VPI reviewed reports of more than 500 wounded pets to figure out which wild animals are most likely to attack cats and dogs as they roam the 'hood.
Top 10 Animals To Attack Pets
1. Snakes
2. Coyotes
3. Raccoons
4. Squirrels
5. Scorpions
6. Javelinas
7. Porcupines
8. Groundhogs
9. Skunks
10. Rats
Attacks by javelinas (pig-like mammals also known as peccaries) and scorpion stings were isolated to the state of Arizona, but between snakes, skunks, rats and raccoons, curious pets can get into trouble with wildlife just about anywhere.
"Whether in urban or rural areas, pet owners should be aware of the danger posed by wild animals," Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI, said in the report. "Always make sure that a pet's rabies vaccine is up to date. And if you know that potentially dangerous wild animals are present or you're in an unfamiliar area, take extra care to keep your pet close and secure."
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Living in the Southwest, we sem to have more than our share of these critters. We also have toxic river toads which, while they don't attack, emit a toxin that can kill a dog if he mouths it.
I dont think people with small dogs are aware of the dangers of critters. The article didnt mention HAWKS!!
I have read small dogs have been snatched by them.I asked my vet and she confirmed this could happen.
If your dog is rabbit size i would be careful letting it outside alone.
If you would just keep your pets inside of the house away from these animals then you wouldn't have these problems.
So just let the dog relieve themself in the house ??
can you please tell all of us what the other animales are?
our toy poodle was attacked and killed last week by a bob cat, we live in norhtern Arizona
I have 2 sheds in my back yard and underneath each, lives a groundhog. My dog (rodesian ridgeback / doberman mix) is obcessed with the 2 critters. He lovessss them and doesn't understand why they won't play. Of course when they see him they each run under their own sheds and the dog lays by the sheds hoping they will come out again. I did not know that groundhogs would attack a dog. They always just run away. Reading this article makes me think I need to eradicate them from the property now. How does one get rid of groundhogs??? I have had groundhogs every summer for the past 10 years. I always liked having them around but now have second thoughts!
In florida is alligators,which will gobble up dogs,cats any other animal that gets too near lakes,ponds,tall grass,and creeks . Tourists often get too close to the water's edge as well,stay on the sidewalks
My sister rescued a small cat and of course had her spayed and set up everything in her house to keep her inside, but she would even slip out when carrying in groceries, etc.. She just did not want to be a house cat. One evening she got out and that was the last time my sister seen her, but the neighbor lady said she was out with her little poodle and an Owl flew out of a tree and tried to catch her little dog that evening, so don't forget the owls in this class.
As a large dog owner ,I recently rescued a chihuahua and pomeranian not realizing that they are at risk of being lunch for other animals, believe it or not I have had hawks and owls swoop down while I was out there with them ..When we go out now I am not more than 3' away from them, with a baseball bat ,just in case..
Last night, well actually this morning around one thirty, my mom heard my little dog outside growling. i awoke to hear my little brother crying his eyes out and ran outside to the back and my dog had been bitten almost taken away by some big animal. my mom saw it and at first we thought it was a coyote but then my mom said it was too big to be one. sadly after being bitten my Dodger died after 5-7 minutes. i believe the dumb animal that hurt him broke his spine and ribs :( and for this i think all small dogs should be left indoors during the night. losing my doggy has been thee hardest thing EVER! :(