Do Coyotes Attack Dogs? How To Protect Your Dog

Living in the countryside or on the edge of town comes with its charms. Imagine having acres of space all to yourself, enjoying the sparkle of stars on a clear summer night, and listening to the soothing sounds of crickets and cicadas. Among these familiar countryside sounds, the distant howl of coyotes often echoes through the night.

But the world is changing, and with it, the behavior of coyotes. These clever creatures are getting braver, wandering into towns and cities, looking for food and new territories. This means our four-legged friends, who used to roam fairly safely even in urban areas, are now facing a new threat: the increasing risk of coyote attacks.

If you have a furry companion at home, you’re probably concerned about keeping them safe from these wild visitors. Keep reading to discover more about the rise of urban coyotes and pick up some helpful tips on how to protect your beloved pets.

Do Coyotes Attack Dogs?

Yes, coyotes can sometimes go after dogs, but let’s put this into perspective. Instances of coyotes attacking dogs are less common than you might think, with most of these rare occurrences happening during winter, which is coyote breeding season.

As cities expand and homes push into coyote territories, these adaptable animals are getting used to being near humans. Usually, coyotes keep their distance from people, but they’re becoming braver and less shy with more contact. This boldness is particularly noticeable when they’re searching for food or during their mating and birthing seasons.

Small dogs are usually the ones at risk. A coyote might see a tiny dog or a puppy as a potential meal (coyotes can and do eat dogs). However, it’s worth noting that predators typically prefer hunting prey animals over other predators, like dogs.

Given the number of coyotes and dogs living near each other in many places, the overall risk remains relatively low. Most attacks have been reported in backyards—whether the dogs were alone or with their owners—and during walks in the park.

Ways to Protect Your Dog From Coyote Attacks

So, what steps can you take if coyotes are known to roam your neighborhood? Being cautious is key, especially when letting your small dog outside. We’ve put together some practical advice to help you keep your dogs safe from possible coyote encounters:

Install a Fence Around Your Yard

A fence might not be an ironclad guarantee against coyote visits since these clever critters can either dig under or scale over obstacles when pushed. However, a sturdy fence does lower the chances of a coyote dropping by. If you’ve got a yard, aim for a robust fence that keeps your dog out of sight from those outside.

A tall, solid fence acts as a significant deterrent, blocking many potential attacks, though it’s not foolproof. Crafting a fence that’s completely coyote-proof might stretch your budget too thin.

When it comes to fencing, consider one that’s solid, stands about 6 feet tall, and extends at least 18 inches underground to thwart any digging attempts. Coyotes are skilled climbers, so adding an anti-climbing measure like barbed wire or a PVC pipe roller at the top is wise. The smooth, round surface of a PVC pipe makes it tough for coyotes to get a grip.

Adding an outward-facing overhang to the fence can further enhance security. For a less intimidating look, coyote rollers—aluminum rods that spin under a coyote’s weight to prevent them from getting over—are effective without adding a fortress-like feel to your home.

Eliminate Coyote Food Sources

Keeping coyotes away starts with a tidy yard. Make sure to clean up and remove food sources promptly. Overflowing trash bins and pet food left outside can attract unwanted visitors, so it’s best to feed your outdoor pets inside or in a garage if coyotes are known to roam your area.

If you’re someone who loves watching birds and have a bird feeder, just remember that coyotes can hunt birds, potentially increasing the likelihood of an encounter.

It’s a common misconception that coyotes only eat meat. In reality, they’re not picky eaters at all. Urban coyotes have been known to snack on pets, sure, but they also have a taste for watermelons, grapes, figs, and fallen apples, among other things.

So, if coyotes are a concern in your neighborhood, it might be a good idea to protect your vegetable garden with a fence.

Steer Clear of Coyote Hideouts

Coyotes love to sneak around in underbrush and bushes, so keeping these areas trimmed on your property can prevent them from finding a cozy spot to ambush. Make sure to block off any inviting spaces under porches, decks, or sheds by sealing them off or using underground fencing to stop coyotes from digging their way in.

When you’re out for a walk with your dog, try to stay on clear, open trails and avoid straying off the path. Keep an eye out for open storm drains and uncovered culverts in your area where coyotes might be hiding. Even if you don’t bump into a coyote, just wandering into their territory can make them see you as a threat.

Keep Your Dog Indoors

It’s wise to keep pets, especially small dogs, indoors as they are often viewed as easy prey by coyotes. Feeding animals outside, like feral cat colonies, can also attract coyotes, essentially providing them with a convenient food source.

Such feeding practices not only supplement the coyotes’ diets but also support a larger coyote population.

If you can’t supervise your dog outdoors, it’s safest to keep them inside, particularly if your yard isn’t securely fenced. This precaution keeps them safe from coyote encounters.

Assert Your Dominance

It’s crucial to establish a sense of dominance over coyotes; they understand and respond to these social cues. Coyotes are familiar with humans and vehicles, so if you spot one in your yard, it’s effective to actively scare it away.

Rush into your yard, make a lot of noise by yelling or banging pots, and even throw objects in its direction. This behavior teaches the coyote that your space is off-limits and that they can’t roam freely in your yard or neighborhood.

Keep an Eye on Your Pets

When walking your dog, always keep it on a leash to ensure its safety. It’s also wise to carry something that makes a loud noise, like an air horn, or have a preventive spray on hand. Most incidents where dogs are attacked involve those that are off-leash or not closely watched. Having your dog on a leash and your presence can significantly deter coyotes from approaching.

Coyote encounters are more frequent in winter, but it’s important to stay vigilant throughout the year since coyotes are always around. Late summer can also see an uptick in activity as the pups born in the current breeding season mature and start exploring independently.

Protecting your pet is crucial. Many people have reported coyote attacks as sudden, saying the coyote “came out of nowhere” to snatch their pets.

Night Time Precautions

To keep coyotes at bay, focus on nighttime precautions since they’re most active after dark. Avoid leaving pets unattended outside at night; bring outdoor cats indoors and securely shut them in a garage until morning. If you have pet doors, ensure they are closed and locked until daylight.

For added backyard security, consider installing motion-sensor lights aimed outside your fence perimeter. These lights will illuminate if a coyote approaches, often deterring them from entering your yard. It’s a simple yet effective way to ward off potential nighttime visitors.

Alert Authorities to Coyote Sightings

Reporting any coyote sightings is a proactive step toward keeping both you and your neighbors informed and vigilant. This action not only heightens community awareness but also equips animal control with valuable data.

They can use this information to potentially capture and relocate coyotes that pose a threat to humans and pets. It’s important to act responsibly and to encourage others in your community to report sightings as well. This collective effort can make your neighborhood a safer place for everyone.

Conclusion

It’s crucial to understand the risks of coyote attacks, especially for small pets. Coyotes tend to target loose dogs, making it essential to keep your dog safe by supervising them in your own yard.

Remember that coyotes are opportunistic feeders and may be attracted to fruit trees or leftover food, so be mindful of what you leave out. By taking precautions and keeping your pets safe, you can help minimize the chances of a coyote attack.