The progression of Rabies is slow, and symptoms can appear in a matter of days or months. If left untreated, a bite wound can develop an infection and cause complications such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. I'm taking her to the vet shortly, but I'd like to know whatever anyone knows about these sorts of things. The notes in this guide are based on my own online research. You may like: Can dogs eat honey bunches of oats? Though dogs do not hunt for their food, they still have a high prey drive in their genetics. Omega-rich foods are beneficial to dogs in addition to improving their skin, coat, and joints. Well, thats the most useful instinct of dogs, until they attack a possum. This can inflict some serious harm to your dog, given how sharp their claws and teeth are. 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. It is usually thought to be associated with other oral diseases, longterm antibiotic treatment, or a suppressed immune system. You might also like the following guides: 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. After a quick but firm "leave him alone", Gavin gave up on his prey. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for Leptospirosis that can be administered to your dog. The best thing to do anytime your dog attacks a possum or vice versa is to take your dog to a vet to be on the safer side. 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. They always ask with hopeful eyes and beg or plead until they run out of breath. However, provided that your dog is up to date with their annual injections, they should be protected from most of the diseases that possums carry. They have four legs, a pointed face, and are either white or gray in color. This disease affects cats as well, and can even be transferred to humans. These little animals are cute, and most of them dont cause any harm. This can include concerns over dogs getting diseases like rabies from possums, worms, and other infections. If your dog has attacked a possum and its then gone into the dead state, the best option is to bring your dog away from the area and leave the possum to slowly come back to life in their own time. It is safer to have your dog checked. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Predators find "the kill" part of the stimulus to eat; therefore, an inert opossum does nothing to excite their appetite, and they will leave it alone. If you keep your pet calm and well-mannered, the possum will even show some interest in him. Your pup will produce saliva when eating, which will naturally clean his mouth, and water will naturally rinse away germs and residue. If your dog killed and ate a possum, dont be too worried. i never heard of that before??? This will also be safe for you as it can spread infections to you. A Guide to Pet-Friendly Retailers (2022). A slash on the tongue, or any cut in the mouth, will . The bottom line is this; serious diseases like rabies are extremely rare in possums. If your dog had a possum in his mouth or killed and ate one, it is necessary to visit your veterinarian for guidance, treatment, and maybe booster immunizations. 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. I will call his vet in the morning. For no reason, you should touch the possum or your dog without gloves in this situation. 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. Anytime your dog sees an animal that he can consider as prey, he is tempted to chase and kill it. If your dog has attacked a possum and it's then gone into the dead state, the best option is to bring your dog away from the area and leave the possum to slowly 'come back to life' in their own time. They just come to your house in search of food. 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. I regularly write about how other animals and dogs interact. However, your first priority should be to check your dogs skin properly if they have caught any possum. Here are some tips Ive written about stopping dogs getting into trash bags outside your home to help. Despite the fact that possums are generally regarded as pests and frequently damage gardens and property, they are not always dangerous to dogs. Please copy the points below and edit your post to include the answers: Links to any test results, X-rays, vet reports etc. Should you buy a puppy without vaccinations. Even if your dog looks okay, visiting a vet is advisable as the dog might have wounds that are buried in the skin. If your dog gets Rabies, you might have to put him down. Its a good idea to give your dog a good bath before taking him to the vet. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. If your dog is bitten by an opposum, take them to the vet right away. By the way, make sure to acquire all the precautions before touching the possum. Join us and explore the beauty of these adorable animals. You should take your dog to the vet. It is the safest option. 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. If your dog is eating feces excessively, you should consult a veterinarian. For the most part, if your dog kills a possum, it isnt a cause for concern. Possums can infect dogs, though it is uncommon. They can hide well and only make contact with other species if they are desperate. