The raccoon is a cute looking animal, with its characteristic
patch of black fur that masks both of its eyes and is in turn
surrounded by white fur. It is believed that this black fur
enhances the mammal’s night vision and its nocturnal activities.
A lot of pet owners however do not consider the raccoon a cute
fellow due to previous altercations between their pets and the
wild raccoon.
It is a known fact that raccoons are predators and they normally
have a fairly omnivorous diet. They hunt and eat small mammals,
crayfish, frogs, and just about anything else they can catch.
Every once in a while, a hungry raccoon would set its sights on
a domestic cat or dog.
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Outdoor based cats and small dogs are at an obvious risk of
raccoon attacks, although cats generally avoid them and thus
avert potential conflicts. These conflicts do happen though,
especially where food is involved. Raccoons love to eat cat food
and may challenge an hungry cat over its meal, leading to a
nasty fight. And possibly the death of the cat because raccoons
are really tough fighters. An easy way around this is to feed
your pet indoors, especially in wildlife-prone areas.
Dogs on the other hand, are more frisky and many would excitedly
attack a raccoon and get into fights. Unfortunately, the dogs
mostly lose the fight. Raccoons usually aim for the animal’s
eyes, as though to scratch them out. They also aim for the
abdomen as they try to eviscerate their victim.
Learn more: How smart are raccoons?
According to veterinary doctors practicing in rural areas, a lot
of their patients are dogs that got into fights with raccoons,
who tend to bite and scratch with amazing speed and ferocity.
These bites often penetrate the chest wall of the victim,
leading to collapsed lungs among other injuries. Raccoons also
try to penetrate their victim’s abdomen, a feat that would lead
to septic peritonitis. They are also known to have a knack for
lacerating the urethra, resulting in terrible scalding and
conditions like a secondary kidney failure.
Raccoon attacks mostly happen at night as that is when they come
out to look for food. Dog owners need to be aware of the risk of
raccoon altercations with their pets after dark. And guard
against it by being vigilant and listening for noises,
installing bright lights in the yard, and securing their
property well so wild animals are excluded from entering.
The best way to forestall this is to keep pets indoors at night.
To learn more about Do raccoons attack cats, dogs, or other pets
visit the Raccoons in the Attic home
page.
Read more about raccoons:
Are Raccoons
Dangerous to Cats, Dogs, or Other Pets?
What Equipment
Is Needed to Trap a Raccoon?
Is Raccoon Feces
Dangerous/Toxic to Touch or Breathe?
Should I Feed a
Baby Raccoon I Found?