6 Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe From Coyotes

July 22, 2017

6 ways to keep your dog safe from coyotes

While it may be tempting to let your dog out in the backyard when you’re busy with other things, there’s one good reason why this is a bad idea: coyotes.

 

A number of sightings in the spring prompted a community watch in and around the city, and in some parks, you’ll see posters warning you of coyotes and what to do if you see one. 

 

The Coyote At Home 

 

Popular in and around ravines, coyotes are no strangers to the city and suburbs. Several reports around the GTA involving coyotes and small dogs prove it’s a very real threat. 

 

One lady in the Beaches lost both her cat and her dog to a coyote snatching. A couple from Mississauga reported their dog missing, presumed dead, after finding a trail of blood in their back garden and seeing a coyote. Yes, even in the city, you need to worry about coyotes and your pets’ safety. 

 

While spring and fall are the most popular times to see coyotes, you can encounter them anytime during the year, day or evening, especially near ravines. They are cunning animals who have learned to coexist with humans, living off their scraps and garbage. Non-confrontational in nature, the coyote approaches a house with only one purpose in mind: easy access to food. Unfortunately, this can also include your beloved dog or cat. 

 

So what do you do?

 

Animal Services recommend several measures you can take to reduce the risk of attracting coyotes to your backyard:

 

6 Measures To Keep Coyotes Away

  1. Get rid of garbage from around your house, especially food-related refuse.
  2. Get rid of bird feeders (sorry!) because they attract small rodents – coyotes’ favourite snack.
  3. Never leave your dog or cat out in the yard unsupervised.
  4. Never feed your dog outside or leave their food outdoors, including treats and bones.
  5. Keep meat and animal products out of composters.
  6. Get into the habit of putting your garbage out in the morning.

 

What To Do If You Encounter A Coyote?

 

  • Stand tall facing the animal with your arms out wide.
  • Never turn your back on a coyote.
  • Never run away from a coyote, as their instinct is to chase.
  • Make lots of noise by shouting, clapping your hands, and stomping your feet.
  • Throw stones and sticks at the coyote.
  • If you have an umbrella, opening it up in the coyote’s direction can be very effective at scaring him off.
  • Maintain eye contact with the coyote as you back away slowly.

 

Though the thought of your dog meeting a coyote doesn’t bear thinking about, the chances are quite high. If you do happen to see a coyote, call the city, or visit your town’s website for more information. Above all, never leave your dog outside unsupervised.

 

by Natalie Secretan
Professional Dog Walker
PuppyDogCapers.com

 

Photo credit: NPS/Hallie Larsen 11-25-16_6002 - Coyote (Canis Iatrans)