Now that the weather is nicer, our pets want to be outdoors as much as possible. But for those who provide their pets with their own cat or dog door, this kind of freedom can put them at risk of wild animal encounters; and in this area, raccoons are the ones to watch out for. Not only do raccoons have long sharp claws and teeth, they are also common carriers of several infectious diseases. Furthermore, they have human-like paws that allow them to grip and grasp just like us, giving them an added advantage when up against an opponent.
Whether you have a pet door for your little furry friend or not, there are several ways you can protect them from wild raccoons. Continue reading to learn how.
Raccoon Confrontations
Although raccoons are not out looking for confrontation, they can be aggressive in certain situations. A raccoon is more likely to attack when pregnant, provoked, threatened, sick, or protecting its young. Under these circumstances, a curious critter (like your dog or cat) could easily cross the line and make a raccoon feel uncomfortable, and therefore, prone to attack.
For these reasons, dogs and cats are more commonly victims of raccoon attacks than humans. And for this reason, you should do what you can to prevent wild animal encounters, and protect your furbearer from injuries and transmissible illnesses. There are several tips for protecting your pets from wild raccoons, but the most important ones are to get your pets vaccinated and lock your pet doors at night.
Get Your Pets Vaccinated
Pet vaccinations are vital, and one of the best ways you can show that you love your furry friend. Not only do vaccines protect against diseases transmitted by other wildlife, they also protect against a long list of other illnesses. Talk to your licensed veterinarian about your pet’s recommended vaccination schedule, and make an appointment right away to have them updated! Raccoons are common carriers of the Rabies virus, which is not curable once contracted. Keep this in mind when it comes to getting your pets vaccinated, annually.
Lock Pet Doors Between Dusk and Dawn
During the hours between sunset and sunrise is when raccoons and other four-legged nocturnal creatures are most active. This is when they are out hunting for food and looking for shelter. Unless you can fully monitor your dog or cat’s activities outside between dusk and dawn, it is advised that you do not allow them passage outdoors. Raccoons will visit a property over and over again until it no longer offers anything of interest. So to prevent raccoons from trespassing onto your property, you must make some changes. See our blog, “Here is Exactly Why You Have Nuisance Raccoons on Your Property” to learn which changes you need to make for your property.
Indianapolis Raccoon Control Assistance
If you do not want to live in fear of raccoon attacks forever, or cannot possibly keep your pet indoors all night without the freedom of a bathroom break (perhaps you work 3rd shift), you will need professional raccoon abatement to eliminate the presence of raccoons altogether. Call 317-535-4605 for professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists that offer a wide range of affordable animal removal services for commercial and residential properties.