How To Keep Your Dog Safe From Coyotes
Friday, June 14, 2019 11:32:08 AM America/Los_Angeles
The news of a coyote attack on a dog has some pet owners nervous about letting their own animals outisde the home unsupervised. Others aren't as worried as they're aware of the recent coyotes attacks in their neighborhood, but will not take any precaution against such a rare occurrence.
Of course, the right reaction is that you should be concern when walking or letting your dog outside, especially in the summer months. The threat of encountering a coyote has gone through everyone's mind even if the chances are rare or highly unlikely. Still, it's important to take the necessary precautions to keep your dog safe from coyotes.
Avoid Off-Leash Walks in High-Risk Locations
In the summertime, dogs love the freedom of walking on trails or pathways without their leashes. But, with the growing threat of coyotes in the area, a leash might save your pet's life. Coyotes rarely try to engage contact with human beings, but that changes if an unattended dog is put into the equation. The odds become greater of an attack if your pet is off their leash. Remember, both animals are faster than humans, so your reaction time to intervene in such a confrontation is zero.
Never leave your dog unattended in a high-risk location. You're the owner, so it's your job to make sure their safe and out of harm's way from a possible attack by a coyote. Try to avoid walking your dog in the twilight hours as coyotes become more active at night. However if you must walk them at night, it might be better to walk your dog in a well-lit park or use a flash light that pointed ahead of you to dissuade a coyote from coming out of the bushes to startle you. Also, it wouldn't hurt to carry a whistle or small horn on your body to startle any would-be predators.
What to Do When Encountering a Coyote
If you encounter a coyote during your walk, remain calm at all times. Running away will cause them to chase after you, it's better to stand tall and imposing as possible. You do this by unzipping your jacket and holding it wide open. Start yelling and waving your arms aggressively at the coyote, then begin to stomp your feet to startle the animal. Usually, the coyote will retreat, but continue to walk backwards until your party has reached a safe location. After returning home, call the local authorities to report the incident. This will help to alert other pet owners on the danger and set a perimeter of where the coyote is traveling. Coyotes become a danger to all when they become comfortable in their new surroundings and lose fear of coming into contact with human beings. Remember, your actions will prevent coyotes from coming back into your nieighborhood at night.
Maintain Your Backyard
It's important to take better care of your pet's surroundings. Regularly maintain your backyard and pick up your dog's poop. The scent of their waste will attract coyotes onto your property. Keep your trees trimmed, removed overgrown scrubbery and fallen branches on the ground as these items are used by coyotes to camouflage themselves before attacking an unsuspecting dog roaming around in the backyard. A total cleanup of all debris prevents coyotes from having enough materials to hide from view. Food is a major attractor of coyotes, so try not to leave your pet's food bowl out on the porch, especially at night. Also, remove all leftover food from your outdoor table after cooking on a grill. Finally, if you're unable to keep a close eye on your pet in the backyard, then it's best to leave them inside the home. You should purchase an indoor dog potty such as a DoggieLawn. DoggieLawn is REAL GRASS delivered to your doorstep. You can keep it inside your home or, if you have an upstairs balcony, or on a well lit porch under supervision. This is the best solution for night time. It's best to remain in your home with your dog when the coyotes are out. DoggieLawn starts at just $26/lawn and one piece lasts up to a month or more!
Extend Your Backyard Fence
As human population grows and home developers continue to build in wilderness areas, it's inevitable that we will come into contact with a coyote. Coyotes are exceptional climbers, so make sure your backyard fence is at least eight feet high and a minimum of two feet deep underneath the surface of the property. This should prevent a coyote from making an underground entry into your backyard. If you live a high-risk location, you may want to consider placing barb wire or PVC piping a top of your fence to make it impossible for coyotes and other dangerous predators from trespassing on your property and endangering your dog's life. The fence materials must make it difficult for a coyote to gain a solid grip that assists them climbing over the top of the fence. This type of tactic will also confine your pet onto the property as well. Plus, the installation of motion-sensor light system will help to discourage a coyote from entering your property. Usually, the lights will turn on once movement has been detected.
