Why are Roo’s a threat to your dog on land and in the water?
The driving reasons to keep your dog away from kangaroos is to spare the dog from walking into a nightmare and keeping a beautiful native animal from having to fight for it’s life. It is your job as your dog’s keeper to steer him out of harms way and also to protect native wildlife from him.
Although most people are aware of the sheer brute strength a stressed kangaroo can deliver with his body, not all know he is a master in the water if called into action. Younger kangaroos regularly practice their ‘boxing’ skills on one another in a spa, fine tuning themselves for the day they may need to fight to defend or lead. Sparring may include grappling and jabs from the forepaws, but it are the hind legs that deliver the big blows. His large clawed feet have the capacity to quickly open up the hide of a dog. An adult can be a formidable force and also poses a threat to humans if it feels threatened. Naturally ‘roo’s are especially protectiveof their young joeys.
Kangaroos can swim, and if a dog is chasing them and deep enough water is available they will go in. Known for exceptional balance and strength on their feet, they are tall and therefore have a height advantage. The ‘roo will face his opponent canine from a depth where the dog cannot touch the bottom. As soon as the dog swims close enough, the ‘roo pushes him under with his forepaws. If the dog is not lucky enough to exit the water, kangaroos have been known to hold their opponent under until drowned, even climbing on top of them if necessary.
Leah & Angela O’Meara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Cares Brisbane)