Protect Your Pooches From Wildlife

Earlier this week, Jessica Simpson’s beloved Maltipoo was snatched by a coyote “right in front of our eyes,” as she wrote on Twitter.

Simpson’s tragedy is not unique–in Los Angeles suburbs near fire-ravaged mountains, hungry coyotes have been seen wandering into neighborhoods in search of a meal. Coyote attacks on dogs have also occurred recently in Massachusetts and Colorado.

A coyote’s diet consists mainly of rodents, insects and small mammals. They can’t tell the difference between their natural prey and pets. So if you live near an area populated by coyotes or other wildlife, here are some tips for keeping your pooches safe.

To keep your dog safe at home:

• Construct a fence at least six feet tall around your property. It should be installed at an angle and with rollers on the top to help deter wildlife. Bury the fence at least one foot in the ground, with an apron base, so animals can’t dig under it.
• Keep the area around your house free of food sources such as bird feed, messy garbage cans or pet food. Food sources like these indicate to coyotes that if they enter your property, they will be rewarded with food.
• Keep your dog inside or secured outside in an enclosed kennel both day and night. Food and water bowls should be enclosed as well.

To keep your dog safe on a walk:

• Always use a leash.
• Carry a stick and a noisemaker such as an air horn, loud whistle or aluminum can filled with coins.
• Try not to follow the same route every day. Coyotes can pick up on patterns.
• If possible, walk in areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic. In the mountains, always stay on designated trails.

If you are approached by a coyote on your property or while on a walk, do the following:

• Coyotes have a natural fear of people. Make eye contact, yell, wave your arms over your head, throw things, use the noise makers mentioned above, spray them with a hose, and/or make yourself look as big and intimidating as possible. These actions will not only scare them off, but show them that your property is not available territory.
• If you’re walking your dog, keep your dog as close to you as possible and head toward an active area.
• Do not turn your back on a coyote.

For more information about protecting your pooches, visit these websites:

• Humane Society of the United States
• Los Angeles Animal Services

PHOTO: joeltelling