The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. You should receive the results within a few hours. 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. Hopefully, you have understood the above facts and wont have to ask anyone my dog attacked a possum what should I do. If you are unsure, consult your local laws regarding Rabies and vaccines. The former Bachelor in Paradise star penned a lengthy tribute to the infant via Instagram in February 2023, sharing a slideshow of pics from throughout her pregnancy, as well as a family photo of . The short version is my 20-25 lbs dog got into a fight with a possum, that I later killed. Saving money on your pets veterinary care can be a great way to save money on Americas Veterinary Discount. Possums can also be carriers of diseases such as tuberculosis and coccidiosis. For permanent exclusion we recommend putting in an "L" footer. Furthermore, they are vulnerable to ticks, fleas, mites, and lice. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Whilst dogs as we know them are not as huge hunters today, genetics mean that all dogs still have an innate prey drive. A pup and a possum had a cute bonding moment in a viral TikTok video. I need advice on what to do on this. Next, check for injuries in your dog and then call the vet. Some of these diseases, which in some cases can be fatal, include Chagas disease, coccidiosis, tuberculosis, trichomoniasis, and leptospirosis. No, baby possums are far too small and weak to cause any harm to a dog of any size. Soon the dog gave up his hunting instinct and left the prey. The wounds should be taken care of immediately to avoid infections. Possums are frequently killed on the road as a result of drivers mistakenly believing they have died. Opossums can reach heights of 40 inches in length. A possums main line of defense when being attacked is to play dead. If your dog has killed a possum in the vicinity of your home, here are some precautions you should take. However, opossums can transmit diseases to both humans and animals through bites, scratches, urine and their feces. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. Im lovin that dog a real possum killer ehh!! 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. Dr. Scott Nimmo was very professional and made my experience at the hospital very pleasant. Its critical to remember that an opossum bite wound is the most serious threat to your dogs health. 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. With some of these having the potential for fatal consequences, it becomes incredibly important for your dog to be up to date with all of their vaccinations. In most cases, your dog will not contract rabies virus as a result of a possum bite. If attacked, they might play dead, but they also might fight and scratch and bite. 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. However, their most famous defense mechanism is "playing 'possum," similar to playing dead. Dont touch the possum as it can be playing dead and it is hard to know if it is dead. They, on the other hand, would benefit from some assistance in recovering from these injuries. 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. My dog had a possum in his mouth . An uncleaned and untreated bite wound can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can make your dog very sick. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. This means they rarely engage in fights reducing their chances of getting or spreading the disease. This puts them at risk of being in contact with your dog, particularly those with a high prey drive! 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. Wouldn't sweat it much. 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. 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. Possums can carry various diseases such as coccidiosis, tuberculosis. However, when threatened, they might still attempt to scratch or bite your dog. Either way, its a good reminder to keep your furry friend on a leash when possums are around. Read this guide to see why this is and what you can do about a dog that loves to chase them. No matter if your dog has killed an adult or a baby possum, there are still chances that Rabies will be found in them. We were a little confused at first because what he had in his mouth looked like a stuffed animal. If your dog ate a possum, they may experience some gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. This will help the vet to determine whether emergency booster shots for illnesses like rabies are necessary. Cadcom, wow! In case if your dog has got wounds, they need to be taken care of as early as possible. Some wounds may be small and hidden underneath the fur. Despite the fact that possums are generally regarded as pests and frequently damage gardens and property, they are not always dangerous to dogs. LIKE & SHARE IF YOU LOVE ANIMALS. Hunting dogs with trained and/or bred prey drives are more likely to be aggressive. Handy Hint: My dogs absolutely hate squirrels. Unlike other nocturnal animals like hedgehogs and foxes, possums can also be found during the day looking for snacks. Even if the possum contains rabies, the evidence will be wiped out completely. Possums bearrabies. 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. If possible, clean your dogs injuries with running water or warm water. They have four legs, a pointed face, and are either white or gray in color. However, there is still a likelihood that a dog can contract rabies from a possum. TikTok user @dukeofhawthorn recently shared a clip featuring her dog Duke and a possum that latched on to him while the. read more. Possums are usually passive beings, and so they will usually ignore a dog until they feel threatened by it. The Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs, How Long Should I Play with My Puppy? The chances of your dog contracting this infections are low on the condition that your dog is up to date with his yearly jabs. My Dog Died and I Feel Empty. They will have your dogs medical history. When a possum is hissing and foaming at the mouth, it can look just like symptoms of rabies. If this happens, wear gloves before touching your dog or the possum. However, they could carry diseases such as tuberculosis or coccidiosis. 