The 4 Dangers Wild Animals Pose to Your Pets

If you’re a pet owner, your pet is likely more than just an animal to you; it’s a member of your family that you must care for and protect. While you understand that it’s important for your four-legged friends to get outside each day and stretch their legs, explore nature, get some exercise, and do their business, there is unfortunately not much you can do to protect your pet from outdoor dangers such as wild animals—aside from fencing in your yard and keeping your pet on a close leash. Before you let your pets run free on your property, be observant of the presence of wild animals and some of the following dangers that they can pose to your pets. 

1. Wild Animals Can Bite and Attack Your Pets

Wild animals are not looking to fight with your pet; they are in search of quick access to food, water, and shelter. However, if startled, approached, or provoked by your curious pet, wild animals may attack. Animals like raccoons have sharp claws and teeth that can cause significant wounds to your beloved pet. In such situations, small dogs and cats are especially at risk. 

2. Wild Animals Can Spread Disease to Your Pets

In addition to physically harming your furry friends, wild animals can spread infectious diseases to pets that get too close. Wildlife such as rats, mice, armadillos, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and bats carry diseases that could result in the death of your pet, such as:

• Leptospirosis
• Heartworms
• Rabies
• Chagas disease
• Tuberculosis

If your pet suffers a bite or scratch from a wild animal, have them checked by their vet immediately.

3. Wild Animals Can Infest Your Pets With Parasites

Wild animals are known to carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites that can attach to your pets and infect them with the disease. Fleas from wild animal exposure can quickly infest your pet, your home, and you—if left untreated. Tick bites can spread Lyme disease which results in depression, lameness, loss of appetite, and renal failure in domesticated pets. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, you should get in the practice of frequently checking it for ticks and fleas.

4. Wild Animals Can Starve Your Pets

Hungry critters will head straight to the easiest source of food and water they can find, and the pet bowls on your front or back porch looks like a free buffet. Your pets could be missing meals and become malnourished and emaciated if wild animals are constantly emptying their food bowls. Common pet bowl scavengers like raccoons and opossums are nocturnal, so, to keep them from feasting on your pet’s food, get in the habit of bringing your pet bowls inside at night. Removing fallen fruit and securely sealing your trash will also help to reduce the presence of wild animals on your property.

Critter Control of Polk County Are Your Trusted Wild Animal Removal Experts

Coming in contact with nuisance wildlife can be dangerous for both you and your pets. Fortunately, the licensed and trained technicians at Critter Control® of Polk County have the tools and experience to help keep your entire household safe from invasive wildlife.

If you’re concerned you have wild animals living on your property or inside your home, contact us today at 863-204-2815 to schedule your free inspection.