I live in an area that's in the suburbs but has some open space and trails in the neighborhood. I was told by someone that my dog could be taken from my backyard by a hawk or some other animal. Is that true and what do I have to look out for? Do I need to worry about possums and raccoons? What other airborne animals could take him? Can I never let him out in the yard by himself? Is it safe when he gets to be a certain weight? I don't want to lose my little guy.
2007-01-03 06:05:38 · 13 answers · asked by Maryl 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, it is true. I have 5 Chihuahuas and I never leave them outside alone .Chihuahuas are mainly indoor dogs. Just go outside with them so they can do their duty, and keep your eyes and ears open for any predators. As long as they are being supervised, you shouldn't have to worry about it, they should be fine.
2007-01-03 09:55:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the same with me but we have a padio with walls but it is still dangerous.
My neighbor, in her bush she has possums in her bush and it had a baby..
A hawk comes every week or so to my fence in my backyard so i get my dog away from it.
I live behind a school and people around my neighborhood said the coyate comes to the school alot and I saw one on my neighbors lawn and so the animal control came and they told us it had rabies.. And it comes in morning afternoon and about 6:00 in my neighborhood. There were once 3 coyates in someones big tree but you wouldnt be able to see them because the tree has alot of branches
So what I am saying is that it could go out but make sure your dog is being watched full tume.
It is not so safe if he is by himself..
2007-01-03 06:29:09 · answer #2 · answered by sarah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Predator trouble with small breed dogs can be a problem. You really need to keep an eye on your surroundings and your pet. When I was younger the people who lived next door to us had a miniature poodle that was taken by a owl in the evening. They saw the whole thing happen and there was nothing that could be done. Also, if you have coyotes in the area they can be a problem. Talk to your neighbors and see if they've had any trouble.
2007-01-03 06:11:46 · answer #3 · answered by Kathleen M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're that worried, go to a garden center and pick up bird netting and cover your backyard or dog run with it. Hawks, coyotes, bobcats, even mountain lions have figured out where easy food can be obtained. You never know when they might get a taste for a little mexican food!
2007-01-03 06:16:01 · answer #4 · answered by sparkletina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Had a friend whose dog had a litter of puppies (chinese crested) and one was so small she could get through the diamond shaped links in the cyclone fence. They especially had to worry because there was a drought that year and lots of birds out searching for food and water. If you live in an area with a lot of birds of prey, I'd be careful about letting him out at least til he is full grown.
2007-01-03 06:14:25 · answer #5 · answered by mei-lin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is quite common for very small (and not so small) dogs to be attacked by wildlife. I've heard numerous cases of small dogs being carried of by hawks and the like, also by coyotes and other land predators. In my area, fishers (weasel-type animal) are a big problem, they take a lot of cats and small dogs, even killed a collie mix and has been known to kill deer and sheep.
2007-01-03 06:13:59 · answer #6 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've heard someone talking about how their little dog almost got picked up by a hawk. Scary thing. Just remember, alway walk him on a leash and always stay close to him when he's outside. When you walk him, make sure you have him as close as possible to you (without the risk of stepping on him).
2007-01-03 06:13:56 · answer #7 · answered by mushroompumpkin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in the country and a few weeks ago my hubby had my cairn Terrier pup outside. In a tree in our yard was an eagle watching my pup. My neighbor has a Yorkie that the same eagle tried to get. Keep your pet close to you. Eagles and other big animals can and do catch and kill small dogs.
2007-01-03 08:45:36 · answer #8 · answered by grandmaohno02 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True story... A field near my childhood home was developed into housing and the several fox that called it home were forced into the surrounding ravines. Then, one by one, area cats started to go missing. Not long after that kids started finding them pulled apart in the ravines. The fox were living on mice and other small field rodents but that sourced dried up when their homes were destroyed by the developing. I don't blame the fox but it shows that it can and does happen.
2007-01-03 06:31:59 · answer #9 · answered by Moon Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have a Yorkie.. and we do have to watch for bigger predators. For instance, bob cats, hawks, etc... you don't need to worry about possums or coons.. but.. keep an eye on your dog...
2007-01-03 06:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by tootsie38 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