How To Keep Foxes Away from Small Dogs

In the natural world, foxes are known for their cunning and adaptability. These characteristics, however, can make them a nuisance for homeowners and a potential danger to small dogs. While fox attacks on dogs are rare, the risk exists, especially for smaller breeds. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to keep foxes away from small dogs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to protect your pets from foxes.

Understanding Fox Behavior

Before you can effectively deter foxes, it’s important to understand their behavior. Foxes are predominantly nocturnal, most active at dawn and dusk, and do not hibernate, meaning they are active throughout the year. Their mating season occurs in January and February, during which foxes roam widely.

Foxes generally avoid conflict, but certain behaviors might pose a threat to small dogs. These include predatory behavior, territorial behavior, defensive behavior, and a mother protecting her kits. Foxes are more likely to approach residential areas in search of food, water, and shelter, especially during colder months when food is scarce.

Signs of Fox Presence

Identifying signs of fox presence can help you take timely action to protect your small dog. Common signs include distinct paw prints, smellier droppings often containing fur, feathers, or seeds, nocturnal activity, vocalizations, and damage or chaos in residential areas, such as knocked-down garbage bins.

Effective Methods to Deter Foxes

To deter foxes from your property, you can employ several strategies:

1. Install Secure Fencing: Fox-proof fences should be at least 1800mm high with an outwardly curving top. Use wire netting with a diameter of 0.9mm or thicker to prevent foxes from chewing through.
2. Use Repellents: Homemade repellents can include mixtures of chili or cayenne powder and water, white vinegar, or a combination of chili powder, white vinegar, and garlic cloves. Commercial repellents like ultrasonic animal repellers or coyote urine are also effective.
3. Keep Yard Clean: Remove food scraps, enclose compost heaps, and cover standing water at night to prevent attracting foxes.
4. Install Electric Fencing or Motion-Activated Devices: Electric fences can effectively deter foxes as they usually examine the fence before trying to climb or jump. If they come into contact with an electric wire, the painful shock will usually discourage them. Motion-activated devices such as sprinklers or sonic devices can also deter foxes.

Protecting Small Dogs from Foxes

Specific measures can be taken to protect small dogs from foxes:

1. Supervision: Always supervise your pets when they are outdoors to minimize the risk of encounters with foxes.
2. Secure Outdoor Spaces: Provide a predator-proof kennel or fence to protect your small dog.
3. Use Fox Deterrents: Use fox repellents or install an ultrasonic fox deterrent which emits a sound that deters foxes but is safe to use with dogs and cats.
4. Remove Potential Food Sources: Keep bins secure, feed pets indoors, and clean up any leftover food or mess left by wildlife.

Conclusion

While foxes pose a potential threat to small dogs, homeowners can take several steps to protect their pets. Understanding fox behavior, recognizing signs of their presence, and implementing effective deterrent methods can significantly reduce the risk. Always remember to supervise your pets when they are outdoors, keep your yard clean, and use repellents and deterrents to keep foxes away. With patience and persistence, you can create a safer environment for your small dog.