It was an awful sight to see. Is this normal? I have a black lab and a golden retriever... What to do for the possum?
2007-01-30 02:21:54 · 15 answers · asked by LJ 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
EWWW! Sadly, this is normal. It's instinct for dogs to hunt, even though the are domesticated. I'm sure the possum is dead. If you can handle it, clean up the remains as best you can. If not, animal control can do it for you. If he is still alive, call animal control and they will take the appropriate measures. If you know who the dogs belong to, have a talk with the owners. They may not be aware that their dogs are on the loose. If they are uncooperative or if you don't know who's they are, then you should contact animal control.
2007-01-30 02:39:46 · answer #1 · answered by Pom♥Mom Spay and Neuter 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My dog would NEVER let anything come in the back yard - - every animal that did was surely a goner. She lived to the ripe old age of 19 without any problems. Be careful going to pick up the possum because they may not have actually killed it - - it could be playing 'possum' and go after you when you try to dispose of it.
P.S. - my two 'new' dogs just got an armadillo the other day - I feel bad for it, but I guess it's the 'Circle of Life' : )
2007-01-30 10:35:36 · answer #2 · answered by cheezehead 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pretty normal, though surprising for us to see. I would see if the possum can be helped, but my concern is that if the possum was out during the day, it could be rabid?? I would call your vet and ask about disposal of the possum, and what you need to do to make sure this doesn't make your dogs sick. They can get a lot of parasites from wild animals too. Be very careful handling the possum.
2007-01-30 10:31:06 · answer #3 · answered by Amy C 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Watch out when going to get the possum it may very well not be dead and for god's sake do not pick it up by the tail as they have a prehensil tail they can swing their whole body back up from that tail . Take a shovel with you and remove it with the shovel not with your hands . or better yet call a critter remover (look in the phone book for wild animal disposal ). that is usually what we do as we live in fla and we get everything in our yards . including alligators . we had a ditch behind our house that had an allegator for years untill it got too big for the ditch never saw it again !!! good luck .
2007-01-30 11:02:30 · answer #4 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is normal. They can even go after birds, squirrels, rabbits, basically anything that invades their turf. Oh and sometimes cats. What to do for the possum? Take your dogs inside. If it still looks half way alive you could probably call animal control. I wouldn't pick it up..they can bite. And if its dead, get gloves and bury the poor thing. This probably wont be the last dead animal you have to bury.
2007-01-30 13:15:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's so sad :(
I saw it happen to a baby raccoon one time and the sound was terrifying.
Are your dogs up to date on their shots, especially rabies? This is very important. I'd call the vet to see what he recommends for disposal of the possum. They may want to test it for rabies especially if it was out during the day. You did not mention what time this happened.
Get the dead animal away from your dogs as soon as you can as it could possibly make them sick and then you'll have additonal vet bills.
2007-01-30 10:54:10 · answer #6 · answered by heatherlc02 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dogs are predators - yes, this is normal. Lots of areas have wildlife rehab centers. Call one (check the yellow pages, or animal control should know if there is one). Call your local humane society or animal control to see if they can pick up the possum or, if you are so inclined and it is safe, use a towel or sheet to pick up the possum and take it to animal control or a vet's (call the vet first to see if they can take it and euthanize it).
2007-01-30 10:36:19 · answer #7 · answered by melissa k 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's just natural instincts that Mother Nature has given to dogs. Dogs were domesticated and used for hunting and security. Animals in the wild do not like to confront a dog. Instead they usually go their own way and try to avoid dogs especially in packs. Dogs are terrific hunters and fearless.
2007-01-30 10:35:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very normal.
Bury the possum.
2007-01-30 10:28:44 · answer #9 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
put gloves on put possum in trash bag and put out with trash or bury it congratulate the dogs . Is common to see possums out in the daytime in town
2007-01-30 10:39:33 · answer #10 · answered by redtiger 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