While you likely do everything to protect your dog’s health, you may not consider regular raccoon control as a necessary step. However, these pests can attack dogs occasionally, and you should take some steps to prevent it. Below is more information about why this happens, as well how to protect your dog while they are outside.

Why Do Raccoons Attack Dogs?

Raccoons are intelligent creatures, so they won’t purposefully pick a fight with your dog. However, there are several reasons that it can still happen. The first is when they have an aggressive response to their fight or flight instincts. If a raccoon wanders onto your property and your dog corners them, they may attack to try and escape. While they will usually try to run away—especially if your dog is much larger—the raccoon may turn aggressive and attack if it does not see an escape route.

A raccoon can also attack a dog to protect a litter of babies. If your dog stumbles upon a raccoon’s shelter while roaming the property, the raccoon will take its presence as a threat and become aggressive.

Raccoons may also attack dogs over food sources. If you leave your dog’s food bowl outside, this provides a steady supply to any nearby pests. If a raccoon becomes used to this, it may try to steal food from the bowl while your dog is outside, and a fight can break out.

How to Protect Your Dog from Raccoon Attacks

One way to keep your dog safe from raccoons is to not let it roam around the property without a leash. When dogs are free to roam, they tend to chase wildlife, which can lead to a confrontation. Also, never let them roam during the night, as this is when raccoons are the most active.

There are also some raccoon control tactics you can employ to keep them away from your property. First, don’t leave any dog food outside, as this will draw the creatures to your property. Instead, feed your dog, then take the remaining food inside your home. Raccoons are also notorious for getting into trash bins while searching for food, so seal all of your containers.

 

If you notice raccoons near your home and worry about your dog’s safety, contact A.S.A.P. Critter People. We are a family-owned and -operated business and provide superior raccoon control services to Cincinnati, OH, residents. We can determine where these pests are coming from and set up preventative measures to remove and keep them away so that your dog is safe. Visit us online for more information about our services. Schedule an appointment by calling (513) 941-0258.