A big worry for a lot of owners whose dog has killed or attacked a possum is whether their dog can get rabies from the possum. Germs and dirt must not get into the wound. 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. Even if your dog doesnt come into direct contact with possum, they can still be susceptible to diseases transmitted within the possums urine and droppings. 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. 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. Whilst dogs as we know them are not as huge hunters today, genetics mean that all dogs still have an innate prey drive. Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned. Can a dog get sick from a possum bite? Stress, high blood pressure, drinking, and heart pain are all topics that have increased by 33% in the last year. Just like with many wild creatures, possums can potentially carry a range of diseases that can be transmitted to dogs. Possums are also more likely to be scared of bigger dogs than smaller ones. Is my dog at risk for Rabies from a Possum? In case if your dog has got wounds, they need to be taken care of as early as possible. Answered by Dr. Loretta in 5 mins 11 years ago. This is because they dont usually survive predatory attacks, and their bodies temperature is too low for the rabies pathogens to thrive and spread. The odds of a healthy, vaccinated dog getting rabies from a possum bite is almost zero, but for unvaccinated dogs, the chances are a bit higher, even though very few possums actually carry rabies. I hope all will be well. OP, your post has NOT been removed. I'm taking her to the vet shortly, but I'd like to know whatever anyone knows about these sorts of things. It is an uncommon cause of oral inflammation in dogs. Disclaimer: If your dog ate a possum or has been attacked, please always seek professional advice. 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. This can youre your dogs behaviour from escalating and prevent anyone from potentially getting hurt in the future. My Dog Chewed a Lidocaine Patch. Im lovin that dog a real possum killer ehh!! Thomas shook his head and opened the window but stopped as he smelt something delicious right behind him. Pitbulls are powerful dogs and can easily kill smaller animals. The bottom line is this; serious diseases like rabies are extremely rare in possums. Opossums could infect your dog with toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, or Chagas disease by touch or, in certain situations, ingesting unsafe food. It seemed as if ages had passed, but this whole traumatic event had transpired in probably about 10 seconds. Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! If this happens, keep your pet as calm as possible while avoiding contact with the possum. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that she had a baby possum in her mouth. So when your dog encounters a possum, is there any risk that they will be dangerous or present risk to your pup? If your dog killed and ate a possum, dont be too worried. 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. Examine your dog thoroughly for any injuries that may have occurred. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. If possible, clean your dogs injuries with running water or warm water. We are highly emotional and visual-oriented animals, so the thought of a rabid animal is a vivid image in our minds. The main focus is whether diseases and illnesses could be risk if the dog kill a possum. An uncleaned and untreated bite wound can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can make your dog very sick. 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. 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. Almost all dog fights are not as serious as this one. 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. Description. This disease is dangerous because it can force one to lay down a dog with full-blown rabies. Body temperature of the possum is not high enough to grow the rabies virus. What should I do ifmy dog had a possum in his mouth? But still, no is no, doesn't he know that?! 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. That whole teeth-bearing display is just for show and to scare off anything which might be getting a little too close. Having this information is very important for us to be able to give accurate advice. So, what do you do when your dog has a possum in his mouth? Another good thing is that opossums are largely resistant to rabies and almost never spread the disease, according to the Humane Society of the United States and the Missouri and Illinois Bi-State Wildlife Hotline. 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. It'll hiss and stuff when it comes to. 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. Dogs make excellent protectors of the home. The progression of Rabies is slow, and symptoms can appear in a matter of days or months. 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. To add to the illusion, they also emit a gross smell from their body that is supposed to replicate the smell of a rotting corpse. Possums are frequently not rabies carriers, and if your dog is up to date on vaccines, you wont have to be concerned. The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Theres nothing to be afraid of if your dog died as a result of eating a possum. 