Keeping Your Pet Safe from Predators
Predators can live and prey upon our pets anywhere; we don’t need to reside in a rural setting. From coyotes, to birds and even other domesticated animals, predators are everywhere and we as owners must do what we can to protect our pets. Even those species that we may not think of as predators can be a danger to our animals – insects and reptiles can cause health problems or fatal attacks if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Keep your Space Secure
The safest thing that we can do for our pets for outdoor play is to give them access to a fenced in area for them to romp around in. Though, there are wild animals that can climb over and under a fence, by following all precautionary methods, a fence should be enough of a deterrent for these animals.
Clean up Food and Waste
One of the biggest invitations for wild animals is the smell of food and animal waste. To keep your pet safe, keep a clean and clutter free area around your home and make sure never to leave any food products outside. If you have rodents in your home or yard, you’ll want to take care of the problem immediately, as rodents can bring snakes and other predators into your yard.
Don’t Leave your Pet outside Overnight
Keeping your pet in the backyard overnight may not be safe, especially in rural areas. If your pets are accustomed to being outdoors and are able to defend themselves, such as a larger dog breed, remaining outside overnight can be okay, if the pet has access to proper shelter and protection. However, keeping smaller animals outside unsupervised is not advised.
Be Prepared for Outdoor Activities
When you are engaging in outdoor activities that don’t offer a secure environment for your pet to roam freely (fenced in area), be sure to keep them on their leash at all times. Not only do leashes protect your pet, but they can also protect other animals. Toy or miniature dogs should never be left off of a leash outdoors even in a fenced area, little dogs can be a primary target for birds of prey. If you do happen to come across a predator, remain calm and don’t let your pet run toward the wild animal. Stomp your feet and make lots of noise to scare off the animal. Most importantly, avoid areas known for wild animal sightings.
Keep your Pet Vaccinated
One of the biggest threats that wild animals pose to your pet is rabies disease. Keeping your pet up to date on vaccinations will help protect them from this potentially fatal virus and other contractible diseases or infections if they do in fact come in contact with and are bitten by a wild and rabid animal.
Practicing caution and respecting wildlife are essential in protecting your beloved pet from danger of wildlife or the risk of becoming prey. To find out more on vaccinations or to find your “furever” friend, visit: premierpups.com.