Coyote attacks on pets can be frightening and dangerous situations. As urban areas expand into wild habitats, encounters between domestic pets and wild coyotes are becoming more common. While such incidents are still relatively rare, it’s important for pet owners to understand coyote behavior and know how to respond if a coyote threatens your dog.
How to prevent coyote attacks on your dog
The best way to handle a coyote attack is to avoid an encounter in the first place. Here are some tips to minimize the risks to your pet:
- Never leave your dog outside unattended, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
- Keep your dog on a leash 6 feet long or less when walking, even in open spaces.
- Remove sources of food and water that may attract coyotes into your yard.
- Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding spots for coyotes.
- Install motion-activated lighting around your yard to scare off coyotes.
- Make noise and throw rocks at coyotes in your neighborhood to haze them away from your property.
- Consider installing a coyote-proof fence if coyotes are frequently seen in your area.
Taking precautions is the best way to keep coyotes wary of humans and deter them from approaching your pet. But you should also be prepared in case a coyote does threaten your dog despite your best efforts.
How to respond if a coyote approaches your dog
If a coyote seems interested in your pet and is lingering nearby or approaching, here are some tips:
- Pick up small dogs to remove the potential target.
- Keep yourself between the coyote and your dog as a physical barrier.
- Yell, wave your arms, and throw objects at the coyote to scare it away.
- Carry deterrent spray, an airhorn, or other noisemaker when in coyote areas.
- Back away slowly while facing the coyote and keeping your dog close until it retreats.
Coyotes mainly attack pets when there is an opportunity, such as an unattended dog in a yard or walking far ahead on a trail. Removing the opportunity and making your dog an unattractive target will usually be enough to drive off a curious or opportunistic coyote before it escalates into an attack.
What to do if a coyote attacks your dog
If a coyote does launch an attack on your dog, here are some tips for how to respond:
- Fight back aggressively. Yell, scream, and attempt to intimidate the coyote. Throw objects forcefully at it. Use deterrent spray, rocks, sticks, or any other “weapon” available. Show the coyote you are a threat, not prey.
- Protect your dog. Pick up small dogs and put yourself between the coyote and your dog if possible. Cover your dog with your coat or an object such as a backpack.
- Call for help. Get the attention of other people in the area who may be able to assist you in scaring off the coyote.
- Retreat if you can. Back away slowly with your dog while still facing the coyote, or put your dog in a car or other secure enclosed space.
- Continue to haze the coyote. yell, wave your arms, and throw objects until the coyote retreats. It may take several minutes for the coyote to disengage.
The goal when a coyote attacks is to end the attack as quickly as possible while minimizing harm to you and your dog. Remain assertive and don’t run away or turn your back, which may trigger the coyote’s predatory instincts to give chase.
How to treat injuries from a coyote attack
If your dog suffers an injury from a coyote attack, here are some steps to take:
- Stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean towel or cloth.
- Cover any wounds with a sterile bandage, if possible.
- Check your dog for punctures, lacerations, or broken bones.
- Carefully examine your dog for additional injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
- Transport your dog to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Tell your vet the wounds are from a coyote attack so they can assess the risk of potential infections.
- Discuss rabies vaccine boosters with your vet if your dog is not up to date.
Coyote bites often involve punctures and crushing injuries. Puncture wounds can seal over and trap bacteria inside, leading to abscesses or systemic infection. Windpipe, throat, or abdominal injuries are also more likely with coyote attacks compared to dog fights.
Your vet will clean and flush wounds, start antibiotics, provide pain medication, suture injuries, treat for shock if necessary, and may recommend a follow up visit to check for developing infections from the bacteria in a coyote’s mouth.
With prompt veterinary treatment, most dogs recover well from coyote attacks, though the recovery period depends on the severity of the injuries.
Protecting your dog from future coyote attacks
After a coyote attack, it’s important to take additional precautions to help prevent future threats to your dog. Here are some tips:
- Avoid the area where the attack occurred for several weeks if possible to give the coyote time to move out of the territory.
- Only walk your dog on a leash no longer than 4 feet.
- Consider carrying coyote deterrent spray on future walks.