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. How Can I Tell If A Possum Has Bitten My Dog? 15 Scariest Dog Breeds To Keep Intruders At Bay. Baring their teeth and making themselves look larger is usually mostly for show and to keep away any potential threats. There should be no reason to worry if your dog has been vaccinated regularly. If your dog has a deep wound in his belly, which is deeper than a scratch, he may require medical attention. Guide to Traveling with Dogs in a Car Long Distance, Which Stores Allow Dogs? Ha! If there is no threat of poisoning, your dog may become ill if he eats a dead opossum. Possum feces are also harmful to dogs as well. Thank you for your prompt answer. Some of the breeds with the strongest prey drives are as follows: So, on the one hand, if your dog occasionally kills a possum or other small animals, you shouldnt be too worried, especially if they have a naturally high prey drive it is just part of their nature. If your dog comes in contact with a rabies-infected animal, you must quarantine it and keep it isolated for at most 45 days. Hi, it looks like you did not include the information we require in the side bar. Things could have been worse, and thinking that George took some fences and installed them around his yard to prevent this uninvited guest from visiting the house and keeping the dog secure. My Dog Was Bitten By Another Dog: What Do I Do? I was out walking my dog, when she suddenly lunged forward and snatched something up off the ground. If discarded compost piles and garbage cans are ingested, the stalks can be eaten. If your living area is greeny, then you might have a few wild guests to visit you. However, it is the mother you will have to worry about. Aww! Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. This disease is not only dangerous to your dog but you too. If his internal organs are visible, place a warm, wet towel over them as you transport him to an animal care center. If your dog didnt get bitten, You should be fine. Cadcom, wow! It is not uncommon for a possum to become ill with rabies, but it is extremely unlikely. Im a long-time animal lover and owner of two dogs and three cats. If you see it in your garden you shouldnt rush to send it away, it helps in eating snails, slugs, and even rodents. 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. Then join our exclusive club! Heres a short answer, followed by more detail on the dangers of possums to dogs. George had the quick wit to throw the possum into a trash bag and give a thorough bath to his dog, before bringing him to the . If your dog kills and eats a possum, the following steps should be taken: Make sure your dog doesnt come into contact with the possums body. Possums are known for having a low body temperature in comparison to other mammals according to the Opossum Society, their average body temperature is between 94 and 97 degrees. If you find possum bite marks on your dog and arent sure when they last had their rabies shot. So, you can also use them while cleaning. Many of the conditions that possums can pass on to dogs can also be transmitted to people. Left to their own devices, they will eat anything. The good news is that possums very rarely become infected with rabies, and thats thought to be because they have a much lower body temperature compared to most other warm-blooded animals. Your dogs veterinarian will be able to correctly assess his or her wounds, test them for any diseases, and give him or her pain relief. Its critical for them to play dead in order to protect themselves from predators. "What should I do if a possum bit my dog?" Clean the wound and watch for any signs of infection. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? Its not too dangerous for you if your dog kills a possum. This can include concerns over dogs getting diseases like rabies from possums, worms, and other infections. They can hide well and only make contact with other species if they are desperate. Possums are very mobile and can maneuver quickly, but their teeth can be quite dangerous. If your dog is showing any signs of illness, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. TikTok user @dukeofhawthorn recently shared a clip featuring her dog Duke and a possum that latched on to him while the. But sometimes, the answer is just no, whether they understand it or not. Well, the good news is that possums are usually pretty docile rather than dangerous to dogs. 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. Read this guide to see why this is and what you can do about a dog that loves to chase them. 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. To avoid infection, you should immediately clean the wounds. For the most part, if your dog kills a possum, it isnt a cause for concern. In fact, the most common way a possum reacts to danger is to pass out or play dead as it is known. If your dog has eaten a dead animal, you should watch him for any signs of illness or poisoning. If the wound is in the tongue, then let the blood flow.Take your dog to the veterinarian if the blood continues to flow even after 15 minutes. Keeping your dog up to date with all the veterinary recommended vaccinations will provide them with the best protection from these types of infections. (You'll also get inside info and cool deals.). Wanna boost your dog's superpowers? 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. 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. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: MyPetsGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, endless.com, smallparts.com, myhabit.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. 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. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. 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. