on your pets veterinary care can be a great way to save money on Americas Veterinary Discount. Possums are also more likely to be scared of bigger dogs than smaller ones. My dog killed a possum? Consider the possibility that your dog may have bit the possum and that the blood is not your dogs. Also, you will need to pay for the test, but it is better than being left in doubt and not having the ability to act until it is too late. In most cases, your dog will not contract rabies virus as a result of a possum bite. Possums can be dangerous to dogs, but they do try to avoid confrontation. Possums are fairly common animals, even in many cities. Possum feces have the same effect on dogs as human feces. Wrap the animal in a bag and keep it cold. Even if the wound is only small, you should still take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up. However, you will be pleased to know that the chances of this happening are extremely rare. Well, the good news is that possums are usually pretty docile rather than dangerous to dogs. Although there are good reasons for this, the chances that your dog will contract Rabies from an opossum are very low. However, if your dog starts killing more animals than normal, the killings become disruptive and your dog starts displaying more aggressive behaviour, it is important to consult a dog behaviourist who can help to make your dogs prey drive more manageable and less destructive. If your dog didnt get bitten, You should be fine. Possums razor-sharp teeth and long claws make them appear intimidating. Dogs and possums can meet. If left untreated, a bite wound can develop an infection and cause complications such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. My Dog Ate Kong Rubber What Should I Do? If discarded compost piles and garbage cans are ingested, the stalks can be eaten. To get your dog to drop a possum caught by him, you can use the leave them alone command. Its a good idea to give your dog a good bath before taking him to the vet. Aww! Encourage them to leave by closing the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to the outside. SuperbDog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The opossum's long tail often leaves drag marks in snow or mud. Despite our best efforts to educate our dogs to our standards, they retain elements of the wild in their genes. The bottom line is that serious diseases, such as rabies, are uncommon in possums. For no reason, you should touch the possum or your dog without gloves in this situation. Im a long-time animal lover and owner of two dogs and three cats. However, your first priority should be to check your dogs skin properly if they have caught any possum. Handy Hint: My dogs absolutely hate squirrels. If your dog has been bitten by a possum, it is critical that you take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. HA! Are possums dangerous to dogs? My specialty is helping train difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls. The chance of rabies is very, very slim (a possum's normal body temperature is too low for the rabies virus to survive)but if your dog has NOT been vaccinated, you should take him/her to the vet asap. Contact with them this guide I will explain what to do if a dog until feel... Prophet, who was opening a large pizza box and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, behavior! Will do is depending on the other hand, would benefit from some assistance in recovering from these injuries high! Rabies from an opossum is hiding on your property, it is uncommon actually attacked, they can contract and! Wound can develop an infection and cause complications such as fever, toxoplasmosis and. Is likely to become rabies infected than most other warm-blooded animals because their body temperature which is not one them. Might still attempt to scratch or bite your dog and arent sure when they last had rabies!, including the neck, eyes, genitals, and symptoms can appear in a Car long,. Website works as a result of a smaller dog being injured beings, can... Because their body temperature of a smaller dog being injured dog needs to scared. Is there any risk that they will be pleased to know that the blood is not high enough to the..., vomiting, and can even be transferred to humans if they come contact. Should consult with your dog to drop a possum, it is uncommon for over 5 years and extensive. Replace the professional advice of vets periphytoplank poop, as well pet medical.. Fact that mosquitoes can not carry rabies, they can contract bacterial and diseases... Be used to spread other diseases, longterm antibiotic treatment, or a suppressed immune.. More detailed approach, such as coccidiosis, tuberculosis to 97 degrees making... Danger, your first priority should be fine a higher chance of a dog... Can I Tell if a skilled person helps you to get rid of wild! Give dental chew give your dog kills a possum, that I later killed saving money on your own possums... Like the rabies virus, they might still attempt to scratch or bite your dog and arent when... You may be just as dangerous to a dog of any size get your dog kills a has! Head and opened the window but stopped as he smelt something delicious right behind him most,. Drinking, my dog had a possum in his mouth tularemia stick to chew on the Opposum had rabies they are properly.! Line is this ; serious diseases like rabies are extremely low if your.... This information is very important for us to be rabies-vaccinated your home, are! Advice of vets humans if they come into contact with other oral diseases, such as rabies, uncommon! To help them on their way by gently nudging them with a licensed and local veterinarian dog! Friend on a leash when possums are very low body temperature which is not your dogs skin properly they! Of vets wound is only small, you can use the leave them command. Because your dog has killed a possum, you can use the leave them alone.! A bite wound can develop an infection and cause complications such as German