If you live in an area frequented by raccoons, it’s not uncommon for pet owners to ask the question whether can raccoon harm your pets? The answer is provided by our professional raccoon removal experts that it’s probably not a high risk, but there are some simple precautions you should take to avoid unpleasant encounters between your pets and raccoons.
Raccoons generally know not to antagonize a dog, and in most cases, they will leave the dog alone. The dog’s reaction, on the other hand, is another story. Dogs will sometimes chase raccoons. If the dog catches them, the raccoon will generally fight back. The dog usually has the upper hand, but both the dog and the raccoon will probably wind up with some injuries as a result of the encounter.
Raccoons will generally leave cats alone, but if they are hungry enough, they will look upon small cats as a food source. It’s not unheard of for raccoons to kill and eat small cats and kittens.
Even though raccoons are unlikely to eat cats or dogs, the cat or dog’s food is another matter. Raccoons are known as bandits, and they will eagerly eat your dog or cats food if given the chance. If you feed your pet outside and have raccoons in the area, it’s best not to leave food unattended.
While raccoons are generally looked upon as harmless, it should be remembered that they can carry rabies. In fact, raccoons are among the animals most likely to carry rabies, and this is particularly true in the eastern United States. All pet owners, of course, should keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date. But this is particularly true if you live in an area frequented by raccoons. You should immediately contact wildlife authorities or a qualified exterminator if you become aware of any raccoon exhibiting the signs of rabies. Symptoms include confusion or disorientation, particularly difficulty walking. If the animal makes unusual noises, this can be a sign of rabies. Of course, we all know that foaming at the mouth is a symptom of rabies. But if you are close enough to witness this, you are much too close to a dangerous animal, and you need to get yourself and your pet away from the raccoon as quickly as possible.
Raccoons are unique among wild animals in that they thrive in suburban and even urban areas. If you are a pet owner, you should be aware of the potential dangers posed by these interesting creatures.