With Critters They Contend

- Porcupines -

Spending as much time outdoors as we did growing up, we received several words of caution from concerned adults. Some had to be tested while others went unheeded, of course. One of these words of wisdom was, “Steer clear of porcupines”. Destruction of fruit trees, puncturing non-belted tires, sticking quills in the noses of curious cattle and more; porcupines were just bad news.

Porcupines were often found waddling on back-country roads at night and became a competitive sporting event amongst cousins driving home after dark. The passenger had to exit the vehicle, remove his shirt (or jacket), chase down the waddling rodent, and snap the critter with the garment like a towel in the shower room. Points were tallied based on the number of quills lodged in the clothing. Hey! Young men did those kinds of things and much information was gained.

For example, the removal of porcupine quills from dog flesh is far more difficult than tee shirts! Over the many years since, I have learned that, occasionally, dogs have their own fascination with collecting porcupine quills - continental or versitile hunting breeds especially. And, finally, that the removal of these quills has created more mythology than Homer. Here, again, the internet is the preeminent purveyor of fictional forms of advice.

Teddy, my first male English Setter, was a repeat porkie offender and the only setter that required a visit to the vet.

Porcupine-related encounters basically fall into two categories: Defense and Attack. Call them what you will, the defense encounters are generally instigated by the porcupine, itself. Here, the inquisitive canine either gets too close for comfort and collects a few quills in the nose for its trouble. Or, gets tail-slapped by the porcupine and, in those cases, receives a few additional quills. In either case, if the dog retreats, it is a relatively simple task to remove these quills.

The next phase, Attack, is often the retaliation from the dog toward the porcupine after the porcupine’s defense action. This is often how dogs get quills inside their mouths and, depending on the aggressiveness of the dog, their number multiplying with each attack. This is where we come in.

This young dog got off easy.

The quills have incredibly sharp points and microscopic barbs which encourage the quill to go deeper and become increasingly difficult to remove. The first action is to remain calm and calm the dog, as well. The personality of the dog will determine how you will attend to the situation. There are relatively calm dogs that will let you remove quills as required and there are the more panicked personalities that must be subdued by more physical means.

There are several factors, including the imagination of the owner, that will determine the type of equipment to have on hand. Meaning, those possessing the imagination and ability to use what is at hand compared to those that should prepare an entire kit for porcupine encounters. First, immobilize the dog off its feet to prevent future struggle and the front paws from digging at the quills on its face.

The quills in the mouth need to be addressed promptly because they are driven deeper with each chomp of the jaws. This can be deterred by the use of a stick or wooden dowel to the back of the mouth that prevents closure. Leashes, lanyards and the like can be used in makeshift roles or, as previously mentioned, a kit can be prepared and kept on hand.

A curious sniff was all this dog needed to cure its want for more.

Quills have a structure designed for penetration and that should be kept intact for their removal. Meaning, do not cut the ends off to “allow the air out”. First of all, that’s not really true and, second, frayed quills are far more difficult to completely remove. Trying to remove broken quills taught me that many years ago.

The removal of the quills, themselves, requires a handy folding tool, needle-nose plyers or/and a hemostat. This is not the time to be squeamish or timid. Firmly grab the quills as close to the skin as possible and pull at the angle of entry. Be quick and workman-like. Grasp the quill tightly and use the tool without a twist or turning motion. It is far more merciful to only need to pull each quill once than require several attempts.

Depending on location, deeper quills may be easier to remove if they are forced through the skin to be grabbed by the point. Though quills are not poisonous, they are organic matter that may bring with them the elements that cause infection. Any quills that have forced their way beyond retrieval should be attended to by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Avoidance: Best case scenario is your dog will simply point its first porcupine. If a flushing breed, it may act interested in the critter; moving around in circles while considering how best to approach. This is the perfect opportunity to apply avoidance training - so take the time!

Unload and set your gun in a place (or hand it to a hunting partner) where it will be safe and easily found after the training is complete. Now, in a very aggressive manner, grab your dog securely, shake and scold it. If your dog is slightly unsure (timid), drag your dog toward the porcupine while continuing to admonish the dog. If you have an electric training collar on your dog, now is the perfect time to use it.

Once your dog has been thoroughly schooled, heel or send the dog away from the porcupine and go on with the hunt as if nothing happened. Leave the porcupine as you found it. DO NOT shoot the porcupine with the dog as a witness! To the dog, that act justifies - and may intensify - its search for more porcupine intereaction. Again, I have experience as proof.

Up Next: With Critters They Contend - Rattlesnakes