Encourage them to leave by closing the doors to all rooms and opening the doors to the outside. 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. "You are wasting your time and breath messing with this thread, brother".germag///. Its best to keep your dog and yourself away from it. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. The opossum's long tail often leaves drag marks in snow or mud. Check whether your dog has injuries on his skin, if he has any bite marks call a vet. My Dog Ate A Baby Possum. The firstly you should be to get your dog far from the possum. In rare cases, dogs can even get sick from eating a possum. According to some studies, the opossum has no control over this paralyzed state, which is caused by a chemical reaction in the brain that temporarily paralyzes them for a few minutes to a few hours. He is so cute! You can teach "leave it" at home with treats (something you know your dog wants to put in his mouth). What should I do ifmy dog had a possum in his mouth? You can find some relief in knowing that rabid Possums are very rare. If your dog accidentally kills a wild possum or other animal and eats it, check for injuries and bring him to the vet for booster shots. Rabies in dogs can be challenging to recognize because they often exhibit dramatic behavioral changes and become aggressive. 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. JustAnswer does not make any warranty or representations as to the qualifications of its experts, nor does it provide any services or website. My Dog Chewed a Lidocaine Patch. Thankfully, the possum tested negative for rabies, and that little adventure found a happy ending. Despite their reputation for playing dead, possums can also appear very dangerous and threatening. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. But if you wish to get any help from me, inform me through the comment section below. Are possums dangerous to dogs? "Playing 'possum". However, the mechanism isn't the opossum pretending. If your dog killed and ate a possum, dont be too worried. Bout the only thing the vet will do is depending on the dogs age, maybe give it a booster shot and some antibiotics. 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. If it is a smaller scratch with no bleeding, then you should clean the wound with water. My Dog Ate Kong Rubber What Should I Do? Hunting dogs with trained and/or bred prey drives are more likely to be aggressive. But to our surprise, it was a possum! Not always this is an easy task. They can get rabies, though it is rare because of the low body temperature. 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. That means that its really important to get advice from a reputable pest control company to prevent possums from becoming a problem in your back yard or garden. I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw that she had a baby possum in her mouth. This because possums are like those stay animals that contains various diseases in their body. Please copy the points below and edit your post to include the answers: Links to any test results, X-rays, vet reports etc. My Dog Attacked a Possum What Should I Do? Whilst dogs as we know them are not as huge hunters today, genetics mean that all dogs still have an innate prey drive. However, you can rest easy knowing that rabies is extremely rare in North America. The low body temperature of a possum makes it difficult for pathogens like the rabies virus to survive in them. Cats, in fact, are capable of murdering animals. 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. Possums are known for their resistance to large dogs. Cadcom, wow! 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. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. Possums are usually passive beings, and so they will usually ignore a dog until they feel threatened by it. The heavenly smell of hot cheese, meats, and garlicky buttery bread clawed at the starving wolf's nostrils. They may see smaller dogs as less of a threat and so may feel more comfortable with attacking them rather than playing dead. An ousky, also known as a possum or a Virginia ocupid, is a common wildlife invader on your property. Stress, high blood pressure, drinking, and heart pain are all topics that have increased by 33% in the last year. 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. 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. Possums are also more likely to be scared of bigger dogs than smaller ones. Opossums are peaceful and rarely attack. The conditions which can be passed from a possum include: You can be pretty sure that possums also carry fleas, though ticks tend not to be a problem, and thats because its estimated that one possum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in a 2 to 3-month period! A baby possum was killed by my dog last night without me knowing. OP, your post has NOT been removed. This is the most secure way to go. First of all, you need to check for bites or scratch marks. My Dog Died and I Feel Empty. Don't worry, the creator wrote in the video that the possum walked away unharmed! Even if the possum contains rabies, the evidence will be wiped out completely. Opossums have several defense mechanisms, including growling, belching, and urinating when threatened. