How to Protect Your Pets from Wild Animals

The country is an excellent place to raise dogs and cats, but it also can bring dangers for pet owners, as their pets are more prone to be attacked by wildlife.

While walking my new puppy, Ginger, yesterday I ran into a grief-stricken neighbor. Sadly, he related how a coyote had attacked his beloved 13-year-old cat and they had to put her to sleep. Now concerned over a possible wildlife encounter with my own pet, I'm doing everything possible to keep my golden sheltie puppy safe from harm.

If you have pets and live in a wooded area, then it's even more imperative you do all you can to protect them from wildlife such as coyotes, wolves, and even bears.

Protecting Your Pet from Coyotes

Coyotes look like small wolves, resembling dogs. They view your pets as food and especially pounce on small animals and cats. What's more, they even attack and kill larger dogs. Although nocturnal creatures, they can look for pets during the day and then return at night for their prey. Creatures of habit, they're found at the same spots with habitual routes at night.

A few preventative measures include...

Install a wooden fence - Although they've been known to climb over high fences, you're better off with a wooden fence at least 5.5 feet tall. Wooden fences are better than chain length ones because it's harder to climb over them. Also, safeguard your pets from a coyote digging under the fence by burying large rocks outside the fence line.

Supervise your pet outdoors - Never leave your pets alone when outdoors. By supervising them, you can reduce the odds of an attack. Walk your dog for nightly potty breaks before dark, as nighttime is the most likely time for coyotes to be on the prowl. Make your cats outside pets if you live in an area susceptible to wildlife, such as woods.

Make noise on walks - By making loud noises outside, you'll discourage a coyote from coming close. It's also best to have others join you when walking your dog.

Never leave food or garbage outside - Make sure your garbage cans are stored safely in your garage and bring in all pet food and water dishes. Get rid of any birdseed houses as this can also invite unwanted wildlife to your yard.

Neuter your dog - Because they belong to the canine family, coyotes can mate with unaltered domestic dogs. The scent of an unsprayed female dog in heat can easily lure a male coyote. On the other hand, male dogs can be attracted to female coyotes. Therefore, dog owners should spray or neuter their pets to prevent a possible tragedy, especially if they live in wooded areas.

Pick fruit off trees - It's better if you don't have fruit trees if you have pets. However, if you do, be sure and pick the fruit so as not to entice coyotes to your property.

Protecting Your Pets from Bears

The same advice for protecting your pets from wolves and coyotes can also be applied to bears as well. An additional caution would be to avoid building a fence near trees because bears can easily climb trees and then jump into a yard.

Wildlife is Moving into the Suburbs

With more land being developed, wild animals have become the concern of suburban pet owners, so it's not rare anymore to see wildlife such as coyotes, wolves and even bears appearing in suburban neighborhoods.

Don't Live in Fear

Finally, don't live in fear. If you do everything possible to reduce the chances of an attack by a wild animal, then relax. When you're always fearful of a disaster, you don't enjoy your pets, either.