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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JANUARY 2022 55 Wildlife and pets don't always mix, and it is your job to keep pet safety in mind if your pet encounters a wild animal. Depending on where you live, you are likely to experience different threats to the safety of your pet. Coyotes are a danger to domestic animals, because they have sharp teeth and claws and are very territorial. Most coyote attacks occur at dawn or dusk; coyotes generally attack cats and small dogs as they roam around their own yards. It is important that you monitor your pets, as these attacks are often very serious and require surgery. Rattlesnakes are known for the unique sound their tails make when the animal is stressed. As more rattlesnakes come out for the warm spring and summer months, your pet is more likely to encounter one of these venomous snakes. A rattlesnake's venom requires the use of antivenin to treat the bite. While a dog is typically seen as a danger to a rattlesnake and is bitten in defense, cats are often seen as prey and receive more serious injuries. One of the biggest draws for wild animals is food. To keep your pet safe, the best thing you can do is make sure there is no trash in your yard and never leave food outdoors. Wild animals can find ways to get into fenced yards and cause all kinds of problems, including serious injuries to your pets. It is best that you supervise your pet to be sure that nothing happens to them while they are in the yard. Pet waste can also lead wild animals to your home. Be sure that you regularly clean your yard for animal waste. Also, your pet can easily be injured by mammals, birds, and other wildlife. Keep your pet leashed. Not only do leashes protect your pet, but they also protect other animals. Don't let your pet approach, chase, attack, or play with wild animals, as it is never a safe situation. Stay calm and don't ever let your pet run toward a wild animal. Avoid areas known for wild animal sightings. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, or you suspect that they may have been bitten, take them to a veterinarian right away. Vivian Walker vivr@sbcglobal.net ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal.net Tails & Trails - All Pets Joe's Snow-Day uber 10% discount with this ad Do you hate driving in the snow? Call Joe! He'll take you to: Sun Lakes Village • WalMart • Home Depot • The Movies • Kohl's • Beaver Medical • SGMH (909) 797-3647 of Highland Springs

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