Ask Your Dog Question. Dog Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Dog Question?)

We were just taking out two golden retrievers for a walk ...

Sent to Dog Experts August 08 06:02 PM

We were just taking out two golden retrievers for a walk off leash in a large field. They came in contact with a groundhog and they were fighting it. One dog looks as if it may have a very small bite on its leg. There is no bleeding on either of them. They both have their rabies shots. Should we be concerned? What should we do?

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 8 6:15 PM (13 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
As long as the dogs have their rabies shots up to date there shouldn't be any worries.
Its not common a rodent would be carrying rabies and this time of year baby rodents often fall prey to carnivores because they are not alert enough to predators being around. Your dogs probably caught a young one away from its hole.
Only if the rodent attacked them first would there be a bigger worry that it was ill in some way.
You can clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide or betadine iodine solution after thoroughly rinsing it with water so you can't possibly get any ground hog saliva on you.
You can apply neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment to the injury to help reduce chances of infection too.
You can check with your vet to see if they feel you should rebooster the rabies shots but you probably do not need to do that.
Hope this helps you!


Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Dog Breed Info and Canine Health Care