- Do not leave your dog outside unattended – even in a fenced yard.
- Install motion-activated lights and noise-making devices to scare away coyotes from your yard.
- Trim ground-level shrubbery and clear hiding spots in your landscape.
- Haze coyotes seen in the neighborhood by yelling, throwing rocks, spraying water, etc.
- Report aggressive or threatening coyotes to animal control authorities.
Extra diligence is required after an attack to help re-instill fear of humans in local coyotes and limit your dog’s exposure. Avoid off-leash activity with your dog until the threat has passed.
How to identify high-risk coyote behaviors
Knowing the difference between a coyote just passing through and one behaving aggressively can help you judge the level of threat to your dog. Here are some high-risk coyote behaviors to watch for:
- Lingering near residences even when yelled at or hazed.
- Stalking or chasing pets.
- Growling, baring teeth, or lunging at pets.
- Circling or cornering pets or people.
- Following or approaching a person walking a pet.
- Attempting to attack or bite pets on leashes or near owners.
- Daytime hunting behavior in neighborhoods.
- Lack of fear toward humans.
A coyote that fails to retreat or shows unusual interest in a pet is displaying dangerous behavior. Immediately report such activity to animal control before an attack occurs.
Are coyote attacks on dogs common?
While concerning, attacks on pets remain rare considering how many coyotes and domestic animals overlap across North America. Here are some statistics:
- There are an estimated 30,000 coyotes just within the Chicago metro area, yet only 1-2 coyote attacks on pets per year on average.
- Denver, Colorado has over 10,000 coyotes but averages 4-6 coyote attacks annually.
- Los Angeles County is home to 5,000-10,000 coyotes with about 30 attacks per year.
- Coyotes kill up to 10% of outdoor cats in some regions, but attacks on dogs are 3-4 times less common.
- Only 1 in 5 coyote incidents involve bites or injuries – most are cases of stalking or chasing.
While coyote attacks do occur, they are still uncommon events overall considering the large coyote and pet populations. But basic precautions should still be taken, especially in known coyote habitats.
Are certain dogs more vulnerable to coyote attacks?
Some types of dogs are more frequent targets for coyotes. Smaller dogs under 25 pounds are at greatest risk. Here is a comparison of reported coyote attacks by victim dog size:
| Dog Size | Percent of Recorded Coyote Attacks |
|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | 74% |
| Medium (20 – 50 lbs) | 20% |
| Large (over 50 lbs) | 6% |
Smaller dogs are easier prey, while larger dogs are typically ignored or confronted as territorial threats rather than attacked. Certain breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas are particularly vulnerable due to their small size.
Young puppies and elderly or disabled dogs are also at higher risk of being targeted by coyotes.
Are leashed dogs at greater risk of coyote attacks?
Dogs kept on leashes longer than 6 feet during walks are more frequent victims of coyote attacks. Here are the reported percentages of coyote attacks based on whether dogs were leashed or unleashed:
| Leash Status | Percent of Recorded Attacks |
|---|---|
| Long Leash | 45% |
| Retractable Leash | 15% |
| Short Leash | 5% |
| Unleashed | 35% |
Long leashes give coyotes the opportunity to grab and overpower a small dog. Unleashed dogs gain safety through flight, while short leashes keep dogs close to owners as a deterrent. Retractable leashes provide neither advantage.
Are coyotes more aggressive during breeding season?
Coyote attacks on pets spike during breeding season from January to March. Here are the percentages of attacks that occurred annually during breeding vs. non-breeding seasons in two metro areas:
| City | Breeding Season | Non-Breeding Season |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 68% | 32% |
| Chicago | 61% | 39% |
In both cities studied, coyote attacks were approximately twice as likely to happen during breeding season. This is likely due to coyotes being more territorial and active during this time of year.
Conclusion
Coyote attacks on pets, while scary and traumatic, are still infrequent events for most dog owners. You can minimize risks by supervising pets, scaring off coyotes, and properly treating any injuries. But ultimately, managing habitats to discourage coyotes living near neighborhoods, along with public education on deterrence, will provide the most effective long-term prevention.