You love your small dog, and you’d do anything to protect it. Unfortunately, it may be a target of some dangerous birds of prey. So, how can you protect your dog from hawks and other birds of prey?
First thing’s first: assess your situation. If your dog is a puppy, you may only have to protect it from hawks and other birds of prey for a short time. However, if it is a smaller breed, you may have to consider long-term protection methods. Pet owners should never leave their dog alone outside if it’s vulnerable to an attack. Investing in protective gear or netting, and eliminating things like bird feeders, can also protect your dog from hawks and other birds of prey.
Critter Sitters takes protecting your dog seriously. While you’re out of town, our dog walkers and dog sitters can take care of your pup and protect it from hawks and other birds of prey. To learn more about the dedicated dog walkers and sitters at Critter Sitters, visit our website or call today at (404) 793-6178.
Does Your Dog Need Protection from Hawks and Other Birds of Prey?
It’s heartbreaking any time a dog is injured. But it can also be terrifying if a hawk or another bird of prey attempts to steal your furry friend. It’s important to know whether or not your dog is a target and if you should learn how to protect it from predators in the sky.
Smaller dogs need protection from hawks and other birds of prey. Larger breeds, like Labrador retrievers, don’t need to fear birds of prey. But tinier breeds, like Chihuahuas, can be in danger when nasty birds are circling the skies. Puppies of any breed are also vulnerable when young.
If your dog is under 15 pounds, it may need protection from hawks and other birds of prey. Large birds can carry light dogs, just like squirrels or other rodents. If your dog is small and you live in a wooded area or one with a significant population of birds of prey, it’s best to think about protecting your furry friend.
Why Do Dogs Need Protection from Hawks and Other Birds of Prey?
While some birds sing sweet songs, others are known to attack small animals, like dogs. It’s important to keep an eye out for birds of prey if you have a tiny dog because your pup can look like a tasty snack to these predators.
If a hawk, or another bird of prey, sets its sights on your dog, it’s not guaranteed that it will fly away with it. But it may try. Even sharp claws attaching to your small dog can cause serious external or internal damage.
To a predator in the sky, your dog looks like any other prey. They aren’t aware of your emotional connection or how much you love your furry friend. An accident can be extremely dangerous for small dogs and puppies most vulnerable to attacks. Staying vigilant is necessary to protect your dog from hawks and other birds of prey.
How Can You Protect Your Dog from Hawks and Other Birds of Prey?
Learning how to protect your dog from hawks and other birds of prey is essential. An attack can be very dangerous to a tiny pup and be emotionally devastating to an owner. So, what are some ways to protect your dog from hawks and other birds of prey?
Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone
The best way to protect your dog from winged predators is to never leave it alone while outside. Even a moment without oversight and a bird of prey may see an opportunity to attack your beloved dog. Keep an eye on the skies and always have your dog leashed when it’s outside and without other means of protection.
Of course, you can’t always be there. When work or vacation takes you out of town, you need to know that your dog will be watched while outdoors. A trusted dog walker, like those at Critter Sitters, can responsibly watch your dog on walks or other outdoor activities to protect it from hawks or other birds of prey.
Trim Your Trees
Trimming your trees may seem like an unnecessary step in protecting your dog from hawks and other birds of prey, but it can be very successful. Predators, like hawks, can hide in overgrown branches or be obscured by cumbersome foliage. Keeping your property pruned can help you spot predators that pose a danger to your dog before it’s too late.
Accessorize Your Dog
If you’re really worried about hawks or other birds of prey stealing your furry friend, consider accessorizing it. There are jackets available that are made specially to prevent winged predators from clasping onto your small dog or puppy. No pet parent can go too far in protecting their beloved dog from predators in the sky, and stylish yet effective protective gear can do the trick.
If you have additional protective gear for your furry friend, inform your dog sitter. When dedicated dog sitters, like the ones at Critter Sitters, spend the weekend looking after your canine friend, they can make sure it dons the proper gear while outdoors.
Invest in Netting
Let’s face it: it’s hard to keep your eyes on your dog at all times. If it escapes into your backyard, or you let it out for a moment, there’s not much you can do to protect it. That’s why investing in netting is wise. Pet parents can drape netting over a portion of their property to deter hawks and other birds of prey from targeting their dogs.
Alternatively, you can build a semi-enclosed area outdoors for your dog to hang out. That way, your tiny pup can enjoy the outdoors without being in danger.
Eliminate Bird Feeders
When your dog is vulnerable to attacks from hawks or other birds of prey, it’s best to do whatever you can not to make your home a target. For starters, always feed your dog indoors. Eliminate bird feeders that may attract other prey of hawks, like squirrels or mice. When you grill outside, wait a few days before you let your small dog play in that area. Food attracts animals, including birds of prey.
Call Critter Sitters for Dedicated Care Today
You want to protect your furry friend from everything, not just birds of prey. Our dedicated team can care for your dog when you can’t be there. For more information about the dog walkers and sitters at Critter Sitters, visit us online or call today at (404) 793-6178.
