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No. The quills do loosen with time and can fall out on their own - just as our hair does everyday. On rare occassions, loose quills can fly off when a porcupine flicks its tail, but the porcupine doesn't know that the quill will come off and has no control over where they go. No, porcupines can't throw their quills. But they have a tiny barb--like a fishhook--at the end of each quill, so if a dog or other animal tries to bite them, the barb can hook into the dog and when the dog pulls away, the quill is pulled out of the porcupine and stays stuck in the dog's muzzle or mouth.

Do NOT try to pull out the quills! (If you do try to, the barb will tear the dog's flesh.) Since the quills tend to work their way deeper into the dog's flesh and can cause infections, a trip to the vet is called for. The vet will anesthetize the dog and cut out the quills.

After being quilled, a dog should be kept indoors during morning and evening twilight, since he/she is likely to seek out porcupines (presumably to get even!)

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17y ago

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Related Questions

What is on a porcupine?

porcupines have sharp quills on them that are sharp enough to pierce skin


How sharp are porcupines quills?

Sharp enough to scare the pride out of a lion pride


Do porcupines shoot out their quills?

No, porcupines don't shoot out their quills.


Do porcupines shoot quills?

No, porcupines cannot shoot their quills.


Do porcupines shoot quills out?

No, porcupines don't shoot out their quills.


How far can porcupines throw quills?

Porcupines do not throw their quills.


Can porcupines live with out their quills?

they probably come out with the quills there but not sharp or sticking out as to they will not hurt the mothers soft belly, but a time goes by, they harden, sharpen, and sticking out when their mother will leave him soon.


Why do porcupines have quills?

Quills keep the porcupines safe from any predators.


What are the main predators of porcupines and how do they avoid being attacked by them?

The main predators of porcupines are cougars, bobcats, wolves, and fishers. Porcupines defend themselves by raising their quills, making it difficult for predators to attack them. They also use their sharp quills to ward off potential threats.


What are the predators of porcupines?

Porcupines have few natural predators due to their sharp quills. However, some animals that may prey on porcupines include fishers, bobcats, coyotes, and great horned owls.


How do animals typically eat porcupines?

Animals that eat porcupines usually flip them over and attack their bellies, which have fewer quills. They may also target the face or head to avoid the sharp quills on the back. Some predators, like fishers and wolverines, have thick fur that protects them from the quills.


How long until porcupines get there quills?

the porcupine is born with its quills a@#$@#*.