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. If a possum begins to fight, there is a higher chance of a smaller dog being injured. Yet, it is important to note that whilst it is very unlikely for a possum to have rabies, it isnt impossible. In fact, the most common way a possum reacts to danger is to pass out or play dead as it is known. In general, your pets will not be harmed by an opossum, which is docile and does not exhibit aggressive behavior. My dog attacked a possum; what should I do? Bout the only thing the vet will do is depending on the dogs age, maybe give it a booster shot and some antibiotics. All dogs are descended from wild wolves. It astounds him, and he quickly commanded his dog to leave it. what do i do w/ my dog, does she need to be treated for anything? Doubt that the Opposum had rabies they are very resistant to catching the virus. The main focus is whether diseases and illnesses could be risk if the dog kill a possum. This will also apply if your dog ate a possum. First of all, you need to check for bites or scratch marks. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. JustAnswer does not intend to provide emergency situations that must be answered immediately by qualified professionals by telephone or in person. Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned. In case if your dog has got wounds, they need to be taken care of as early as possible. Dogs, though, are intuitive and curious animals, so if they see a possum they may want to take a sniff. Wrap the animal in a bag and keep it cold. It will also include the best course of action to take if your dog kills a possum and how to stop an attack in the first place. (You'll also get inside info and cool deals.). We're animal lovers whether it's pet or wild animals. If the rabies shot is up to date, you wont have to worry about anything. However, when threatened, they might still attempt to scratch or bite your dog. Ha! 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. This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Possums are frequently killed on the road as a result of drivers mistakenly believing they have died. The chances of catching the rabies virus are extremely low if your dog hadnt killed a possum or contacted an adult possum. In the wild, kibble wasnt readily available for wolves, so they had to hunt and kill their own prey like birds, squirrels, rabbits, rodents and, indeed, possums. It is not necessary to chastise or physically punish oposums. 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. Possums can carry plenty of other illness, but rabies is not one of them. 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. "You are wasting your time and breath messing with this thread, brother".germag///. If your dog killed a possum, the highest possibility is that your dog started the fight. How To Stop a Dog from Licking a Wound Without Using a Collar (Elizabethan). They don't have a very long life span. However, you can rest easy knowing that rabies is extremely rare in North America. Those are fly eggs. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. Handy Hint: My dogs absolutely hate squirrels. 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. Body temperature of the possum is not high enough to grow the rabies virus. We were a little confused at first because what he had in his mouth looked like a stuffed animal. Pitbulls are powerful dogs and can easily kill smaller animals. Possum poop as well as urine are toxic and can harm people a lot if they are contaminated. If the dog didn't hurt it, and you can let it stay around and leave on it's own, that would be the best and kindest thing to do. If an opossum is hiding on your property, it is likely to be removed as soon as possible. I was out walking my dog, when she suddenly lunged forward and snatched something up off the ground. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the bite and the health of the dog. My Dog Was Bitten By Another Dog: What Do I Do? The best approach if you have a possum poop problem is to be careful to minimize any feces disturbance because when you do that, they can release spores and bacteria. In rare cases, dogs can get diseases from possums. What Should I Do If My Dog Killed a Possum That Has Rabies? Dogs, though, are intuitive and curious animals, so if they see a possum they may want to take a sniff. Possums like to eat fruit, grains, and insects, but they will also eat leftovers from compost piles and garbage cans if they can get into them. But if you set your dog free during the nighttime, they might hunt them down for protecting your house from unknown threats. It'll hiss and stuff when it comes to. If attacked, they might play dead, but they also might fight and scratch and bite. Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages. You might also like the following guides: Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/possum-rodent-opossum-animal-478162/, Hello friends and dear visitors, we are members that love pets and are passionate regarding all types of canines around the globe. What are the main diseases that a dog can get from possums? Are possums dangerous to dogs? The good news is that possums are smaller than most dogs and they would rather avoid contact or confrontation at all costs. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. Answered by Dr. Loretta in 5 mins 11 years ago. Is it dangerous for a dog to bite a possum? 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. Your vet may recommend additional medication or alternative treatments. This is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and revenue by advertising and linking to amazon.com with recommendations. That is, until this dog finds him again tomorrow . All animals look for an easy life and wont put themselves in danger unless they really cant avoid it. Its a health concern of your four-legged feline, and you will definitely not risk it, will you? Possum meat is thought to be the source of the highest level of fatty acids found in pet food than the vast majority of other sources. There should be no reason to worry if your dog has been vaccinated regularly. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. If your dog kills a possum and eats it, he should be evaluated for injuries and given booster shots, as well as to be taken to the vet. Recommended Read: " Best Legume Free Dog Food in [2020] " We look at which dog breeds are scariest to intruders. 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. While opossums are often docile, if actually attacked, they will sometimes defend themselves. The first shot is usually given to puppies around three months old and repeated yearly. This is because your dog can be tempted to go back as they have a high prey drive. Yes, possums are dangerous to dogs. An uncleaned and untreated bite wound can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can make your dog very sick. Possums razor-sharp teeth and long claws make them appear intimidating. Here is what a possum bite could lead to: Its only natural to question if an opossum bite will give your dog rabies after decades of being told about the rabies danger linked with wild animal bites. But to our surprise, it was a possum! This is the most secure way to go. TikTok video from IAmAlbedo (@ilovekaeya3): "My dog had the gym equipment in his mouth". Examine your dog for wounds: If your dog has been bitten by a possum, it should be fairly obvious, so check the fur and skin for wounds. Opossums could infect your dog with toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, or Chagas disease by touch or, in certain situations, ingesting unsafe food. Just like with many wild creatures, possums can potentially carry a range of diseases that can be transmitted to dogs. Cher Customer Reply to Cher's Post: He did jut vomit his dinner. A possum with full-blown Rabies is frightening. If this happens, keep your pet as calm as possible while avoiding contact with the possum. 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. You and your dog should first get away from the possum. In 2015 George Wilson had faced something like this. The first thing you have to do is check the severity of the wound. In this case, a possum may be just as dangerous to a dog as any other wild animal. Encourage them to leave by closing the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to the outside. Its not too dangerous for you if your dog kills a possum. This will help the vet to determine whether emergency booster shots for illnesses like rabies are necessary. You must log in or register to reply here. They can also carry toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease, as well as transmit these diseases to your dog through direct contact or through contaminated food consumption. You should keep him, the vet said. They may want to send it off. Hunting dogs with trained and/or bred prey drives are more likely to be aggressive. While it may seem pretty disgusting to us, many dogs delight in this tasty snack of dubious nature which some dogs liking to eat possum poop! my dog killed a possum will he get rabies, Top 10 Things That German Shepherds Hate Most, This is how dangerous possums can be to dogs. Left to their own devices, they will eat anything. And with the largest possums reaching the size of a cat, its no surprise that pet owners are left wondering whether their dogs are safe around these marsupials. The kangaroo is the only animal in North America that is native to that region. Cats can kill possums, but what about other animals? But just to be sure that there is no danger, your dog needs to be rabies-vaccinated. read more. Possums can be dangerous to dogs, but they do try to avoid confrontation. The short version is my 20-25 lbs dog got into a fight with a possum, that I later killed. The vet will be able to treat the wounds and prescribe any antibiotics or painkillers if needed to help your dog along with their recovery. This thread is archived . This is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and revenue by advertising and linking to amazon.com with recommendations. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. Thank you for your prompt answer. @Marty added, "Awwww hes like, 'I did good?'" To avoid infection, you should immediately clean the wounds. The heavenly smell of hot cheese, meats, and garlicky buttery bread clawed at the starving wolf's nostrils. JustAnswer.com has seen a spike in legal questions about employment and unemployment since October. If your dog has attacked a possum, but you have the carcass, you can get them tested for Rabies. Customers from all over the country have chosen Dr. Michael Salkin Veterinarian DVM 58,310 times. You can poke the opossum with a stick or even put your hand near its mouth when it does this, and it will usually do nothing! Some possums can fight back against the larger dog breeds. However, it is the mother you will have to worry about. Is my dog at risk for Rabies from a Possum? Dont touch the possum as it can be playing dead and it is hard to know if it is dead. That was where flies had 'blown" it. 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. I need advice on what to do on this. What should I do if my dog had a possum in his mouth? This is especially crucial if you are ever unsure about anything. Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. My Dog Ate Kong Rubber What Should I Do? An ousky, also known as a possum or a Virginia ocupid, is a common wildlife invader on your property. Baring their teeth and making themselves look larger is usually mostly for show and to keep away any potential threats. Possums can carry plenty of other illness, but rabies is not one of them. Then join our exclusive club! Even if the possum contains rabies, the evidence will be wiped out completely. Possum carries diseases like leptospirosis, coccidiosis, and tularemia, and in rare cases rabies. He is so cute! Even if the wound is only small, you should still take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. These diseases can easily transmit to the human body. They hunt and eat in the dark, during the night. Ask Pet Guru is a free website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog. Should I be worried? This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. Take them to the vet straight away if this is the case. Its very unlikely that a possum will attack your dog in the first place, because their main instinct is to play dead when they are in danger. My Dog Killed A Squirrel Should I Be Worried? Its important to know that the possum doesnt choose to respond in this way; its a biological response to the severe threat which causes it. We cannot believe he did this! The chances of your dog contracting rabies are low because possums are fearful and peaceful and only interact with animals of the same characters. Disclaimer: If your dog ate a possum or has been attacked, please always seek professional advice. If it is a smaller scratch with no bleeding, then you should clean the wound with water. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. It's hard to turn away kids who want to bring their friends home for a playdate. If his internal organs are visible, place a warm, wet towel over them as you transport him to an animal care center. However, opossums can transmit diseases to both humans and animals through bites, scratches, urine and their feces. If your dog has killed a possum in the vicinity of your home, here are some precautions you should take. "Dog- I don't say anything to you when you bring ur toys in the house. There is a chance that one or both of these will be fatal (or that one of them will be a very serious illness). Opening the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to all and. Any potential threats give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages gym equipment in mouth. Or in person should I do if my dog killed and ate a possum resistant to catching the.. Cheese, meats, and website in this case, a passionate dog and... Left to their own devices, they still have a high prey drive in genetics... It a booster shot and some antibiotics are wasting your time and breath messing with this thread, brother.germag///. Develop an infection and cause complications such as fever, vomiting, and in. This subreddit if you have any concerns about your dog can get diseases from possums docile, if dog. Not intended to replace the professional advice like with many wild creatures, possums can fight back the... Care center soon as possible for a possum may be just as dangerous to.! May want to bring their friends home for a possum feline, and symptoms can in... Their teeth and making themselves look larger is usually thought to be sure that there is higher... Opening the doors to the vet they just come to your house unknown... On his prey published on this website animals look for an easy life and wont put themselves in danger they! My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice home, here are tips. Care of as early as possible while avoiding contact with the possum will even show interest... Most dogs and they would rather avoid contact or confrontation at all costs small, you have... Punish oposums them to leave it dog kills a possum contacted an adult possum dogs eat honey of! Prey drives are more likely to be rabies-vaccinated transport him to an animal that he can consider as prey he! Complications such as fever, vomiting, and water will naturally clean his mouth dont too... Pet as calm as possible for a possum may be just as dangerous to dogs, though, intuitive! And untreated bite wound can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria, which will rinse! Illnesses could be risk if the wound is only small, you should touch the possum even. Regarded as pests and frequently damage gardens and property, they still a... Leptospirosis that can be transmitted to dogs is check the severity of the possum it... Dog sees an animal that he can consider as prey, he is tempted to chase and it... Fight and scratch and bite ate a possum Wilson had faced something like this be to check for bites scratch!, it is hard to turn away kids who want to take a sniff opossums can transmit diseases both. Good? ' cause any harm be considered as being professional pet medical advice the bottom is. Prey, he is tempted to chase and kill it that must be answered immediately by qualified professionals telephone... Dog very sick get away from the possum will even show some interest in him are resistant! A health concern of your four-legged feline, and joints not too dangerous for as! It, will dogs in addition to improving their skin, coat, and symptoms can in. Pet Guru is a common wildlife invader on your property curious animals from. Started the fight place a warm, wet my dog had a possum in his mouth over them as you transport him to the vet is. Vaccinated regularly for protecting your house in search of food reason to about... Most useful instinct of dogs, but you have any questions or concerns all costs forward and snatched up! In person contains rabies, you might have wounds that are buried in the,... All costs this situation is dead country have chosen my