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast . Ask Pet Guru is a free website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog. Furthermore, they are vulnerable to ticks, fleas, mites, and lice. These little animals are cute, and most of them dont cause any harm. If your dog has blood in its mouth, consider the possibility that your dog bit the possum and therefore that is not their blood. Pets may come into contact with more animals with leptospirosis, such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and opossums, as the development of previously rural areas expands into more urban areas. http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2008/apr/26/boy-bitten-opossum-rabies/, Problem with my older dog -seeking advice. So, without any delay, lets dive in! Here are some tips Ive written about stopping dogs getting into trash bags outside your home to help. Possum feces have the same effect on dogs as human feces. I need advice on what to do on this. Handy Hint: My dogs absolutely hate squirrels. 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. i never heard of that before??? Your pup will produce saliva when eating, which will naturally clean his mouth, and water will naturally rinse away germs and residue. At first, the possum will most likely just stand still with their mouth agape at the dog. This puts them at risk of being in contact with your dog, particularly those with a high prey drive! This is when possums get scared and is what makes them defensive. Theres nothing to be afraid of if your dog died as a result of eating a possum. Are Possums Afraid Of Dogs? It is important first to check that your dog is not bleeding or hurt. Possums razor-sharp teeth and long claws make them appear intimidating. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a result, if your dog is bitten, you should consult a veterinarian. Possums can carry plenty of other illness, but rabies is not one of them. The notes in this guide are based on my own online research. Possums are usually docile creatures who avoid conflict and, as such, arent an immediate danger to dogs. Even when threatened, though, possums have another line of defense before deciding to attack, and thats to play dead. It is safer to have your dog checked. Dog Stung by Bee on Face: What to Do and How to Prevent It, Mycoplasma in Dogs: Understanding, Diagnosis, and Prevention. The notes in this guide are based on my own online research. You may think this is unnecessary as dogs usually do a pretty good job of cleaning their own wounds, but this will help in removing any dirt or bacteria from the area to avoid infection. Possums, which are mammals, are actually quite immune to rabies. What are the main diseases that a dog can get from possums? You may have to look at your dog's gums, tongue, as well as the top of his mouth (hard palate). 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. 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. For safety measures, ensure that your doggie is up to date with his annual jabs. Possum carries diseases like leptospirosis, coccidiosis, and tularemia, and in rare cases rabies. It is not uncommon for a possum to become ill with rabies, but it is extremely unlikely. In this article, I am going to discuss all those essential things that will help you to act quickly with accurate methods. Aww! If your dog didnt get bitten, You should be fine. In general, your pets will not be harmed by an opossum, which is docile and does not exhibit aggressive behavior. It is preferable for them to escape and avoid confrontations. If your dog had a possum in his mouth, you should not tense. Cats can kill possums, but what about other animals? My dog had a possum in his mouth . But just to be sure that there is no danger, your dog needs to be rabies-vaccinated. If you are unsure, consult your local laws regarding Rabies and vaccines. While its very unusual for a dog to get ill and get disease from biting a possum, they carry a range of illnesses that can be transmitted to your dog. We scared the possum out of the house with a broom. Examine your dog to see if he or she has scratched or bitten a baby possum. Its not too dangerous for you if your dog kills a possum. Yet, it is important to note that whilst it is very unlikely for a possum to have rabies, it isnt impossible. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. Take them to the vet straight away if this is the case. Apparently the same scenario applies to dogs. To get your dog to drop a possum caught by him, you can use the "leave them alone" command. JavaScript is disabled. Almost all dog fights are not as serious as this one. The truth of the matter is, however, that the majority of opossums live in peace. This can youre your dogs behaviour from escalating and prevent anyone from potentially getting hurt in the future. What To Do If Your Dog Is Attacked By A Possum. Some dogs can only eat legume-free food, meaning a snack of chickpeas, clovers, lentils, peas, soybeans and other legumes can be dangerous for him. Is it dangerous for a dog to bite a possum? Possums are fairly common animals, even in many cities. Table of Contents Picture. The dogs mouth will water a bit and in my case she'll look embarrassed for attacking. Possums are not usually carriers of Rabies. Although there are good reasons for this, the chances that your dog will contract Rabies from an opossum are very low. It seemed as if ages had passed, but this whole traumatic event had transpired in probably about 10 seconds. (Drawings by Kim A. Heres a short answer, followed by more detail on the dangers of possums to dogs. 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. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. We look at which dog breeds are scariest to intruders. A possum with full-blown Rabies is frightening. Dr. Scott Nimmo was very professional and made my experience at the hospital very pleasant. As I have said before, possum doesnt carry rabies because they are not capable of surviving any predatory attack. Possums and dogs have a problem because dogs naturally bark at anything that attracts their attention, including opossums. His dogs initial treatment seemed to be going well, but George took him to the vet to be sure he hadnt caught rabies. Your vet may recommend additional medication or alternative treatments. However, opossums can transmit diseases to both humans and animals through bites, scratches, urine and their feces. In fact, the temperature of their body is also low, which is not suitable for rabies to live. I believe my dogs were outside when they came into contact with a possum, but no bites or blood was visible, nor were any of their mouths bloodied. 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. In 2015 George Wilson had faced something like this. 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 killed a possum, the highest possibility is that your dog started the fight. What Should I Do? However, you will be pleased to know that the chances of this happening are extremely rare. 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. You should always provide the certificates of vaccination so that the vet can know if booster jabs are necessary or not. As a result, they usually move on if they see an animal lying lifeless on the ground. You should not be worried as the likelihoods of contracting infections are low. Use all precautions, and avoid touching the animal with your naked hands. Opossums, commonly known as possums dont just come out at night. Possums are thought to be less likely to become rabies infected than most other warm-blooded animals because their body temperature is much lower. The wounds should be taken care of immediately to avoid infections. 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. 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. While opossums are often docile, if actually attacked, they will sometimes defend themselves. 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. 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. Taking good care not to touch the dead animal with your bare hands should be your first priority when disposing of it. Possum feces can spread pathogens, including leptospirosis. The main focus is whether diseases and illnesses could be risk if the dog kill a possum. Thank you for your prompt answer. Then join our exclusive club! It's hard to turn away kids who want to bring their friends home for a playdate. This disease is dangerous because it can force one to lay down a dog with full-blown rabies. 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. Are possums dangerous to dogs? Im dedicated to helping people and their dogs build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. 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. They can hide well and only make contact with other species if they are desperate. For permanent exclusion we recommend putting in an "L" footer. This can inflict some serious harm to your dog, given how sharp their claws and teeth are. Yes, possums are dangerous to dogs. "Poor possum was just vibing when your dog wanted to make a friend ," added @Subarutyler. It's hard to turn away kids who want to bring their friends home for a playdate. It is an uncommon cause of oral inflammation in dogs. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. 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. For this, you can use warm water to wash the affected area. If your dog has attacked a possum, but you have the carcass, you can get them tested for Rabies. 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. We can be your friend so you don't have to keep catching possums! If you keep your pet calm and well-mannered, the possum will even show some interest in him. Im lovin that dog a real possum killer ehh!! You might not notice any bite marks unless you notice the possums incisors are 4.5-7 mm wide. The short version is my 20-25 lbs dog got into a fight with a possum, that I later killed. Opossums could infect your dog with toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, or Chagas disease by touch or, in certain situations, ingesting unsafe food. Those are fly eggs. 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. If your dog killed and ate a possum, dont be too worried. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. With that in mind heres all you should know about possums and how to protect yourselves and your pets from these animals. They don't have a very long life span. This will help the vet to determine whether emergency booster shots for illnesses like rabies are necessary. If your dog has eaten a dead animal, you should watch him for any signs of illness or poisoning. A possums mouth is pretty gnarly when it comes to bacteria. After a quick but firm "leave him alone", Gavin gave up on his prey. A possums main line of defense when being attacked is to play dead. Thomas shook his head and opened the window but stopped as he smelt something delicious right behind him. Many of the conditions that possums can pass on to dogs can also be transmitted to people. Hydrogen peroxide is also a good item to prevent further infection. Dont touch the possum as it can be playing dead and it is hard to know if it is dead. Even if your dog looks okay, visiting a vet is advisable as the dog might have wounds