Coyotes are responsible for the deaths of dozens of beloved pets each year. Thankfully, the American Kennel Club and other animal welfare organizations provide advice to help pet owners in coyote-prone areas keep their dogs safe.
Misconception: Coyotes only hunt at night
Many people assume that coyotes are strictly nocturnal and only pose a threat to pets at night, but this is a common misconception. While coyotes have excellent night vision, they do not follow a strict nocturnal schedule. This means pet owners must take precautions during the day as well—especially in rural areas, where lower human activity makes these environments more inviting to coyotes.
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One of the easiest ways to avoid any run-ins with coyotes is to clear any dog poop from your backyard or property. The coyotes might be attracted by the smell, and if you ensure your yard is poop free, you can avoid encounters between your pet and the predator.
Exploiting the fears of the coyote
For those concerned about encountering a coyote while walking their dog, there are several measures that can help protect your pet. The first and most important is keeping your dog on a leash to maintain control.
Sassafras Patterdale, a certified dog trainer writing for the American Kennel Club, explained that “most coyotes are wary of people and won’t attack your dog if your pet is close to you.”
Patterdale also recommends carrying a whistle or bell on walks, as noise can help “scare off a lingering coyote.”
The American Kennel Club also encourages pet owners to consider a coyote vest, which can be especially useful for protecting small dogs. These vests feature spikes or reinforced materials that make it harder for a coyote to bite down, giving pets a better chance of escaping unharmed.
Bolstering the security of your backyard
Although coyotes can be active at any time of day, they are more likely to enter backyards at night when human activity is minimal. To prevent this, it’s important to create a secure outdoor environment for your pet.
PetsPlayGround, a company specializing in pet fences, offers insight into barriers designed specifically to keep coyotes and other predators off your property. One of the most effective features is heavy steel mesh, which is both durable and difficult for coyotes to chew through.
To further strengthen the fence’s effectiveness, the company recommends installing it a few feet underground, as coyotes are skilled diggers and may attempt to burrow underneath if the fence is not properly secured.
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