What Does a Possum Bite Look Like on a Dog? Identifying and Treating Possum Bites

Identifying Possum Bites on Dogs

Possums, while generally docile, can bite dogs when threatened or provoked. Possum bites often look similar to other animal bites, but there are a few distinguishing characteristics to help identify them. Knowing what to look for can help you get your dog proper treatment if bitten.

Signs of a Possum Bite

A possum bite will likely leave two clear puncture wounds from the possum's sharp teeth. These bites usually happen on the neck or extremities when a dog disturbs a sleeping or eating possum. The wounds may bleed and will often bruise or swell due to bacteria introduced from the bite.

Other signs of a possum bite include:

• Puncture wounds in pairs
• Bruising around the wound
• Swelling at the bite site
• Mild to severe bleeding
• Limping or pain if the bite is on a limb
• Infection setting in as redness, heat, and pus

Treating Possum Bites

All animal bites run the risk of infection, and possum bites are no different. Even without rabies risk, bites should be properly cleaned and monitored.

To treat a possum bite on your dog:

1. Carefully wash the wound with soap and water
2. Apply antibiotic ointment
3. Dress the wound
4. Give the dog a round of antibiotics
5. Monitor for signs of infection like swelling, redness, and pus
6. Take your dog to the vet if the wound seems to worsen

Risks of Possum Bites

While rabies transmission isn't a major concern with possums, there are some other risks to consider if your dog is bitten:

• Infection - Bacteria from a possum's mouth enters the puncture wound and sets up an infection
• Abscesses - an infection can pocket and form a painful fluid-filled lump
• Necrotizing fasciitis - an extremely rare but life-threatening infection that eats away at tissue

These complications aren't extremely common but should be monitored for in the days and weeks after the bite. Look for worsening wounds, swelling, pain, redness, heat, and pus.

Preventing Possum Bites

To help avoid dangerous encounters between dogs and possums:

Know Your Surroundings

Be aware if possums frequent your area, especially if you live near forests or woodpiles where they nest. Learn to spot signs of their presence so you know areas for your dog to avoid.

Supervise Your Dog

Even the best trained dogs can harass wildlife when unsupervised. Keep your dog nearby when outside and distract them from investigating possum smells or dens.

Avoid Conflict

Never let your dog actively pursue a possum sighting. Bring encounters to an end by placing your dog inside. The possum will wander off once the threat is gone.

secure Your Property

Block access to areas possums frequent like woodpiles, crawl spaces under sheds, or openings in your roof or attic. This prevents unwanted interactions.

Are Possums Dangerous?

Possums prefer to avoid confrontation. They show their teeth as a bluff but typically only bite as an absolute last resort. Unfortunately, this often ends up being when your curious dog invades their space.

While not inherently dangerous, it's important to be aware of environments possums occupy, such as:

• Dense brush
• Hollow trees or logs
• Wood or rock piles
• Spaces under porches or sheds
• Attics or crawl spaces (through holes in roofs/foundations)

Their tendency to inhabit built structures means they often live in close proximity to pets. Provoked or unintentionally cornered, they can and will bite to defend themselves.

Signs of Possums

Be vigilant for these signs of possums living on or passing through your property:

• Den sites or nests
• Droppings near dens
• Footprints
• Strange noises at night from fights or mating
• Evidence of something living in crawl spaces or the attic

Their nocturnal nature means they often pass by undetected. But telltale traces offer clues a possum resides nearby.

Possum Bite Precautions

While waiting to see your vet, you can take steps at home to help your dog recover from a possum bite.

Clean the Wound

Flush the bite punctures with sterile saline to help remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. Gently work it into the wound before bandaging.

Apply Antibiotic Cream

After cleaning, apply antibiotic ointment like polysporin. Avoid rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as this damages tissue.

Bandage the Area

Lightly wrap gauze around the wound to protect it. Change the bandages daily and check for worsening swelling or discharge.

Give Antibiotics

Ask your vet about safe antibiotics to give your dog to help combat infection. Commonly prescribed options are amoxicillin or cephalexin.

Restrict Activity

Don't allow your dog to run, jump, play rough, swim etc. until healed. This prevents worsening injury and contamination.

Possum Bite Emergency Signs

While waiting to see the vet, watch for these signs of a serious issue requiring emergency veterinary treatment:

• Uncontrolled bleeding from wound
• Difficulty breathing
• Visible swelling spreading down a limb
• Bright red skin or red streaks coming from wound
• Worsening lameness or inability to walk
• Loss of appetite for more than 24 hrs
• Dead/dying skin or tissue around bite
• High fever
• Confused, lethargic behavior

If any of these develop, call emergency vets immediately as urgent care is needed.

Long Term Concerns After Possum Bites

While the initial possum bite and potential infection are most concerning, bites may predispose dogs to other issues down the road including:

• Arthritis - Joint inflammation and infection can spread to nearby joints
• Nerve Damage - Bites near joints or over major nerves may cause nerve injury
• Tendon or Muscle Damage - Deep bites can sever underlying soft tissue structures
• Bone infections (Osteomyelitis) - Germs gain access to bones through bloodstream

Monitor your dog long term even after wounds heal for lameness or swelling indicating these secondary complications.

Follow Up with Your Vet

Take your dog back to the vet for rechecks of the bite site approximately:

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.