Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and they often have a strong drive for hunting. So, what if this hunting drive leads them to an armadillo? Can dogs kill armadillos or get diseases from these cute armored animals? In this article, we’ll talk about what to do if your dog kills an armadillo and how to prevent this from happening again in the future.
What You'll Learn Today
What Happens When a Dog Encounters an Armadillo?
There is no way to predict what will happen when your dog encounters an armadillo for the first time. Most likely, your pup will be curious and perhaps a little defensive, as seen in the video below:
There are times, however, when the encounter may take a more violent turn.
There are many different types and sizes of dogs, with some breeds being more aggressive than others. Regardless of their size or breed, however, all dogs have sharp teeth and a hunting instinct.
Though this instinct is naturally stronger in some dogs than others, it is possible for any dog to hunt an armadillo. Some dogs may even succeed in killing the armadillo.
For this reason, if you’re a dog owner, it’s important to know what could happen if your dog kills an armadillo, as there are some risks involved that you’ll need to be aware of.
Can Dogs Get Diseases from Killing Armadillos?
Armadillos carry certain diseases which they can pass onto your dog. These may include bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Armadillos are known carriers of the bacteria that causes leprosy. Though dogs rarely contract leprosy from armadillos, they can inadvertently pass the bacteria onto humans or contract other harmful infections caused by the same bacteria.
Armadillos also commonly carry parasites such as tapeworms. If your dog eats an armadillo’s feces, they can easily become infected with these parasites.
Another threat is salmonella poisoning. Dogs may contract this bacterial infection from eating or encountering an armadillo’s feces.
In very rare cases, armadillos can carry rabies and transmit them to your dog.
Finally, many armadillos also carry a fungus called histoplasma, which can cause infection in both dogs and humans.
In addition to contracting these pathogens and parasites, dogs can also sustain wounds and scratches during an encounter with an armadillo. Though armadillos aren’t naturally aggressive, they do have sharp claws and teeth and will do what they can to defend themselves if they are attacked.
Any injuries your dog sustains could become infected if not cleaned and treated properly. These infections can lead to additional complications.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Kills an Armadillo?
If your dog kills an armadillo, there’s no need to panic. If your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations, they should be protected against threats such as rabies and parasites.
That said, it’s still important to use caution and take action quickly. Get your dog away from the armadillo carcass as soon as possible.
Inspect the dog for wounds or other injuries. If present, wash the area with soap and warm water; if the injuries are deep or severe, consult your veterinarian to find out what to do.
If your dog is uninjured, clean up any blood from the dead armadillo and keep an eye on your pet for the next several hours. If the dog experiences any vomiting or diarrhea, or shows signs of abdominal discomfort, contact your vet.
Over the next several days, continue to monitor your dog’s behavior, eating, and bathroom habits. Look for any abnormalities such as eating less, changes in bowel movements, and behavioral discrepancies.
If you notice anything that seems off, make an appointment with your vet.
Again, in most cases, your dog will not experience any lasting negative effects from killing an armadillo. However, the risk for disease and infection is still present and should not be taken lightly.
How to Prevent Future Encounters
If your dog kills an armadillo, chances are, you won’t want to go through the same experience again. Are there ways of keeping your dog from killing armadillos?
The two best ways to prevent your dog from encountering an armadillo are to a) keep armadillos out of your yard and b) train your dog to leave them alone.
Keep Armadillos Out of Your Yard
If your dog spends a lot of time in your backyard, it’s important to create an environment that’s as hazard-free as possible. That may mean securing your yard to keep armadillos out.
How do you do this?
Start by using strong fencing material. Armadillos are good at digging and burrowing, so be sure to bury the fence at least a few inches to discourage them from getting in.
You can also discourage armadillos from visiting your yard by removing common food sources such as insects, open cans of pet food, or exposed trash. Removing sources of water such as bird baths and fixing leaky faucets can also help.
Using natural scent deterrents can also keep armadillos away. Consider planting strong-smelling flowers such as marigolds and lavender throughout your yard, as armadillos don’t care for these aromas.
Following each of these steps can help you minimize the number of armadillos your dog has a chance to come in contact with.
Train Your Dog to Leave Them Alone
Even if you take every precaution, there’s still a chance your dog could encounter an armadillo. This is especially true if you take your dog for walks in areas where armadillos are common.
Training your dog to avoid armadillos is the best way to prevent problematic encounters.
First, teach your pet to behave properly while on the leash. Quick obedience and an ability to follow commands are crucial.
Next, train them to follow the “leave it” command. This will ensure they avoid or let go of any object they are not supposed to mess with, including armadillos and armadillo feces.
Finally, the recall command can ensure your dog never even gets close to an armadillo. By effectively using this command, you teach your dog to return to you when they see or encounter an object or animal, such as an armadillo.
Utilizing these training techniques will help you keep your dog safe whenever they catch sight of an armadillo.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, armadillos aren’t dangerous to dogs, but they can cause injuries and spread disease, leading to a small risk of infection. If your dog kills an armadillo, take steps to prevent infection, monitor your pet for signs of disease, and take them to the vet if you notice anything unusual.