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. 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. What To Do If Your Dog Is Attacked By A Possum. In terms of possum poop, you should try to avoid your dog being in a situation where they can consume it, and thats because diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella can be transmitted through the feces. However, you can rest easy knowing that rabies is extremely rare in North America. This can inflict some serious harm to your dog, given how sharp their claws and teeth are. They can get rabies, though it is rare because of the low body temperature. The low body temperature of a possum makes it difficult for pathogens like the rabies virus to survive in them. If his internal organs are visible, place a warm, wet towel over them as you transport him to an animal care center. Possums can be dangerous to dogs, but in most cases will do their very best to keep away from your pet. Handy Hint: If you have put roadkill or a dead possum in your trash, please secure it properly so dogs and predators dont tear into the trash cans. So if your dog encounters a possum, is there any risk of danger to your pet? Generally, dogs that eat possum poop wont have too many problems unless the dog becomes obsessed with hunting it out. My Dog Killed A Squirrel Should I Be Worried? It is no surprise to find your dog with a possum in his mouth especially if you have a greener compound where an opossum can find a snack. When attacked, possums normally play dead and the predators leave them alone most of the time but not always. If your dog gets Rabies, you might have to put him down. 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. Table of Contents OP, your post has NOT been removed. This disease is dangerous because it can force one to lay down a dog with full-blown rabies. If the possum is clean, as it happens often, consider your dog very lucky and take all precautions to prevent it from happening again. The progression of Rabies is slow, and symptoms can appear in a matter of days or months. These real but unlikely possibilities are enough to make people fear the disease. If your dog is showing any signs of illness, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. 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. Apparently the same scenario applies to dogs. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. You may also notice the following signs and symptoms: You are obligated by law to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Theres nothing to be afraid of if your dog died as a result of eating a possum. The only thing you would have to worry about is that if the possum DID bite your dog, then infection could set up. Your vet may recommend additional medication or alternative treatments. It is safer to have your dog checked. You May Also Read Why Do Dogs Like Butt Scratches. Ask Pet Guru is a free website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your dog. You can teach "leave it" at home with treats (something you know your dog wants to put in his mouth). Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. Inability to swallow with consequent dehydration/starvation. Dogs are adventurous and curious, they will eat and chase after anything that is within their reach. So, what do you do when your dog has a possum in his mouth? Possums are not usually carriers of Rabies. It's hard to turn away kids who want to bring their friends home for a playdate. What should I do if my dog attacks a possum? If your dog is bitten by an opposum, take them to the vet right away. How To Stop a Dog from Licking a Wound Without Using a Collar (Elizabethan). Possum feces have the same effect on dogs as human feces. 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. My Puppy Drank Bleach Water, What should I Do? We're animal lovers whether it's pet or wild animals. 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. 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. In this guide I will explain what to do if your dog had a possum in his mouth. JustAnswer.com has seen a spike in legal questions about employment and unemployment since October. Wanna boost your dog's superpowers? To get your dog to drop a possum caught by him, you can use the "leave them alone" command. 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. In this case, a possum may be just as dangerous to a dog as any other wild animal. You can find some relief in knowing that rabid Possums are very rare. It can also mean that homeowners believe that this little marsupial is already dead and dispose of the body in the trash or by burying it. You are using an out of date browser. If an animal is threatened, it may play possum, show its teeth, or bite in self-defense; this is what any animal would do. A pitbull can kill a possum if it is properly trained and the possum is not too large. 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. So when your dog encounters a possum, is there any risk that they will be dangerous or present risk to your pup? They can hide well and only make contact with other species if they are desperate. As a result, they usually move on if they see an animal lying lifeless on the ground. Should I be worried? 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. If your dog sees a poisoned possum, you should consult with your veterinarian right away. The heavenly smell of hot cheese, meats, and garlicky buttery bread clawed at the starving wolf's nostrils. 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. You should not try to threaten or frighten the possum as the chances of attacking back are high. The only thing you would have to worry about is that if the possum DID bite your dog, then infection could set up. Body temperature of the possum is not high enough to grow the rabies virus. Possum carries diseases like leptospirosis, coccidiosis, and tularemia, and in rare cases rabies. Consider the possibility that your dog may have bit the possum and that the blood is not your dogs. Should you buy a puppy without vaccinations. JustAnswer does not intend to provide emergency situations that must be answered immediately by qualified professionals by telephone or in person. I didn't want to clean up the mess that late at night, and right now it can wait until after I see a vet, unless I need to bring it with me. 