Regardless of whether you live in the city, a suburb, or a more rural area of Ohio, it’s important to know how to keep your pets safe from wildlife. The fact is that wildlife spotting and the potential for interactions – and attacks – is very real, even in the most idyllic communities. There is plenty of local wildlife from hawks to coyotes, with Ohio’s animal population posing a challenge for pet owners who want to ensure their animals are safe and comfortable.
To keep your pets out of harm’s way, consider these wildlife safety tips:
1. Stay Informed About Local Wildlife
- Know Local Wildlife: Start by understanding the types of animals that roam in your area and learn their habits to anticipate potential risks. Even if the most likely encounter is with a raccoon or a skunk, your pet is still at risk of being injured or contracting a disease like rabies if things go awry.
- Monitor wildlife sightings in your community.
2. Make Outdoor Time Safer
- Keep Pets on a Leash: When walking dogs, always use a leash, especially in areas where wildlife is common.
- Be Aware: Especially during dawn and dusk when predators are most active. If you are on a walk or run, stick to well-populated trails and be vigilant of any recent wildlife sightings in the area.
3. Secure Your Yard
- Landscaping: Areas with heavy brush are prime wildlife habitat. Keep your yard manicured to avoid creating an unintentional forest. Trees also present a hazard when it comes to attracting birds of prey Prune trees regularly to avoid any unwanted backyard guests.
- Fencing: Install a secure fence that’s tall and buried several inches into the ground to deter digging. If coyotes are prevalent in your area, consider a coyote roller on top of the fence.
- Remove Attractants: Keeping a clean yard isn’t simply great for boosting your property’s value, it’s a must for providing a safe environment for your pets to roam. Garbage attracts predators who pose a threat to your outdoor cat or backyard-loving dog.
4. Use Deterrents
- Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers: These can startle and potentially scare off wildlife if they come into your yard, especially nocturnal animals like coyotes.
- Natural Repellents: Use products with smells that deter animals (can create a barrier around your property.
- Defense Tools: Carry a whistle, air horn, or pepper spray during walks to deter aggressive wildlife.
5. Vaccinate and Microchip
- Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date, especially for rabies.
- Microchipping helps locate lost pets if they are chased or injured by wildlife.
Taking a few simple precautions and staying alert can go a long way in keeping wildlife at a safe distance and protecting your pets. Of course, emergencies can still happen, so be sure to have the contact information for your local animal control or wildlife rescue services on hand.
