Spring doesn’t just lure more people outdoors – it also stirs wildlife from their slumber.
As dogs explore the great outdoors, they often encounter wild animals, which can take their owners by surprise.
Whether it’s a small creature or a larger, more formidable beast, it’s always advisable to keep your dog and the wild animal at a safe distance.
With spring in full swing and wildlife becoming increasingly active across the UK, many pet owners are turning to social media platforms like Reddit to seek advice on how to manage their pets around wildlife.
Fortunately, Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer and behaviourist at Woofz by nove8, a puppy and dog training app, has offered her guidance on how to navigate unexpected encounters between your dog and wild animals.
1. Birds (pheasants, seagulls, swans)
Pheasants are a common sight in rural areas, particularly during hunting season, and can startle dogs into chasing them, says Annie-Mae.
She advises: “Keep your dog on a leash in fields and woodlands where game birds nest. Seagulls, especially in coastal towns, can be aggressive when protecting their young.
“Avoid feeding your dog near gulls; they will aggressively try to snatch your food and could harm your dog. Swans are fiercely territorial, particularly around lakes and rivers.”
She adds: “If a swan approaches, calmly move your dog away and avoid letting them enter the water during the breeding season between April and June.”
2. Small animals (hedgehogs, rabbits, rats)
Annie-Mae warns dog owners that hedgehogs, being nocturnal creatures armed with spines, can pose a threat to their inquisitive pooches. She sternly advises: “If your dog finds one, call them away immediately and never let them paw or bite it.”
The expert also expresses concerns over rabbits, a frequent target for dogs’ chase instincts, citing that wild rabbits are carriers of parasites. Her guidance is clear: “Keep dogs away from burrows to prevent bites and injury. However, if you’re in an urban area, you may still be in danger if there are a lot of rats.”
Additionally, she offers an important tip for canine companions residing in rat-prone environments: “Try to avoid rat hotspots like bins and alleys. These creatures can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through your dog’s paws or if they catch a rodent.”
3. Medium-sized animals (foxes, badgers, deer)
Annie-Mae remarks that although foxes are ubiquitous across the UK and generally not a nuisance, there is still a risk they could attack when cornered.
Should your furry friend fix its sights on a fox, Annie-Mae’s suggestion is immediate: call your dog back and refrain from leaving food outside overnight, which can lure in these clever canids.
Moreover, in a stern warning about badgers, she notes their strength as diggers and potential to cause severe harm to dogs. “Avoid wooded areas known for badger activity and keep dogs on a leash at dusk,” she recommends.
And during the rutting season – which typically spans from September through November – stags can turn particularly hostile. Hence, to safeguard your pets, she insists on keeping dogs leashed near deer habitats and on open moors.
4. Large animals (wild boar and livestock)
Wild boars are making a comeback in certain areas of southern England and can pose a threat if startled, warns an expert. Annie-Mae advises: “Stick to marked trails and keep your dog on a leash in areas where boars are known to roam.
“Farm animals, such as cows and sheep, can also present a risk. If cows approach, let your dog off the leash so they can escape to safety while you calmly move away. However, if your dog seems frightened, barking, and pulling towards the cows, it’s best to keep them on a leash. During lambing season, always keep your dog on a leash if you’re near farms.”