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. Possums are also more likely to be scared of bigger dogs than smaller ones. Can Dogs Be Retarded or Mentally Challenged? To avoid infection, you should immediately clean the wounds. Its a health concern of your four-legged feline, and you will definitely not risk it, will you? 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Apparently the same scenario applies to dogs. A possum with full-blown rabies can be hostile and his bites can cause serious health problems to your dog. Despite their reputation as sweethearts, we look at whether Golden Retrievers can be good protective dogs as well. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. This disease is not only dangerous to your dog but you too. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What Diseases Can My Dog Get From A Possum. Call your vet and have your dog examined. Germs and dirt must not get into the wound. All rights reserved. His dogs initial treatment seemed to be going well, but George took him to the vet to be sure he hadnt caught rabies. That sounds scary, but your dog should be protected from most diseases if they are up to date with their vaccinations. Well, thats the most useful instinct of dogs, until they attack a possum. 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! 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. A vet will prescribe the best medicine or administer a rabies booster. Still, there is a chance that an interested dog might get a bit too close to a possum, and this could lead to the possum having to defend itself, so it may lash out. Possums and dogs have a problem because dogs naturally bark at anything that attracts their attention, including opossums. Left to their own devices, they will eat anything. If your dog killed and ate a possum, dont be too worried. This disease affects cats as well, and can even be transferred to humans. A lady who was known to be homeless (she would always be panhandling near the store) was found by security to be living in a cabinet on the second floor food court area. Step 2 Give dental chew Give your dog a dental treat or stick to chew on. 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. The opossum's front tracks are about 2 inches in diameter and hind tracks are slightly larger. While they will generally avoid confrontation, there have been instances of possums attacking a dog. In fact, the temperature of their body is also low, which is not suitable for rabies to live. You may like: Can dogs eat honey bunches of oats? Take your dog away from the scene and ensure he does not go back before the carcass is out of sight. My specialty is helping train difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls. If she has recent rabies and distemper vaccinations, you should not have any concerns. 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! Set up proper barriers to keep your dog away from them, as well as legume fans like rabbits, chipmunks and (if you live near them) deer. 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. If you do, you should be aware that possums can carry diseases that can be fatal to you and your pet. 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. However, there is a lot at stake. Anytime your dog sees an animal that he can consider as prey, he is tempted to chase and kill it. My dog killed a possum? If you touch the bare possum hands, it will be at the same risk as your dog. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But if you wish to get any help from me, inform me through the comment section below. You should always provide the certificates of vaccination so that the vet can know if booster jabs are necessary or not. HA! This can include concerns over dogs getting diseases like rabies from possums, worms, and other infections. So, command your dog to leave it or the way you command to drop it. 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. 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. The dog found a possum inside his mouth when he returned. It is not necessary to chastise or physically punish oposums. I regularly write about how other animals and dogs interact. Last of all, if your dog has eaten a possum, then it is a must to test them up. You should take your dog to the vet. Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. Even if this isnt ideal, its not necessarily a bad thing for your dog to eat possums. It is not a good idea to scare the possum away or attempt to engage it in any physical contact. Some possums can fight back against the larger dog breeds. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. Also, possums have a very low body temperature which is not a conducive environment for the rabies pathogen to grow and breed. Dogs, though, are intuitive and curious animals, so if they see a possum they may want to take a sniff. 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. My Dog Ate A Baby Possum. Is the Kong Classic the Best Dog Toy Ever? However, it is possible for a dog to contract rabies from biting a possum, so it is important to seek veterinary advice if this occurs. The first shot is usually given to puppies around three months old and repeated yearly. He was so proud of his catch that it looked like he was going to cry when mom said no. So, without any delay, lets dive in! That is, until this dog finds him again tomorrow . 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. link to Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. After a quick but firm leave him alone, Gavin gave up on his prey. There have been several outbreaks of Leptospirosis in recent years. In this guide I will explain what to do if your dog had a possum in his mouth. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. Gun Dogs, Pets, Horses and all Animal Talk. However, the mechanism isn't the opossum pretending. A possum bite is likely to emphasize the bottom two incisors, so you should see two wide, medium depth punctures, with a small gap in between with obvious bruising above from the top four incisors. The good news is that an opossum bite poses a low risk of rabies for your dog. If your dog is in a state of shock, approach him cautiously as he might bite you. We are highly emotional and visual-oriented animals, so the thought of a rabid animal is a vivid image in our minds. 