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Wax Paper? My dog attacked a possum; what should I do? Dogs are never ill if they eat one, as long as they are properly vaccinated. The chances of catching the rabies virus are extremely low if your dog hadnt killed a possum or contacted an adult possum. An adult opossum is usually able to survive an attack by a dog or being struck by a car. Generally, dogs that eat possum poop wont have too many problems unless the dog becomes obsessed with hunting it out. If the rabies test can be done, the possum should be tested. That was where flies had 'blown" it. These diseases can easily transmit to the human body. Bout the only thing the vet will do is depending on the dogs age, maybe give it a booster shot and some antibiotics. The bottom line is this; serious diseases like rabies are extremely rare in possums. Furthermore, they are vulnerable to ticks, fleas, mites, and lice. 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. Even if this isnt ideal, its not necessarily a bad thing for your dog to eat possums. The only thing you would have to worry about is that if the possum DID bite your dog, then infection could set up. Call your vet and have your dog examined. You should take your dog to the vet if he isnt up-to-date on his vaccines. 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. You should always provide the certificates of vaccination so that the vet can know if booster jabs are necessary or not. 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. Wouldn't sweat it much. Disclaimer: If your dog ate a possum or has been attacked, please always seek professional advice. 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. For the most part, if your dog kills a possum, it isnt a cause for concern. TikTok user @ogsnooksshared a clip with over 1.3 million views that shows her Weimaranercoming back to the house with something in his mouth. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for Leptospirosis that can be administered to your dog. The chances of your dog contracting this infections are low on the condition that your dog is up to date with his yearly jabs. The Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs, How Long Should I Play with My Puppy? When attacked, possums normally play dead and the predators leave them alone most of the time but not always. They will have your dogs medical history. 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. Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. what do i do w/ this animal? original sound - murda.mel_. Its best to keep your dog and yourself away from it. Some wounds may be small and hidden underneath the fur. This is when possums get scared and is what makes them defensive. 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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast . Understandably, people are concerned about this. Unlike other nocturnal animals like hedgehogs and foxes, possums can also be found during the day looking for snacks. You should take your dog to the vet. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. However, you will be pleased to know that the chances of this happening are extremely rare. Somehow the opossum's body knows when the danger has . The chance of your dog contracting rabies is slim, and providing your dog has been vaccinated . When threatened or confronted, they sometimes stand firm and tall and flash their teeth. Yet, it is important to note that whilst it is very unlikely for a possum to have rabies, it isnt impossible. However, you will be pleased to know that the chances of this happening are extremely rare. He wanted to have a sleepover ," wrote @Daryl Meech. But he still seems OK. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. So if your dog encounters a possum, is there any risk of danger to your pet? Though dogs do not hunt for their food, they still have a high prey drive in their genetics. Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. Possums are known for having a low body temperature in comparison to other mammals according to the Opossum Society, their average body temperature is between 94 and 97 degrees. Every now and then, an opossum will get into a house through a pet door. 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. This is the real threat you should be concerned about if your dog gets injured by a possum. This puts them at risk of being in contact with your dog, particularly those with a high prey drive! Doubt that the Opposum had rabies they are very resistant to catching the virus. Possum poop as well as urine are toxic and can harm people a lot if they are contaminated. No, baby possums are far too small and weak to cause any harm to a dog of any size. For no reason, you should touch the possum or your dog without gloves in this situation. Soon the dog gave up his hunting instinct and left the prey. Dogs are descendants of wolves who are known to hunt for their food. The dog found a possum inside his mouth when he returned. For safety measures, ensure that your doggie is up to date with his annual jabs. If your dog had a possum in his mouth, you should first take your dog far from the possum and confirm whether the possum is dead or playing dead. Possums are usually passive beings, and so they will usually ignore a dog until they feel threatened by it. First of all, you need to check for bites or scratch marks. 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. Depending on the condition that your doggie is up to date with his annual jabs pet... Only thing the vet can know if booster jabs are necessary or not a. And garbage cans are ingested, the stalks can be administered to your pup like rabies extremely! In dogs lot of dirt and bacteria, which Stores Allow dogs should not be and! 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