• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Know the top threats to protect your dog from wildlife

Posted June 21, 2017

Wild animals can be predators and a nuisance, but they still deserve respect since they’re an important part of the ecosystem and are just trying to survive. Wildlife can be dangerous to our dear pets, but coexistence is possible.

Dog owners need to recognize the top threats to learn how to prevent altercations with wildlife.

 

 

Coyotes

As our metros continue to expand, wild animals, like coyotes, become displaced and roam near our homes. It’s not uncommon for coyotes to go after cats and small dogs — and even transmit diseases like distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies. To help prevent coyotes from making your neighborhood their home, Preventative Vet recommends:

  • Avoid attracting coyotes with dog food outside, an uncleaned grill, and exposed trash
  • Don’t leave cats and dogs outside unattended for long durations
  • Don’t turn your back and run from an approaching coyote
  • Raise and wave your hands to appear larger and more threatening
  • Run toward them making noise to scare them away

Ticks and fleas

Be on the alert for wild or feral animals that are prone to passing on fleas and ticks. Top animals that you should watch out for are:

  • Deer: Deer ticks are prevalent in wooded areas
  • Raccoons and opossums: Exposed trash or garbage attract these critters at night that can easily bring fleas into your yard
  • Feral cats: Wherever stray cats roam can be infested with fleas and ticks

Tips to minimize contact with your pet:

  • Limit access where wild animals can enter your yard and home. Ask a garden professional about plants that can deter invasions
  • Landscape your yard so that it’s unsuitable for ticks, like frequently mowing the lawn and removing leaf litter
  • Treat your pet with a flea and tick control product

Raccoons

If a cat comes in contact with a raccoon, they typically know to stay away — but dogs can have the urge chase and fight raccoons. A raccoon that is sick, injured, protecting their young or an orphaned baby especially will instinctually fight back. This is a fight dogs tend to lose. Raccoons are known to ferociously scratch and bite around the eyes and abdomen. In worst cases, these can lead to collapsed lungs, septic peritonitis and a lacerated urethra.

To prevent contact between your dog and raccoons:

  • Keep dogs outdoors only during the daytime
  • Keep your dog supervised and leashed while walking
  • Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
  • Install outdoor floodlights to turn on and scan your yard before letting your dog out at night

Mountain lions

For pet lovers, hearing news stories of dogs being snatched up by mountain lions in areas like Denver and Pescadero is devastating. But if you live in mountain lion territory, it’s a reality to contend with. The Mountain Lion Foundation makes these recommendations to protect your dog:

  • Keep your pet inside your home near family and security
  • Enclose unaccompanied dogs outside with a dog run or fence that provides a clear view
  • Don’t tether your dog outside, which can prevent your pup from protecting itself
  • Feed indoors
  • Clean up dog droppings frequently
  • Install frightening devices like lighting systems and motion detection alarms that blast water

Call the experts

The best action you can take is to consult wildlife control experts about any threats or concerns over your dog’s safety. Trained and degreed wildlife technicians are knowledgable and equipped to handle all kinds of wildlife, from prevention to removal. These specialists can also provide professional advice and assistance on how to remove animals ethically, humanely and in an environmentally-conscious manner. Whether you have regular visits from wild animals or want to take preventative measures before any occurrences, speaking to the pros provides the best safeguard.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Related Posts

  • outdoor dangers
    Protect your dog from outdoor dangers

    Outdoor dangers for dogs include wild animals that can spread…

  • choose dog food
    Protect your dog from salmonella poisoning

    By Karen A. Soukiasian Pet foods recalls have become common…

  • Protect your dog from insect bites and stings

    Train your dog to avoid contact with any insect to…

  • Protect your dog against Lyme disease

    By Karen A. Soukiasian Lyme disease is a zoonotic, bacterial,…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Dog safety

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Service dogsVeterinarianPetfinder.comRescue dogSeparation anxietyPuppy-proofRottweilerWorking dogsTicksTwo dogsPomeranianPet sitterPandemicPit bullPuppy kindergartenThanksgivingOld dogsSheddingYorkshire terrierPoodleVacation dog carePet parentsOutdoor activitiesWatertraining tipsSmall dogsValentine's DaySocializationPotty trainingPaw

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort: The ultimate guide for dog owners
    Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort is crucial for the well-being of your pet. This guide is for you if you want to achieve this balance. […]
  • The importance of a balanced diet for dogs: Why and how you should care
    Feed your dog a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Ensure they get the right amounts to stay healthy. […]
  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.