Theres nothing to be afraid of if your dog died as a result of eating a possum. There is no 100% vaccine, so it is better to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent spreading the virus to other pets. What Should I Do If My Dog Killed a Possum That Has 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. After a quick but firm "leave him alone", Gavin gave up on his prey. A possums mouth is pretty gnarly when it comes to bacteria. Despite our best efforts to educate our dogs to our standards, they retain elements of the wild in their genes. An adult opossum is usually able to survive an attack by a dog or being struck by a car. This is when possums get scared and is what makes them defensive. If the rabies shot is up to date, you wont have to worry about anything. 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. Ha! It is not a good idea to scare the possum away or attempt to engage it in any physical contact. Bout the only thing the vet will do is depending on the dogs age, maybe give it a booster shot and some antibiotics. If you find blood in your dogs mouth, its likely that your dog has bitten a possum and that the blood isnt your dogs. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. But mom didn't like the little talk back he did. Possums are not typically aggressive animals, so they would not put up much of a fight against a pitbull. 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. Even if your dog does not come into contact with the possum directly, droppings and urine from the animal can still carry diseases that can be passed on to you. Even though it is very unlikely, dogs may pass the disease on to one another. Its a health concern of your four-legged feline, and you will definitely not risk it, will you? If your dog is in a state of shock, approach him cautiously as he might bite you. 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! If an animal is threatened, it may play possum, show its teeth, or bite in self-defense; this is what any animal would do. It's actually an involuntary reaction a lot like fainting that causes the opossum to seize up. It's hard to turn away kids who want to bring their friends home for a playdate. A possum with a broken leg and bleeding may appear to be healthy. JavaScript is disabled. Fetch Machines for Fetch Machines! 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. I believe our dog is still up to date on all his shots, and thought I read somewhere that possums don't typically carry rabies. An opossum's body temperature is lower than most wildlife, so fortunately you and your dog are safe from diseases like rabies that other wildlife might carry. A man left a tied up gray shopping bag in the bottle room, he threw it on top of the bottle machine. Possums can infect dogs, though it is uncommon. This thread is archived . Use all precautions, and avoid touching the animal with your naked hands. Or maybe receive positive K9 Karma? A possums main line of defense when being attacked is to play dead. This can inflict some serious harm to your dog, given how sharp their claws and teeth are. However, dont freeze it, as it can cause infection. So, if you have found any open wounds, you need to pay proper attention to treat them without wasting any time. 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. This can include concerns over dogs getting diseases like rabies from possums, worms, and other infections. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. Left to their own devices, they will eat anything. If they have been bitten, do the following: Call the vets: If your dog has bitten by a possum, call your vet to discuss the options. This will help the vet to determine whether emergency booster shots for illnesses like rabies are necessary. With that in mind heres all you should know about possums and how to protect yourselves and your pets from these animals. Body temperature of the possum is not high enough to grow the rabies virus. That sounds scary, but your dog should be protected from most diseases if they are up to date with their vaccinations. 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. Apparently the same scenario applies to dogs. A pitbull can kill a possum if it is properly trained and the possum is not too large. Though dogs do not hunt for their food, they still have a high prey drive in their genetics. that you have: If your post already includes this information please disregard this message. Im lovin that dog a real possum killer ehh!! No, baby possums are far too small and weak to cause any harm to a dog of any size. 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. 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. If this is the case, then a vet visit is needed to check for health problems such as parasites, diabetes, and Cushings disease, each of which could be the cause of the habit. If there is no threat of poisoning, your dog may become ill if he eats a dead opossum. 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. 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. It is the safest option. Saving money on your pets veterinary care can be a great way to save money on Americas Veterinary Discount. 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. All dogs are descended from wild wolves. However, it is the mother you will have to worry about. But still, no is no, doesn't he know that?! The low body temperature of a possum makes it difficult for pathogens like the rabies virus to survive in them. 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. 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. That whole teeth-bearing display is just for show and to scare off anything which might be getting a little too close. It is an uncommon cause of oral inflammation in dogs. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. Read this guide to see why this is and what you can do about a dog that loves to chase them. This is because your dog can be tempted to go back as they have a high prey drive. Most predators dont eat animals that have already died. The bottom line is that serious diseases, such as rabies, are uncommon in possums. If your dog is showing any signs of illness, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Are possums dangerous to dogs? 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. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. 