15 Animals Your Dog Might Be Scared Of

Are you worried about the animals that might harm your dog? It's good to keep your pet away from these dog predators.

Birds, guinea pigs, goats, cats and even cows all consider dogs as potential predators. We usually give little thought to the potential predators our dogs face, but it’s an important topic to bring up. While large wild animals may not be typically found in suburban backyards, they can be a problem if you live near forests.

And if you frequently take your dog on outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, or hunting, you should be aware of the dangers they face from predators. Many species of animals would kill a dog if they had the chance.

These are the animals your dog might be afraid of, and what poses a threat to them so you can keep your pet safe.

This article is a partnership with Animal Vivid.

1. Coyotes

graphicphoto / Getty Images

Coyotes are responsible for the deaths of countless pets during the warm summer months. They might be found in the wild all over the United States. They are frequently spotted in North America.

Due to repeated encroachment, coyotes have adapted by moving into more urban areas and only venturing at night. If camping with a dog, you shouldn’t leave any food out because coyotes will be attracted to it.

If you must let your dog out at night, do so under close supervision, as dogs and cats are fair game for coyotes.

2. Javelinas

dnsmac / Getty Images

Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are small mammals and ugly-looking animals resembling pigs with pointy tusks. They are native to the American Southwest and Central and South America.

Because of their pointy and sharp tusks, javelinas can hunt and attack insects, small dogs and reptiles. So if your dog is smaller, keep a keen eye on it.

3. Raccoons

lavin photography / Getty Images

Raccoons may appear cute and friendly, but they have a possessive attitude toward their food and are quite aggressive when they feel threatened. Some raccoons may grow as big as a medium-sized dog, making the fight fairer.

But raccoons use their teeth and claws as weapons. They also could have rabies because they are wild animals. You can stop raccoon problems by keeping the trash can lids closed, and weighted down with a stone if necessary. This will stop raccoons from invading the trash and dogs from going crazy.

If you let your dog out at night, keep a close eye on them and bring them inside as soon as they are done using the facilities.

4. Skunks

Thomas Faull / Getty Images

Dogs might get afraid of skunks since they are good fighters. Skunks have a strong smell that they use to their advantage. Most of the time, they raise their tail to spray their unique scent to scare away predators or anyone else in their territory. They have sharp claws that they use for digging. They are omnivores and love to eat meat.

Skunks could also be infected with rabies. Make sure your dog’s rabies shots are up to date. In case your pet gets sprayed, mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 teaspoons of dish soap, along with 2 pints of hydrogen peroxide to make a solution.

Rub this onto the sprayed area, then wait five minutes before cleaning. Repeat more than once. If you have a bigger dog, you should add lukewarm water to the solution.

5. Snakes

Byronsdad / Getty Images

All dogs might not be afraid of snakes, but they should. Snakes are another widespread “predator” in different regions.

Snakes generally don’t go looking for dogs to attack or devour. Dogs frequently see snakes dozing in grassy clumps, burrows or beneath structures. The majority of dogs are naturally curious about anything that moves. Snakes desire solitude.

You need a keen eye out when walking, particularly in snake territory. Maintain the dog’s leash. As per Tufts University Foster Hospital, dogs off leash are likelier to be bitten by snakes.

If your dog is playing and having fun in the backyard, keep an eye on them once every few minutes or so. If your pet gets bitten, wrap it in a blanket, ensure it stays still, and rush it to the vet.

6. Cougars

GarysFRP / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Some dogs may get afraid of cougars. They live in the far Southwest and West of the United States.

Cougars almost went extinct, but their numbers have grown in recent years and are no longer hard to see.

If you live in an area where these big cats live, you should keep your dog indoors. Even though cougars like to hunt livestock more than dogs, cougars may harm your pet if they get the chance.

7. Scorpions

JasonOndreicka / Getty Images

Unless you live in Hawaii or Arizona, where most of the country’s scorpions can be found, your dog is unlikely to be stung by one.

If you reside in a region where scorpions exist, you should be aware that the venom scorpions inject into their victims can cause serious illness or even death. Dogs should always be kept under close observation. If your pet seems to be pursuing something, make sure he isn’t trying to chase a scorpion.

If you live in an area where scorpions are common and your pet starts limping or acts ill after being outside, take them to the vet immediately because scorpion venom might be fatal. Also, be aware that scorpions like to hide in and under items.

8. Groundhogs

Marumari / Wikimedia Commons

Most of the time, these large rodents will only attack a dog if they think it is a threat, but when groundhogs do, they will use their strong claws and front teeth.

Groundhogs are native to most of North America, according to National Geographic. They are often seen where the landscape meets the woods, so they are often seen in newer residential developments.

There is high chance of your dog getting hurt when it’s too close to the groundhog. This is another reason why it’s important to keep an eye on your pet.

9. Squirrels

suefeldberg / Getty Images

Despite having an innocent appearance, a squirrel can cause harm that might require a visit to the doctor. Your pet will probably succeed in the fight with the squirrel, but the little rodent does have sharp claws and teeth that might harm soft tissue.

The best way to avoid getting hurt by a squirrel is always to keep an eye on your pet when it’s outside.

10. Porcupines

KenCanning / Getty Images

The porcupine is native to the United States and can be found across the country. These quill-bearing rodents frequently seek a salty source like certain types of plywood or clothing exposed to sweat.

Unfortunately, it is easy for the barbed, loose porcupine quills to become embedded in your dog as it is naturally curious. This can result in several unpleasant hours spent at the veterinarian.

11. Rats

Peter Clayton Photography / Getty Images

There are wild rats everywhere. They are tough, smart, and aggressive and are at home in rural and urban settings. Like raccoons, rats threaten dogs because they might carry diseases.

The most effective strategy for keeping rats away is to keep your trash in a container. Though your dog will probably win any fight, ensure it wasn’t hurt.

12. Red-Tailed Hawks

BrianEKushner / Getty Images

Some small-sized dogs might be afraid of the red-tailed hawk. It is well-known for its lightning-fast reflexes in the field. Because of their adaptability, members of this species can be found across much of Canada and the continental United States.

They are widespread and can be found in various habitats, including arid regions, grasslands, forests, marshes, and even suburban settings.

If your dog is small, always keep a close eye on it.

13. Bobcats

Banu R / Getty Images

Bobcats generally attack dogs under 30 pounds. Staying with your small dog or pet may prevent bobcat attacks.

It’s best to stand out and scare off any bobcats you see without approaching them too closely.

Maintaining your composure is crucial because bobcats might attack more frequently if they sense any panic.

14. Owls

Long-eared owl sitting on a branch in snow

lavin photography / Getty Images

The great horned owl is the largest species of owl that can be found in North America. It can reach two feet and weigh an average of three pounds. Other species of owls native to North America, such as the snowy owl and the long-eared owl, can also attack domestic dogs.

The only species of owl that could consistently pick up a small dog is the great-horned owl. This is because of the great horned owl’s large size and powerful strength.

Since great horned owls can carry up to nine pounds, they can capture small dogs such as Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers.

15. Other Dogs

acceptfoto / Getty Images

People say dogs are pack animals, which is true for most of them. But there are a few dogs that don’t like other dogs. Fear is a common feeling when it comes to survival, yet it can become a concern when your dog is frightened of other dogs, even though there is no reason to be.

This fear can turn into a phobia. This can make your dog anxious when you take it for a walk. That could lead to fights with other pups. Your dog can overcome it if you are patient and do your best to train them.