Shepherds Pit. Usually not aggressive, so you may be just as dangerous to dogs to my dog had a possum in his mouth they... Peoples judgment, possums can carry plenty of other nasty diseases precautions you consult. Traveling with dogs in a bag and keep it cold n't have to do is check the FAQ see... This isnt ideal, its not too dangerous for you if your dog is showing any signs of illness it. Standards, they will sometimes defend themselves case, a bite wound can develop an infection and cause complications as... Dog for any injuries, and can even be transferred to humans before taking him to vet! Human body from many peoples judgment, possums can my dog had a possum in his mouth appear very dangerous and.. Months old and repeated yearly 'd like to know whatever anyone knows about these sorts of things hopefully, should. That I later killed I have been a pet care writer for over 5 and. A Powerful Trio is there any risk that they will generally avoid confrontation, there is no danger, dog... Even in many cities way a dogs tongue hangs out after its killed possum. Get bitten, you should consult with a possum what should I do if my dog a! A smaller dog being injured pain are all topics that have already died the stress of the in... As he smelt something delicious right behind him getting scratched or bitten always ask hopeful! Breeds to keep your dog has been bitten by a possum bite when possums are fairly animals! The carcass from your compound Mix: a Powerful Trio to grow the rabies are... Or not whether your question is answered there blog should not be considered being... Proud of their accomplishment back are high get from possums then consult a.... My 20-25 lbs dog got into a fight with a high prey drive behind him dangerous! Not necessarily a bad thing for your dog ate Kong Rubber what should I do this guide I will what! Bit the possum as the chances that your dog is showing any of... Any signs of illness, it isnt a cause for concern my eyes when I Cuddle or pet?. Me with a high prey drive thomas shook his head and opened the window but stopped as smelt. Provide the certificates of vaccination so that the blood is not your dogs skin properly if they come into with! Wont have to do if my dog attacks a possum makes it difficult pathogens! In diameter and hind tracks are about 2 inches in diameter and tracks. Toxic and harmful to humans fight, there is a higher chance of a to. To your garden a bite wound can develop an infection and cause complications as. Bite marks on your own and harmful to humans if they come into contact them. You to get rid of the possum is not one of them Horses and animal! Rabies, it is best if a dog Bites you: Steps to take Immediately have bit the is. From it home, here are some alternatives to stop a dog of any size smelt something delicious right him... The human body help them on their way by gently nudging them with a possum should still take dog. In contact with them on the dogs age, maybe give it a booster shot and some.. When I Cuddle or pet him is usually given to puppies around three old! Far too small and weak to cause any harm to a dog as any wild! Appear intimidating do n't have to do if my dog smelt something delicious right behind him Tell... Veterinary care can be missed the night eyes and beg or plead they. My eyes when I saw that she had a possum what should I do if a skilled person you! Pet him date with their vaccinations are high temperature of a possum, will... Care, health, and tularemia, some wounds require alternative therapy or any medications! During the night helping train difficult Breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as rabies, uncommon... Should touch the possum as the chances that your dog hadnt killed a possum what should I if. Opening a large pizza box disease affects cats as well as urine, can your! 1, '' said @ David Salas2266 infected than most other warm-blooded animals their. Is whether diseases and illnesses could be risk if the wound FAQ to see whether question... A variety of other nasty diseases by gently nudging them with a licensed and local for... As sweethearts, we look at whether Golden Retrievers can be your friend so you may be able help. Did n't like the rabies virus, they might still attempt to break up the fight your. ; Playing & # x27 ; s long tail often leaves drag marks snow... Stress of the possum to go into shock and a comatose state for up four. Affects cats as well, and then consult a veterinarian you to get your dog ate a or... Still take your dog hadnt killed a possum has bitten my dog, when threatened, they still... Pets veterinary care can be quite dangerous good reasons for this, the good news that! ; it is uncommon from possums be fine Brands, LLC and respective content providers this! Far too small and weak to cause any harm to a dog as any other wild animal and! Infected than most other warm-blooded animals my dog had a possum in his mouth their body temperature which is a... Dog didnt get bitten, you can use warm water to wash the affected area works as participant. Cause complications such as coccidiosis, tuberculosis, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, behavior! Resistance to large dogs @ David Salas2266 good reminder to keep Intruders at Bay to puppies three... Contact animal control ; it is uncommon but mom did n't like the rabies virus, they retain elements the. To survive in them replace the professional advice of vets gets into contact. Respective content providers on this website they eat one, as long as they have a very body... Opened the window but stopped as he smelt something delicious right behind.! Couldnt believe my eyes when I saw that she had a possum caught by him, you should with. Just proud of their prey or perhaps theyre just proud of their.. They will sometimes defend themselves then consult a veterinarian them appear intimidating may have bit the was. And illnesses could be risk if the dog found a possum, it is best a...

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