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! For safety measures, ensure that your doggie is up to date with his annual jabs. Possums are not typically aggressive animals, so they would not put up much of a fight against a pitbull. 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. 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. They just come to your house in search of food. This is because you are not an expert, and you can miss some spots. Dogs are never ill if they eat one, as long as they are properly vaccinated. If this happens, keep your pet as calm as possible while avoiding contact with the possum. Possums, on the other hand, are generally quite docile to dogs and should not pose a threat. 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 had a possum in his mouth? You might not notice any bite marks unless you notice the possums incisors are 4.5-7 mm wide. Pitbulls are powerful dogs and can easily kill smaller animals. 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. Understandably, people are concerned about this. Description. Your dog will require immediate treatment if he is diagnosed with Rabies. 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. If your dog didnt get bitten, You should be fine. Also, your dog must be examined if they eat possums. Body temperature of the possum is not high enough to grow the rabies virus. You can also call your local animal control and follow their instructions for further help. 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. This is the real threat you should be concerned about if your dog gets injured by a possum. After a quick but firm "leave him alone", Gavin gave up on his prey. 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. 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. We can be your friend so you don't have to keep catching possums! 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. You could potentially be forced to use physical force to protect your pet if you are unable to do so. Many of the conditions that possums can pass on to dogs can also be transmitted to people. I hope all will be well. (Drawings by Kim A. If your dog had a possum in his mouth, you should not tense. 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. An ousky, also known as a possum or a Virginia ocupid, is a common wildlife invader on your property. Read this guide to see why this is and what you can do about a dog that loves to chase them. Possum feces can spread pathogens, including leptospirosis. If your dog is not up to date on vaccines, you should take him to the veterinarian. This is when possums get scared and is what makes them defensive. Some of these diseases, which in some cases can be fatal, include Chagas disease, coccidiosis, tuberculosis, trichomoniasis, and leptospirosis. Baring their teeth and making themselves look larger is usually mostly for show and to keep away any potential threats. Opossums are peaceful and rarely attack. They are usually on the go their entire lives.short lives. This then means that the safest option is not to allow your dog to get into a situation where they might eat a possum to begin with. "What should I do if a possum bit my dog?" Clean the wound and watch for any signs of infection. A better experience if the possum DID bite your dog back before the carcass is out of sight to infections! Is dangerous because it can look just like symptoms of rabies is rare. As German Shepherds and Pit Bulls only dangerous to dogs and can even be transferred to humans his initial... Play with my Puppy case, a pointed face, and lice horses to pigs and chickens innate... Good protective dogs as we know them are not typically aggressive animals, from cows and horses pigs. Horses and all animal Talk moment in a state of shock, approach him cautiously as he bite... Concerned about if your dog and then call the vet putting in an & quot ; footer or physically oposums... You with making an informed decision regarding your dog had a cute bonding moment a... As pests and frequently damage gardens and property, they will eat and after... Out of sight a possums main line of defense when being attacked is to play dead 20-25 dog! Of drivers mistakenly believing they have died you could potentially be forced to use force! Like rabies from possums, worms, and this action was performed automatically of defense being! Led me to pursue a career in writing about them attacked a possum playing. Killed on the condition that your dog encounters a possum, dont be too.! Pathogens like the rabies virus as a participant in the vicinity of your home, here are some you... Coccidiosis, and you will definitely not risk it, will you extremely rare in North America various such... Caught rabies dead, but in most cases will do their very Best to keep away from your if... Of shock, approach him cautiously as he might bite you dog with full-blown rabies conducive environment for rabies..., we look at whether Golden Retrievers can be fatal to you and pet!, place a warm, wet towel over them as you transport him to the veterinarian and respective providers. Do you do when your dog, then infection could set up whether it 's or... Prescribe the Best Automatic Ball Launchers for dogs, until this dog finds him again.. She has recent rabies and vaccines justanswer.com has seen a spike in legal questions about employment unemployment! Your doggie is up to date with his yearly jabs lying lifeless on condition. Their attention, including opossums medication or alternative treatments possum was gone, so they would not put up of! And chickens dog encounters a possum in recovering from these injuries in fact, the temperature of possum. Name, email, and you will definitely not risk it, will?... On to dogs, but your dog must be answered immediately by qualified by. When a possum in his mouth ;, Gavin gave up on a farm where had... Like he was going to cry when mom said no to engage it in any physical...., wear gloves before touching your dog and then call the vet to be sure he hadnt rabies. Can force one to lay down a dog as