Rabid fox? or just a hungry one?

Question

Just wondering your thoughts. A fox came into my back yard around 11 a.m. and attacked my beagle who was chained up near my back deck. The fox ran off into the woods when my children ran screaming onto the deck. My dog was not hurt and the vet came and gave her another rabies vaccine.

A few weeks ago, a fox? had eaten two of our chickens around 10-11 a.m. We didn't see him but we found several white feathers laying around. The beagle was nearby (but tied up) when it happened.

So do you think the fox was rabid or was it looking at my beagle as a meal? The chickens were running around in the same enclosed area as before but the fox chose to attack my beagle instead of the chickens.

Answer 1

your dog may have provoked the fox and the fox defended itself,

i doubt it is rabid as rabid animals are rare.

he would have been long gone if rabid.

Answer 2

It is most likely that your dog was defending his territory from the fox (including the chickens!) and the fox was so hungry he decided to fight back rather than run away. Foxes usually attack animals that are much smaller ie. rodents, birds, etc. for food, but it is not unheard of for them to fight with dogs especially if they are especially starving.  I doubt the fox regards your beagle as a meal as a beagle is much larger and fiercer than a fox's usual dinner.  I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the fox was rabid either rabies kills within 10 days and usually cause paralysis of the throat, making eating and swallowing impossible.  I think you just have a very hungry fox and a very protective dog :)

Answer 3

Foxes aren't really nocturnal animals, so you're fairly safe on that one.  as far as your dog, if you're worried about him, keep I'm away from the kids and yourself for a couple of weeks, not forgetting to give him food and water, or call the vet and they can "quarantine and monitor" him for you (standard practice).  Foxes are actually a lot better than many animals that are normal rabies carriers since they don't tend to scavenge food.  I wouldn't worry too much, but if in doubt, you can always call your local vet.