I have a 4 year old dachshund and he was attacked by a possum the other night. He has no broken skin or any cuts, nor any bleeding in the stool. He has NOT been himself since this happened. He is able to walk on his own, but yelps when taking large steps. He shakes when I call him or ask him if he wants to go outside. I have not taken him to the vet yet, due to cost. I would like to know if he will snap out of this or if he should be taken in for a check up? Any response helps. Thank you
2007-04-19 09:48:36 · 17 answers · asked by Brandi0802 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think a vet would probably be your best bet, I think your buddy is probably worth the few bucks. Good luck
2007-04-19 09:55:23 · answer #1 · answered by joey v 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
With any attack he needs to be taken to the vet. The fact that walking seems to hurt him makes me think that there is something physically wrong with him. If there, is, then he won't start acting normal until he isn't hurting anymore. Wild animals carry diesases, you need to make sure that a vet looks him over and treats any wounds.
For helping him mentally, make sure that you do not pick him up and cuddle with him when he is acting afraid. He will soon notice that he is being rewarded for that behavior and will continue to do it. When you try to coddle and comfort him, you are accidentally telling him two things: 1: since mom/dad is making such a big deal over me, there MUST be something to be afraid of! and 2: Boy, when I act like this, I sure do get a lot of attention!
When your dog is acting scared for no good reason, you can ignore the behavior (okay for mild cases) or correct the behavior... show them what ever is scaring them, put a treat on in and let them eat off of it. (or if that's not possible like in your case with the opposum) redirect his nervous energy, when he is acting scared, have him go through his basic obedience comands (sit, stay, down) etc. reward him for behaving in a calm and obedient manner. Take him on walks, reward him for being calm and doing the obedience stuff in the spot where it happened. If he is too scared right at the spot, come back from it and work your way closer and closer every day, you'll be surprised how fast he bounces back and gets excited to get those treats by being good!
2007-04-19 17:04:37 · answer #2 · answered by timesdragonfly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he yelps when taking big steps maybe he is in pain. Damage to the internal organ don't necessary show up as bleeding in the stool or is it easy to detect from the outside. Maybe a broken bone? Try to have him lay down and press his body parts with gentle pressure. Are there any body spot that will make him yelp when you press it? If so maybe he was damaged in that spot. But if your dog eats normally, let it rest for a few more days and see if he is better. If not, i suggest you take him to the vet despite the cost.
2007-04-19 17:00:19 · answer #3 · answered by Helen X 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very Dachshund like actually - unless you saw the your dog get attacked - I would say your dog was probably the attacker! I have several Dachshunds and any strange animal will fall prey to them unless I stop it. If he is still upset it could be he is injured and a check up is a must! I wouldn't wait any longer. If a wild animal did attack your pet - is he vaccinated? Rabies could be an issue here among other serious dieases he may have come in contact with - Call your vet!
2007-04-19 17:00:16 · answer #4 · answered by dbcritters 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to take him to the vet. Possums not all the time but in some cases can have rabies. Just because you don't see a bite, that is not too odd for a possum. They have tiny razor sharp teeth. And one heck of a strong body. It may be body pain,muscle, broken rib etc, but why risk your dogs life or heath.
2007-04-19 16:55:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If he is yelping in pain when he walks.. It's not trauma, it's pain due to an injury.. Suck up the cost and take the poor thing to the vet before he ends up very sick.. Can you afford to have him euthanized when he is left and cannot be helped because you waited?
How does one snap out of an injury?
2007-04-19 17:02:03 · answer #6 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should absolutely get him checked by the vet. Find a vet who will allow you to make payments, if necessary!!
He may have a hidden wound, or internal that you don't know about!! Opossums carry rabies, so you need to get your dog checked out ASAP!! He may "snap" out of it, but why take a chance?? If his health and well-being is at risk, you should always get him to a vet. Hopefully his rabies vaccinations are up to date because if not, it could make your dog very ill!!
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2007-04-19 16:59:32 · answer #7 · answered by porkchop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TAKE HIM TO THE VET! Opossums aren't usually aggressive and the fact that your dog may have got bit makes me concerned that the opossum might've been sick. ANYTIME your animal comes into contact (aggressive) with a wild animal, you should have a vet check him out. Most vets, especially one you've dealt with, will be willing to work something out for payment. I've had one let me write a post dated check or even make payments. Money shouldn't matter because you are the only one who can take care of your puppy. It's your responsibility as a pet owner. Please seek medical treatment for your dog.
2007-04-19 17:03:44 · answer #8 · answered by larey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with everyone else, your dog most certainly needs to see the vet. If he is not seriously injured, I am sure your vet can give you some ideas on how to help get over the trauma he has suffered. Many vets let you make payments, but even if you can't don't you think the little guy is worth it! Please take him in asap!
2007-04-19 17:06:45 · answer #9 · answered by doris s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opossums are not normally aggressive, unless cornered and have no other means of escaping. Are you sure it was an opossum?
Anyways, he's probably just a bit startled, the fact that he yelps when he talks large steps is concerning though.
2007-04-19 16:53:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