How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Wildlife

How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Wildlife: Our pets, whether cats, dogs, or other animals, are beloved members of the family. As pet owners, we take every possible step to ensure their safety, including ensuring they have the right diet, exercise, and medical care. However, one area that often requires extra attention is the potential for encounters between pets and wildlife.

Whether living in rural areas, suburban neighborhoods, or even urban settings, wildlife and domestic animals often cross paths, and these encounters can sometimes be dangerous for your pets.

From venomous snakes and aggressive animals to diseases like rabies and parasites, the risks posed by wildlife are very real. Fortunately, with some thoughtful planning and preventative measures, you can help reduce the likelihood of these encounters and protect your pets from harm.

1. Understanding the Risks of Wildlife Encounters

Before we dive into safety measures, it’s essential to understand the risks that wildlife poses to pets. These risks can vary depending on where you live, the species of animals in your area, and the specific type of pet you have. Here are some of the primary dangers that wildlife poses to domestic animals:

• Aggressive Behavior: Some wild animals, like coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and even wild cats, can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or if they are protecting their territory or young. Pets, particularly small ones, may be seen as prey, or may provoke an attack if they get too close.
• Venomous Creatures: Depending on your location, venomous snakes, spiders, and insects can be a serious threat. These creatures can bite or sting your pet, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. Some venomous species include rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, and scorpions.
• Parasites and Diseases: Wildlife are known carriers of various diseases and parasites that can harm your pets. Rabies, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and mange are just a few examples of conditions that can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or other forms of contact. Additionally, ticks, fleas, and mites carried by wildlife can infect your pets with harmful parasites.
• Food and Poisoning Hazards: Wild animals sometimes leave behind remnants of food that could poison your pet. Dead animals, rotting carcasses, or spoiled food can contain harmful bacteria, fungi, or toxic substances that can make your pet sick.

2. Preventative Measures to Keep Pets Safe Around Wildlife

While encounters between pets and wildlife cannot always be avoided, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of these encounters happening in the first place.

1. Secure Your Property and Fencing

One of the best ways to keep your pets safe from wildlife is to ensure that your property is secure and that they can’t roam freely into dangerous areas.

• Fencing: A well-built fence can keep your pets safe from larger wildlife that might try to enter your yard, like coyotes, deer, or even other stray animals. Fences should be at least 4-6 feet high for dogs, with no gaps large enough for them to slip through. Make sure there are no weak spots, and consider burying the bottom of the fence underground to prevent animals from digging under.
• Gates and Latches: Make sure all gates are securely latched to prevent wildlife from entering or your pet from wandering out. Also, ensure there are no openings, even small ones, that could allow your pet to escape.
• Avoid Attractants: Keep trash bins securely closed and avoid leaving pet food outside, as these can attract animals. Raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife are often drawn to these food sources, putting your pet at risk.

2. Supervise Outdoor Time

If your pets spend time outside in areas where wildlife is common, make sure they are always supervised. This is especially important for dogs, which may be curious and attempt to chase or investigate wild animals. Cats, too, should be monitored, especially if they’re allowed outdoors, as they may be drawn to hunting or exploring, putting them in close proximity to dangerous creatures.

• Leash Walking: When walking your dog, always use a leash, particularly in areas where wild animals are known to be present. A leash gives you control over your dog’s movements, preventing them from running off and potentially encountering dangerous wildlife.
• Play Areas: If you have a designated play area or pet enclosure for your dog or cat, make sure it’s secure and free of any potential threats. It’s also essential to check the area regularly for signs of wild animals (e.g., droppings, tracks, or nesting sites).

3. Educate Yourself About Local Wildlife

Understanding the wildlife in your area is crucial to preventing dangerous encounters. Some areas are home to specific types of wild animals, and knowing which creatures to watch out for can help you take proactive measures to protect your pets.

• Venomous Snakes: In some regions, venomous snakes like rattlesnakes or copperheads may be common. Learn how to identify these snakes and what to do if you encounter one.
• Wildlife Behavior: Learn the behaviors of animals like coyotes, raccoons, and foxes. Coyotes, for example, are known to be more active at dawn and dusk, so it’s a good idea to keep your pets inside during these times.
• Diseases: Be aware of the diseases that are prevalent in your area, such as rabies, which can be transmitted through bites or scratches from wild animals. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of these diseases can help you seek medical treatment for your pet quickly if needed.

4. Use Preventative Products

There are several products available that can help prevent encounters between pets and wildlife, or reduce the risk of harm if an encounter does occur.

• Tick and Flea Prevention: Wild animals can carry parasites like ticks and fleas, which can be transmitted to your pet. Ensure that your pet is on a regular flea and tick prevention program, including topical treatments, collars, or oral medications. Talk to your vet about the best options for your pet.
• Rabies Vaccination: Make sure your pet is up to date on their rabies vaccination. Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease that can be transmitted through the saliva of infected wildlife. Regular vaccinations help prevent your pet from contracting rabies if bitten by a wild animal.
• Wildlife Deterrents: Certain devices can deter wildlife from entering your yard. Motion-sensing lights, ultrasonic animal repellents, or sprinklers can scare away animals like raccoons, skunks, or even deer.

3. What to Do If Your Pet Encounters Wildlife

Even with the best preventative measures in place, encounters with wildlife can still occur. If your pet comes into contact with a wild animal, here’s what you should do:

1. Assess the Situation Quickly

• If your pet is being attacked by a wild animal, intervene immediately. However, be cautious when approaching. Wild animals can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially if they are injured or protecting their young.
• If the encounter involves venomous snakes, spiders, or other potentially dangerous creatures, maintain a safe distance and remove your pet from the area as quickly as possible.

2. Seek Veterinary Care

• After an encounter with wildlife, it’s important to take your pet to the veterinarian, even if the injury seems minor. Bites, scratches, or exposure to parasites could result in infections or diseases.
• If your pet was bitten by a wild animal, you should seek veterinary care immediately, especially if rabies is a concern. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but prompt treatment after exposure may help prevent the disease.

3. Monitor for Symptoms

• After an encounter, closely monitor your pet for any unusual behavior or symptoms. Signs of illness, such as lethargy, fever, or aggression, could indicate that your pet was exposed to a disease. If you notice any changes, contact your vet right away.

FAQs

What should I do if my dog is bitten by a wild animal?

If your dog is bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary care. Rabies and other infections are a concern, so prompt treatment and vaccination may be necessary.

How can I prevent my cat from encountering wildlife?

Supervise your cat while outdoors, or keep it indoors as much as possible to reduce the risk of encountering wildlife. You can also create a safe outdoor enclosure for your cat.

Are there any repellents for keeping wildlife away from my yard?

Yes, there are motion-sensing lights, ultrasonic devices, and sprinklers that can deter wildlife from entering your yard. You can also use natural repellents like cayenne pepper or predator urine to keep animals away.

How can I protect my pet from venomous snakes?

If you live in an area with venomous snakes, consider keeping your pet on a leash during walks and avoiding areas where snakes are known to reside. You can also train your dog to avoid snakes and use snake-proofing for fences.

How do I know if my pet has contracted a disease from wildlife?

Symptoms of wildlife-related diseases in pets include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and aggression. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.