Protect your dog from a coyote attack

Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash

Coyote attacks on dogs are rare, but when a tussle does happen, it’s scary. It isn’t just the enthusiastic trail hiking dog that’s at risk – suburban and city dogs can get into trouble, too. Coyotes have made temporary dens under decks, in culverts, even in city storm drains. Not all that long ago, a coyote trotted through a coffee shop in New Haven, Connecticut, not far from the Yale campus. No, he didn’t stop to order a latte, but he did give the afternoon regulars a bit of a shock.

Still, there are many things you can do to protect your dog from a coyote attack. Here are some helpful dos and don’ts:

DO keep your dog on a leash even on trails.

It’s so much fun to have your dog off leash, but if he’s not trained to stay close he could get into trouble. Chances are, he won’t be able to outrun a coyote, many of which can run faster than most dogs, up to 40 miles per hour. Long leashes or retractable leashes can also get your dog into trouble, making them…