The other night I was awakened by my dog (a full grown Blue Heeler) barking, I got a flashlight & went out to yell at him to be quiet when I saw what he was barking at - a possum on our porch, my dog kept lunging at the possum & had apparently injured it (it's back legs were broke) I got the dog in the house & scared the animal into "playing possum" & carried it carefully down our yard & threw it over the fence towards the woods. I've checked the dog twice (once after I took care of the possum & later the next day), I don't see any cuts or bite marks on him. could he still have rabies?
he's pretty up to date on his shots & I read rabies are rare in possums.
2007-09-01 17:35:54 · 10 answers · asked by Ben 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If he's up to date with his shots and there were no bites or scratches on him then there is probably nothing to worry about. Just keep a close watch on him for a few days.
2007-09-01 17:44:56 · answer #1 · answered by sunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean, he's pretty up to date on his shots? Is his rabies vaccination up to date or not? Most likely, IF you have been pretty diligent about getting his rabies vaccination, a titer test would show he was fully protected. You may want to talk to your Vet if his rabies vaccination is out dated as to the next step? Titer test? Just re-vaccinate him?
Truly, the odds of him contracting rabies from the possum are slim but even 1 chance in a million are bad odds if he were the 1.
Just as a side note, next time, don't you be handling the possum either! Have you had a good look at their teeth?!
Check with your Vet and you probably have little to worry about.
2007-09-02 00:45:11 · answer #2 · answered by gringo4541 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't heard of possums having rabies, however if the dog has had its shots, it should not be a worry, thats what shots are for in the first place. Call the vet just in case, when you can, just to discuss it with him/her. Make sure your dog doesn't go looking for Mr. Possum's remains later, by burying the thing. Good dog!!
2007-09-02 00:42:44 · answer #3 · answered by Yasing 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really think your dog could have got rabies. Especially if the possum didn't bite him. I would take him to the vet and have a rabies shot if he hasn't had one in the past year. You are supposed to have the rabies shot once a year. If he has had it in the past year, then you should have nothing to worry about.
2007-09-02 00:44:15 · answer #4 · answered by Tatika M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well that's what the rabies vaccine is for, but my question is
1.) why didn't you call animal control - you stated that the possum's leg was broken, you expect him to be able to live after that? He is an animal too . . .
2.) why didn't you call the vet to see if they wanted you to bring him in or if he was close to needing a booster?
2007-09-02 00:42:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean by 'pretty up-to-date"? When did he last have a rabies booster? If you're not sure, just call your vet to check.
It varies throughout the country, but the biggest carriers in our area are raccoons, foxes, bats, and especially skunks. So hopefully it's not an issue.
If he is overdue for his vaccination, your vet will have advice for you. He may just suggest a quarantine which means keeping him away from other people and dogs for a certain amount of time.
2007-09-02 00:54:53 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would check with your local health authority and see if there are any cases of rabies in your area and go from there. I have included a link that gives you signs and symptoms to watch for.
I hope everything turns out all right!!
Good luck!!
2007-09-02 00:44:36 · answer #7 · answered by kismetsguardian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so since his shots are up to date but if you're worried I'd have him checked.
Max killed one the other day that got nasty with him but his shots are taken care of as well.
2007-09-02 00:51:17 · answer #8 · answered by NoGood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think ur dog gots rabies but its better if u bring ur dog to the vet incase
2007-09-02 00:42:16 · answer #9 · answered by Benson 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's unlikely, but just to be on the safe side I'd get him tested.
2007-09-02 00:43:09 · answer #10 · answered by LuLu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