Can a dog contract anything from a possum bite?

Answer 1

Dogs cannot contract rabies from possum bites for two reasons: the Virginia opossum (commonly called a possum) cannot harbour the rabies virus in its body, as its body temperature is too low. If you are referring to a common brushtailed possum, it cannot harbour rabies either for the simple reason that neither Australia nor New Zealand has rabies.

Ticks and fleas can be passed on through contact between possums and domestic pets. This is the biggest danger, along with the endless possibilities for infection from a possum bite. If your dog has been bitten and the bite broke the skin, take him to the vet for antibiotics now, or you could be up for expensive surgery to treat an abscess or similar complication (even tetanus).

Answer 2

A possum bite should be checked in case it causes infection. Fortunately, there is no risk of rabies as a) Australian possums cannot carry rabies as we do not have rabies in this country and b) the opossum apparently has too low a body temperature to be able to carry the rabies virus.

Answer 3

Possums cannot hurt people if they are left alone. A person could be scratched very badly if they cornered a possum and the creature lashed out in self-defence.

Unlike opossums of North America, true possums, which are those in Australia and New Zealand, cannot carry rabies, as the countries are rabies-free.

It is highly unlikely that an opossum will carry rabies, as their body temperature is generally too low to harbour the virus, but there have been rare occurrences of rabies in opossums. If one is aggressive or coming towards you, leave it alone and call animal control or your park ranger or game warden.

Answer 4

It would have to be a very small dog, like very small. While posums can grow quite large they will tend to flee rather than fight unless cornered with no means of escape. Other than a nasty sound type growl they make there mouths are very small. They have strong claws yet seldom use these as a Methodist defence.

Answer 5

Unlikely. Possums, which are native marsupials of Australia (and quite different to opossums of North America) would rather avoid a confrontation with a dog, but if a small dog were to attack a possum, the possums' claws could do some damage.

Answer 6

Possums are not known to attack dogs unless they are cornered. In this case, it is a matter of self-defence.

Answer 7

Bring him to the vet in case the opposum had a disease

Answer 8

Possums will certainly defend themselves against dogs by using their sharp teeth and claws, but only if they are cornered.