Jack russell / yorkie mix aggression

[Bells95]

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HELP last night my dog acted as if she had to use the restroom, so as usual I let her out to do her business. Turns out she wanted to fight with a skunk! She didn't get sprayed, and she doesn't seem to have any scratches I should be concerned about. She has her vaccinations and isn't due for them for another year. However, ever since the incident, she's been acting very aggressive and seems to be traumatized. What should I do ? Is it possible she may have contracted rabies even though she had her shots ?

 

[JoanneF]

This is predominantly a U.K. forum and we have little if any experience of rabies. One of the members, Gypsysmum, may know but would rabies manifest so quickly? Is it possible she is still stressed (the stress hormone takes several hours to dissipate from the body)? But really the only way to be sure is see your vet.

 

[Bells95]

Thank you so much. I didn't even know about the stress hormone. I will definitely take her to see a vet. Thank you for the reply

 

[gypsysmum2]

A fearful dog will act in an aggressive way. It is how dogs deal with fear. She feels vulnerable because the skunk scared her.

You may have to go outside with her and just support her for quite a while. Try to keep her routine as normal as possible. Don't go overboard with reassurance but just be her rock so that she feels comforted by your presence.

I doubt that rabies would be a problem but always worth checking.

If she doesn't bounce back to her old self soon then you may need the help of a behaviourist. Try to find one that understands the emotional side of dog behaviour.