Michigan Wildlife Encounters: Keeping Your Pet Safe from Wild Animals in the Fall
Michigan’s dozens of state parks, numerous lakes, and hundreds of nature preserves provide plenty of opportunities to explore Mother Nature, and when spending time in the great outdoors with your pet — whether you’re hiking the trails or just relaxing in your own backyard — it’s important to be aware of Michigan wildlife hazards for pets.
Our team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates wants you and your pets to thoroughly enjoy the beautiful fall season here in Michigan, so we’ve gathered a few reminders for ways to practice pet safety outdoors.
Protect Your Pet With Proactive Prevention
Pets in the wild can get exposed to tiny pests like fleas and ticks as well as larger critters like snakes, skunks, and possums. Protect your pets by keeping them up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention through routine wellness visits.
Leash Laws in Michigan
Whether you’re strolling the neighborhood or exploring one of Michigan’s state forests, your pet must be on a 6-foot, safe dog leash and under your control at all times, with the exception of off-leash dog parks and other designated areas (such as some of our pet-friendly shorelines) where off-leash playtime is permitted.
Michigan Wildlife Hazards for Pets
Keep the following Michigan wildlife hazards for pets in mind when planning your outdoor adventures:
- Leptospirosis is a serious disease that spreads through contact with urine-contaminated water or soil. Raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and other animals can carry and spread this condition to dogs. If you have an outdoorsy canine, consider vaccinating your pet against leptospirosis.
- Michigan is home to the venomous Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, so adventurous dogs should receive the rattlesnake vaccine.
- Ticks and mosquitos remain active in the fall, and these tiny pests can spread Lyme Disease or West Nile Virus. Proper parasite prevention is a must!
More Tips for Keeping Pets Safe
- Never leave your pet unattended at a campsite or other outdoor area where wildlife is common.
- Clean up food scraps when outdoors to avoid attracting other animals.
- Carry waste bags with you, and clean up after your pet right away.
- Bring pets indoors if you see or hear a wild animal in or near your backyard.
- Never let your pet chase a wild animal.
- Slowly and quietly guide your dog away from a wild animal if you see one.
If You Find an Injured Wild Animal
If you come across a wild animal that appears to be sick or injured, keep your pet away and do not try to handle the animal. Contact a wildlife rehabilitation specialist or your veterinarian for further instructions. Some resources in our area include:
- Michigan Humane
- DNR list of local licensed wildlife rehabilitators
- Southfield Township Animal Control (248) 540-3400
Coexisting peacefully with our wildlife friends is possible when we respect nature and leave only our footprints behind. Please contact us for more tips regarding pet safety outdoors or to schedule your pet’s wellness visit.