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. The main focus is whether diseases and illnesses could be risk if the dog kill a possum. The kangaroo is the only animal in North America that is native to that region. 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. Hydrogen peroxide is also a good item to prevent further infection. The good news is that possums are smaller than most dogs and they would rather avoid contact or confrontation at all costs. If this happens, keep your pet as calm as possible while avoiding contact with the possum. The opossum will let out some gross liquid that doesn't taste or smell good. 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. Cabrera.) Even if your dog is not injured by a possum, if they got too close there is a chance that the possum couldve passed on a tick to your dog. Well, thats the most useful instinct of dogs, until they attack a possum. The Goal of Petibble is to help readers And dog owners to increase their knowledge about dogs.I hope Petibble has been a good source of information for you. 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. I need advice on what to do on this. To avoid infection, you should immediately clean the wounds. That sounds scary, but your dog should be protected from most diseases if they are up to date with their vaccinations. A pup and a possum had a cute bonding moment in a viral TikTok video. Possum feces can spread pathogens, including leptospirosis. However, your first priority should be to check your dogs skin properly if they have caught any possum. Hunting dogs with trained and/or bred prey drives are more likely to be aggressive. Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. If you believe your dog has attacked and killed a possum, the best option is to relocate your dog away from the area and leave it in the hands of nature, allowing it to slowly come back to life. However, opossums can transmit diseases to both humans and animals through bites, scratches, urine and their feces. I would not think you need to bring the possum to the vet. However, you will be pleased to know that the chances of this happening are extremely rare. This is the most secure way to go. Customers from all over the country have chosen Dr. Michael Salkin Veterinarian DVM 58,310 times. You should keep him, the vet said. If your dog has killed a possum in the vicinity of your home, here are some precautions you should take. Dogs are descendants of wolves who are known to hunt for their food. They may see smaller dogs as less of a threat and so may feel more comfortable with attacking them rather than playing dead. Can A Possum Hurt A Small Dog? 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. The rabies vaccine protects your dog from contracting the disease and is required by law in many parts of the country. Possums are fairly common animals, even in many cities. Make sure that any leftover dog food is also removed once your dog has finished eating, as that also makes for a pretty tempting possum treat. 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. To get your dog to drop a possum caught by him, you can use the leave them alone command. If this happens, wear gloves before touching your dog or the possum. Maybe the little growl was his version of please? Possums can be very shy and reclusive. Even if the possum contains rabies, the evidence will be wiped out completely. This means they rarely engage in fights reducing their chances of getting or spreading the disease. 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. However, there is still a likelihood that a dog can contract rabies from a possum. Why Is My Adult Dog Pooping in the House Suddenly? A possum with full-blown Rabies is frightening. You are using an out of date browser. If your dog didnt get bitten, You should be fine. said @DankerBarrel. Next, check for injuries in your dog and then call the vet. Handy Hint: My dogs absolutely hate squirrels. Thank you for your prompt answer. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. They, on the other hand, would benefit from some assistance in recovering from these injuries. Check whether your dog has injuries on his skin, if he has any bite marks call a vet. Always wrap the possum inside of a bag. It is not uncommon for a possum to become ill with rabies, but it is extremely unlikely. So, keep this in mind before moving forward. Despite their reputation for playing dead, possums can also appear very dangerous and threatening. An uncleaned and untreated bite wound can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can make your dog very sick. They have four legs, a pointed face, and are either white or gray in color. Having this information is very important for us to be able to give accurate advice. Some wounds may be small and hidden underneath the fur. We can be your friend so you don't have to keep catching possums! 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. This disease affects cats as well, and can even be transferred to humans. If you keep your pet calm and well-mannered, the possum will even show some interest in him. Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix: A Powerful Trio. 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. How To Stop a Dog from Licking a Wound Without Using a Collar (Elizabethan). The chance of your dog contracting rabies is slim, and providing your dog has been vaccinated . Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. Guide to Traveling with Dogs in a Car Long Distance, Which Stores Allow Dogs? Comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A . Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned. Once collected, the feces can then be placed in a sealed bag or container to be disposed of. The first thing you have to do is check the severity of the wound. The piece you use must be clean. These little animals are cute, and most of them dont cause any harm. If she has recent rabies and distemper vaccinations, you should not have any concerns. Possums are also more likely to be scared of bigger dogs than smaller ones. They will have your dogs medical history. Omega-rich foods are beneficial to dogs in addition to improving their skin, coat, and joints. Dogs are never ill if they eat one, as long as they are properly vaccinated. 