Are Opossums Dangerous To Dogs?
The short answer is no. Possums are generally harmless to dogs, and they try to avoid confrontation rather than seeking it.
They‘re nighttime animals, meaning they‘re most active at night, and the chances that a dog might encounter them are very low.
Quick Highlights
In this blog post, we will talk about the following;
1. Behaviour And Risks To Dogs.
2. Tips To Protect Your Dog.
Behaviour Of Possums
Possums, or opossums as they are commonly known in the United States, are generally non–aggressive creatures.
Unlike Armadillos, who may attack a dog, they are more likely to flee or freeze when they encounter a threat. So, Are Possums Harmful To Dogs?
No, certainly not. Their primary defense mechanism is to “play possum“—a unique behavior where the animal feigns death when threatened.
It lies motionless, emits a foul odor, and even appears to stop breathing. This act makes a dog lose interest in them.
Risks To Dogs
While they are not dangerous to dogs, there are a few risks to be aware of:
Self Defence Bite
If it cannot escape and is too afraid, biting is its last resort. Although they have sharp teeth, they can not significantly damage dogs.
However, any bite can lead to an infection, so monitoring your dog after an encounter is important.
Disease Transmission
They can also carry diseases, including leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the urine of infected animals.
So, with all that matters with leptospirosis, Are Possums Poisonous To Dogs? No, they are not poisonous to dogs.
Vaccination against leptospirosis can help protect your dog. They also carry rabies, tularemia, and ringworms.
Parasites
They often harbor fleas, ticks, and mites. If your pooch comes into contact with it, these parasites can transfer to your dog.
Which can cause issues like Lyme disease 〈from ticks〉 or flea–borne illnesses. A dog shampoo might be good if this happens.
Tips To Protect Your Dog
Here are several tips you can use to protect your dog from above risks;
Supervise Outdoor Time
Keep an eye on your dog outside, especially at night. If you know possums are in the area, keep your dog on a leash or within a fenced area.
Vaccinations
Ensure your dog is up to date vaccinated. Regular use of flea and tick preventatives can also help protect your dog from parasites that it might carry.
Training
If your dog has a strong prey drive, train them to respond to commands like “leave it“ or “stay.”
Breeds known for their high energy levels and strong prey drives, like terriers, dachshunds, and hunting breeds, are likelier to chase things or objects.
These breeds may also chase after a possum or things like a remote-controlled car.
Final Thoughts
In most cases, they are not a serious threat to dogs. They are more likely to avoid fighting your dog rather than attacking it.
However, dog owners should be aware of some risks related to disease and parasites.
