Protect your dogs and cats from roaming coyotes.
A generation ago, most family cats freely wandered wherever their curiosity steered them. Many dogs also freely roamed their neighborhoods during the day. The idea of supervising the comings and goings of pets was as strange as the notion that Americans would spend more money on pets than they do on candy, toys or even jewelry. But they do – and willingly.
Times have changed – and so have our neighborhoods. Keeping our pets safe from roaming coyotes and other predators becomes even more necessary. Recently, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, reviewed more than 500 laceration/bite wound claims to determine which wild animals most frequently attacked and injured companion pets in 2008.
Making this top 10 list in order were:
- Snakes
- Coyotes
- Raccoons
- Squirrels
- Scorpions
- Javelinas
- Porcupines
- Ground hogs
- Skunks
- Rats
Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Snake bites may require antivenin and scorpion stings may cause allergic reactions requiring antihistamines. Treatment protocols vary depending on the severity of the attack and costs can range from hundreds of dollars for bandages or stitches to thousands of dollars for surgery for damaged organs or broken limbs.
Puzzled by javelinas? Not if you live in Arizona. It turns out that javelinas, or peccaries, are feral pig-like omnivores native to the Southwest. They have a reputation for viciously attacking pets and people, so stay clear of them.
No matter where you live these days, be aware of dangers posed by the presence of wild animals. Coyotes are agile enough to leap over 6-foot backyard fences. Disease-carrying rats can sneak into doggy doors and enter homes. For your pet’s protection, make sure that their rabies vaccine is current. Do not let your pet roam outdoors unsupervised. And, invest in your pet’s health by obtaining pet insurance policy from a pet insurance company that best meets your pet’s needs.
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