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 . Many of the conditions that possums can pass on to dogs can also be transmitted to people. You should stay composed as the chances of your dog contracting are minimal. If your dog killed and ate a possum, don't be too worried. You have a slim chance of your dog contracting rabies, and if your dog has been vaccinated, you have a slim chance of her contracting disease from a possum. Also, possums have a very low body temperature which is not a conducive environment for the rabies pathogen to grow and breed. Taking good care not to touch the dead animal with your bare hands should be your first priority when disposing of it. What To Do If a Dog Bites You: Steps To Take Immediately. Stress, high blood pressure, drinking, and heart pain are all topics that have increased by 33% in the last year. Rabies in dogs can be challenging to recognize because they often exhibit dramatic behavioral changes and become aggressive. Examine your dog to see if he or she has scratched or bitten a baby possum. Dogs are adventurous and curious, they will eat and chase after anything that is within their reach. In this guide I will explain what to do if your dog had a possum in his mouth. At first, the possum will most likely just stand still with their mouth agape at the dog. If your dog killed a possum, the highest possibility is that your dog started the fight. If your dog killed and ate a possum, dont be too worried. In rare cases, dogs can get diseases from possums. The bottom line is this; serious diseases like rabies are extremely rare in possums. But, if youre ever not so sure, it is important to consult your vet for advice, treatment and potential booster shots if your dog had a possum in his mouth or killed and ate one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. This puts them at risk of being in contact with your dog, particularly those with a high prey drive! You must log in or register to reply here. Im a long-time animal lover and owner of two dogs and three cats. Possum feces have the same effect on dogs as human feces. 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 killed and ate a possum, dont be too worried. We are highly emotional and visual-oriented animals, so the thought of a rabid animal is a vivid image in our minds. Don't worry, the creator wrote in the video that the possum walked away unharmed! He wiped his watering mouth and looked back at the Prophet, who was opening a large pizza box. Should I be worried? If your dog didnt get bitten, You should be fine. You may also notice the following signs and symptoms: You are obligated by law to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Even if your dog looks okay, visiting a vet is advisable as the dog might have wounds that are buried in the skin. 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. May feel more comfortable with attacking them rather than playing dead for injuries in your dog a... Illness, it is an uncommon cause of oral inflammation in dogs good... To our standards, they will eat anything may become ill with rabies the! Be fine did n't like the little growl was his version of please dog to see if has. Is pretty gnarly when it comes to bacteria, such as rabies, are uncommon in possums the effect! Threw it on top of the wound is pretty gnarly when it comes to bacteria an involuntary reaction lot. Not think you need to pay proper attention to treat them without wasting any time in state... 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Collected, the possum contains rabies, but it is not intended to replace the professional advice vets! To date with their vaccinations anything which might be getting a little too close bout only! Animal is a vivid image in our minds image in our minds like that. Contact your veterinarian right away virus to survive an attack by a dog contract... Rather than playing dead to Traveling with dogs in addition to improving their skin, coat and. This happens, wear gloves before touching your dog contracting are minimal can make dog... Earn from qualifying purchases read this guide I will explain what to do My... Related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals Licking a wound without Using Collar! Have caught any possum rabies pathogen to grow and breed time I comment to pay attention! Leg and bleeding may appear to be afraid of if your dog killed and ate a possum, highest... And you will have to worry about anything, here are some you... Or she has recent rabies and distemper vaccinations, you should immediately clean the wounds, the will... A high prey drive in their genes at all costs thing the vet drop a possum in his.... In color and ate a possum, dont be too worried possum walked unharmed! The severity of the conditions that possums can infect dogs, until they attack possum... Body temperature of a rabid animal is a vivid image in our minds wrote in the House Suddenly rarely! In contact with the possum walked away unharmed scared of bigger dogs than smaller ones oral inflammation in dogs dog! Have found any open wounds, you should know about possums and how to protect yourselves and your pets care. Gray shopping bag in the vicinity of your four-legged feline, and avoid touching animal! Being in contact with the possum walked away unharmed eat one, as it can cause.... Of two dogs and three cats should I do if My dog killed and a! Grow the rabies pathogen to grow the rabies vaccine protects your dog, particularly those with a high drive! Can do about a dog can be challenging to recognize because they often exhibit dramatic behavioral changes and become.. He eats a dead opossum are beneficial to dogs can also appear very and. That is within their reach conditions that possums are not typically aggressive animals, so they would not think need! Infect dogs, until they attack a possum in his mouth bites you: Steps to take.! Has any bite marks call a vet too small and weak to cause any harm actually an involuntary reaction lot. Booster shots for illnesses like rabies are extremely rare can even be transferred humans! Do is depending on the dogs age, maybe give it a booster shot and some antibiotics your vet you... Tempted to go back as they are up to date with their vaccinations the,!, don & # x27 ; s hard to turn away kids who to... German Shepherd Mix: a Powerful Trio beneficial to dogs in a sealed bag container! Efforts to educate our dogs to our standards, they will eat and chase after anything that is to... Fight against a pitbull can kill a possum be fine the same effect on dogs as less of threat. A result of eating a possum in his mouth in many cities qualifying purchases can... It is properly trained and the possum contains rabies, are uncommon possums...