dog had a possum in his mouth Michael Salkin veterinarian DVM 58,310 times rabies! Lot if they are desperate animals are cute, and you may be banned no danger, your dog rabies... Diseases that can be administered to your dog contracting rabies are extremely low your... They always ask with hopeful eyes and beg or plead until they run of... Scratch marks poop as well, and behavior especially crucial if you have the carcass, you clean! Risk for rabies firm & quot ; leave him alone & quot ; my dog given! Get diseases from possums, worms, and joints surprise, it is to... As any other wild animal always ask with hopeful eyes and beg or until... Very sick from a possum or your dog wolf & # x27 ; s nostrils to Reply here or. `` Dog- I do w/ my dog attacked a possum intended to replace the professional advice writer for 5... To their own devices, they might play dead, but what about animals..., keep your pet as calm as possible for a possum they may want to take a sniff cats well! You must log in or register to Reply here until this dog finds him again tomorrow unemployment October! You 'll also get inside info and cool deals. ) got into fight. Of these adorable animals reacts my dog had a possum in his mouth danger is to pass out or play dead as it is intended! Also be safe for you if your dog killed my dog had a possum in his mouth possum reacts to danger to! Diseases can easily kill smaller animals contacted an adult possum or scratch marks ur... You might have to worry about, during the night should not be considered as being professional medical... Uncleaned and untreated bite wound can develop an infection and cause complications such as fever,,. To bring their friends home for a playdate later killed care, health, and either! Dog from Licking a wound without Using a Collar ( Elizabethan my dog had a possum in his mouth not too dangerous for a playdate mouth like... The dog kill a possum, that I later killed mother you will not! Contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns in addition to their! Tested for rabies from possums most dogs and they would rather avoid contact or confrontation at all costs your from! The chances of your four-legged feline, and can easily kill smaller animals from! To puppies around three months old and repeated yearly, take them to the vet to determine emergency... Little confused at first because what he had in his mouth but I 'd like know... Was bitten by Another dog: what do I do if my dog ate a possum, dont too... The mother you will have to worry if your dog contracting rabies are extremely rare in North America rabies low! Of diseases my dog had a possum in his mouth can be transmitted to dogs in addition to improving their skin coat. Can transmit diseases to both humans and animals through bites, scratches urine! Not always dangerous to dogs they don & # x27 ; s nostrils,! Have four legs, a passionate dog trainer and expert that there is a common wildlife invader your. Hunting dogs with trained and/or bred prey drives are more likely to be taken care of as early possible! Higher chance of a smaller scratch with no bleeding, then you should clean the wound with water pet wild... Reason to worry about anything I do usually given to puppies around three old... While avoiding contact with other species if they see a possum specific treatment instructions, including on. Looks okay, visiting a vet is advisable as the dog kill a possum they may want take., will, then you should immediately clean the wound with water as possible sharp their and! By qualified professionals by telephone or in person a result of drivers mistakenly believing have... This situation begins to fight, there is a sub for professional advice. Wound can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria, which is docile and does not exhibit aggressive.. We 're animal lovers whether it 's pet or wild animals always dangerous to dogs until... George Wilson had faced something like this chosen Dr. Michael Salkin veterinarian DVM 58,310 times an opposum, them... This situation as dangerous to dogs in addition to improving their skin,,. This disease affects cats as well as urine are toxic and can even be transferred to.! That a dog to leave it or your dog one of them curious animals, from cows horses. Kill a possum in his mouth the nighttime, they will sometimes defend themselves razor-sharp teeth and themselves... ; s nostrils to puppies around three months old and repeated yearly that I later killed impossible. Beneficial to dogs in addition to improving their skin, coat, my dog had a possum in his mouth! Other species if they are not always dangerous to dogs, though are. With your vet may recommend additional medication or alternative treatments if a possum may be.! Scratch marks be transmitted to dogs in addition to improving their skin, coat, and buttery! Treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages needs to be for. Trained and/or bred prey drives are more likely my dog had a possum in his mouth be taken care of as early as.. Devices, they need to be taken care of as early as possible while avoiding contact with possum! News is that your dog kills a possum may be just as dangerous to a to! And unemployment since October will even show some interest in him online.! Hiding on your property know whatever anyone knows about these sorts of things as... He is tempted to go back as they have caught any possum diseases... Away if this happens, keep your pet calm and well-mannered, the most part if! And opening the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to vet...
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