that are buried in the skin. Despite their reputation as sweethearts, we look at whether Golden Retrievers can be good protective dogs as well. The Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs, How Long Should I Play with My Puppy? We are highly emotional and visual-oriented animals, so the thought of a rabid animal is a vivid image in our minds. Most Recommended 3 Votes Step 1 Give food and water Give your dog water and food. However, your first priority should be to check your dogs skin properly if they have caught any possum. Guide to Traveling with Dogs in a Car Long Distance, Which Stores Allow Dogs? Wouldn't sweat it much. That sounds scary, but your dog should be protected from most diseases if they are up to date with their vaccinations. Doubt that the Opposum had rabies they are very resistant to catching the virus. This will help the vet to determine whether emergency booster shots for illnesses like rabies are necessary. 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. The first shot is usually given to puppies around three months old and repeated yearly. In this instance, neither you nor the possum should be touched. If your dog sees a poisoned possum, you should consult with your veterinarian right away. You and your dog should first get away from the possum. But if you are still worried about rabies, you can test the possum whether it is negative or positive. But this is usually just a defensive behavior to try and get anything or anyone they see as a threat to move away. Possums, on the other hand, are generally quite docile to dogs and should not pose a threat. It is also important to note that there is a good chance that animals like possums carry fleas, which in turn can transmit diseases like Murine typhus. If your dog has been injured in this way and is showing symptoms like having a fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, take them to a vet as soon as possible for treatment. It astounds him, and he quickly commanded his dog to leave it. If you see it in your garden you shouldnt rush to send it away, it helps in eating snails, slugs, and even rodents. You should take your dog to the vet if he isnt up-to-date on his vaccines. Should you buy a puppy without vaccinations. 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. "What should I do if a possum bit my dog?" Clean the wound and watch for any signs of infection. 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. My Puppy Drank Bleach Water, What should I Do? These diseases can easily transmit to the human body. If you need to clean a confined space of possum feces such as an attic, you should wear long-sleeved clothes and gloves, along with goggles and a breathing mask to prevent any skin contact. Dogs are adventurous and curious, they will eat and chase after anything that is within their reach. Call your vet and have your dog examined. 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 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. The chances of your dog contracting this infections are low on the condition that your dog is up to date with his yearly jabs. There is a chance that one or both of these will be fatal (or that one of them will be a very serious illness). This will also apply if your dog ate a possum. If the possum is clean, as it happens often, consider your dog very lucky and take all precautions to prevent it from happening again. To get your dog to drop a possum caught by him, you can use the leave them alone command. Handy Hint: If your dog has killed a possum near your home, heres what you need to do to make things safe for you and your dog. You can also call your local animal control and follow their instructions for further help. link to Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? The kangaroo is the only animal in North America that is native to that region. Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. Rabies should not be contracted by a dog that has been vaccinated. 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. What To Feed Your Pregnant Dog: The Pros And Cons Of Raw Food, A Female Dogs Ovaries And Uterus Are Removed Through An Incision In Her Abdomen After She Is Spayed, 3 Things To Keep In Mind When Using A Heating Pad In A Dog House, The Cliff House: A Historic Restaurant With A Stunning View, How To Turn A Storage Shed Into A Dog House, To Sweater Or Not To Sweater: That Is The Question, How To Reduce The Amount Of Dog Hair In Your House, How To Stop Your Dog From Piddling In The House, Dogs Who Poop On Floating Houses: An Interesting Phenomenon. Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. When a bite wound is not treated properly, it can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria. 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. In most cases they will clean the wound and prescribe antibiotics. Possums, on the other hand, may attack if your dog is afraid or provoked. 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. Even if this isnt ideal, its not necessarily a bad thing for your dog to eat possums. "Playing Possum" The opossum is a slow runner and when threatened will usually growl, hiss, and bare its teeth or try to escape by climbing the . The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If your dog gets Rabies, you might have to put him down. By the way, make sure to acquire all the precautions before touching the 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. Gun Dogs, Pets, Horses and all Animal Talk. 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.