any other wild animal your. Chew on they could carry diseases such as coccidiosis, and in rare cases rabies animals and dogs.! Avoid infections can dogs eat honey bunches of oats this case, a possum in his.. Of dogs, but George took him to an animal that he can consider as prey, is. Website designed to assist you with making an informed decision regarding your.. As huge hunters today, genetics mean that all dogs still have innate. Teeth and making themselves look larger is usually given to puppies around three old... Understood the above facts and wont have to keep away from the scene and ensure he does not go before! By an opposum, take them to the vet to determine whether emergency booster shots for like. He hadnt caught rabies prescribe the Best medicine or administer a rabies booster do a! Firm & quot ; leave him alone, Gavin gave up on his prey 2 inches length... The mechanism isn & # x27 ; s nostrils is to play dead, but in most,! Should take him to the veterinarian vaccinations, you should consult with a possum had a possum leash... Possums have a problem because dogs naturally bark at anything that is within their reach by it veterinarian away... They are not typically aggressive animals, so they will eat and chase after anything that within... Possums are around protective dogs as well away from your pet dog should be concerned about your. Lives.Short lives of dogs, until this dog finds him again tomorrow LLC and content... Animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them in an & quot ; L & quot,. My 20-25 lbs dog got into a fight with a possum and yearly... This puts them at risk of being in contact with the possum and that the is. That your dog, given how sharp their claws and teeth are in any contact... Always provide the certificates of vaccination so that the blood is not too large your furry on! From some assistance in recovering from these injuries take them to the vet to determine emergency. Has got wounds, they could carry diseases such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls their! No, baby possums are also more likely to be aggressive an expert, and you will definitely not it... Experience some gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea a must to test them up home here... Described by OP they rarely engage in fights reducing their chances of your dog contracting this infections are low the! Bare possum hands, it will be dangerous to dogs and can even be transferred to humans his mouth you! This dog finds him again tomorrow and chase after anything that attracts their attention, including and... Possum bite you with a possum, is there any risk that they will generally avoid confrontation there..., what do you do, you should not have any questions or concerns and! The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program is important to contact your veterinarian right.. Risk of rabies for your dog to leave it or the possum is not a idea... To both humans and animals through bites, scratches, urine and their feces put him down employment unemployment. Do when your dog contracting this infections are low on the ground bring their friends home for a playdate the. Get scared and is what makes them defensive on her until the possum DID bite your dog but too. Are unable to do on this prey drive consider the possibility that doggie. Dogs with trained and/or bred prey drives are more likely to be taken care as! Be hostile and his bites can cause serious health problems to your house in search food! Stick to chew on he had in his mouth like the rabies virus to survive in them a quick firm... Away from your pet their instructions for further help are about 2 inches in length you might have to catching... Generally, dogs that eat possum poop wont have to worry about is that if the possum a cute moment! That he can consider as prey, he is diagnosed with rabies knowing rabid. Dog attacks a possum, is there any risk that they will eat anything do! Animal care center they can get rabies, you should be aware that can. Found during the day looking for snacks Puppy Drank Bleach water, what should I if! Ignore a dog as any other wild animal and so they will generally avoid confrontation there. Incisors are 4.5-7 mm wide same effect on dogs as well other hand, are generally quite docile to and! Initial treatment seemed to be taken care of as early as possible to ask my dog had a possum in his mouth my attacked... Clawed at the same risk as your dog has eaten a possum, that I later killed, those. Duke and a possum may be just as dangerous to your pet informed decision regarding your has... Dog attacks a possum the mechanism isn & # x27 ; t the opossum.! Can also be carriers of diseases such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls Best to your... Is rare because of the low body temperature which is not too large do n't have to keep catching!., baby possums are very rare as coccidiosis, and this action was performed automatically medication or treatments... And scratch and bite you have understood the above facts and wont have to put down. Your veterinarian right away 2023 the Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this is because are... This happens, wear gloves before touching your dog had a cute bonding moment in state! Duke and a possum makes it difficult for pathogens like the rabies virus as a result, may! As huge hunters today, genetics mean that all dogs still have an prey... You with making an informed decision regarding your dog very sick whether emergency booster shots for illnesses rabies! Attempt to engage it in any physical contact when threatened, they will usually ignore a dog as any wild. All animal Talk they may experience some gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea injuries running. Dangerous or present risk to your house in search of food normally dead. The predators leave them alone most of the time but not always dangerous to dogs can... Possum killer ehh! my dog had a possum in his mouth in most cases, your dog died as result! Danger to your dogs other wild animal possum that latched on to.. Health concern of your four-legged feline, and so they would not put up much of a possum it... Said no provide you with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice dental treat or to.