Top 10 Wild Animals To Attack Pets
It's a sad fact that animal bite wounds are a common problem with pets, and dogs in particular. In most cases the bites involve the same species—for instance, most dog bites come from other dogs. But there are still hundreds of bites every year attributed to wild animals, and some of them are unfortunately fatal.
According to Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, the majority of wild animal attacks on pets are caused by just a few types of outdoor creatures—with a few really unusual exceptions.
VPI reviewed more than 500 laceration and bite wound claims from 2008 to find out which wild animals most frequently attack and injure companion animals. In addition to the usual suspects (snakes, coyotes and raccoons among others), VPI received claims for injuries caused by animals such as goats and beavers, and even ones like sea urchins and jellyfish.
Here are the 10 wild animals that were responsible for the most pet injury claims in 2008:1. Snake
2. Coyote
3. Raccoon
4. Squirrel
5. Scorpion
6. Javelina
7. Porcupine
8. Ground Hog
9. Skunk
10. Rat
Animal attacks occur in all areas of the United States but the javelina and scorpion claims were exclusive to the state of Arizona. (By the way, javelinas - or peccaries - are feral pig-like omnivores native to the southwestern United States. They have been known to viciously attack both pets and people.)
Wild animal attacks typically result in lacerations, bite wounds, punctures, and soft tissue trauma. In addition, some attacks require secondary care. Snakebites may require antivenin and scorpion stings may cause allergic reactions requiring antihistamines.
The treatment protocols vary depending on the severity of the attack. The more severe or dangerous the bite, the more easily that bills can skyrocket. Costs can range from hundreds of dollars for bandages or stitches to thousands of dollars for surgery on damaged organs or broken limbs. And you always have to keep in mind that wild animals are called that for a reason. They do not obey things like property lines, and can be unpredictable when scared or sick.
What can you do to protect your dog from a dangerous wild animal bite? Here are a few simple tips.
* Keep your dog on a leash
* Keep your dog in a in a fenced in yard
* If it keeps your dog in, it often keeps some wild animals out
* Keep your pet's rabies vaccine and tag up to date. Monitor your pet frequently for any evidence of wounds or signs of illness. In particular, pay attention to any unusual swelling or warmth in their limbs
* Keep your dog in a in a fenced in yard
* If it keeps your dog in, it often keeps some wild animals out
* Keep your pet's rabies vaccine and tag up to date. Monitor your pet frequently for any evidence of wounds or signs of illness. In particular, pay attention to any unusual swelling or warmth in their limbs
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