Dog vs. Nature: How to Keep Your Pup Safe From Other Animals
In Nature there are lions and tigers and bears, oh my...
Okay, chances are Duke isn't going to be facing the first two in nature anytime soon, unless there's been a breakout from a nearby zoo, but if you live in a rural area there are likely bears and other animals roaming around. Chances are even good that they're wandering into your yard to poke around in your garbage cans. You might also have raccoons, skunks, snakes and even coyotes in areas around your home. Remember: they call it WILDlife for a reason. These animals can be unpredictable and aggressive. All are potential dangers when it comes to your pup. So how do you keep Roxie and Rover safe while they're outdoors? Here's some tips to help avoid an ugly confrontation, pain and suffering for your beloved fur baby...and a costly vet bill. 
Home Safe Home
It's a jungle out there! The wooded areas beyond your house are home to so many types of animals. Some, like chipmunks and deer, are not particularly threatening, but there are some that are, to both you and your dogs.
Fence
Your dog of course spends time outside, to do his/her business or to play in the yard. The first thing you can do is have a sturdy fence around the perimeter of your yard, or at least a fenced-in area for Sadie to safely be outdoors. While some types of animals can scale a fence, at least some sort of barrier could ward off a few potential threats. Either with or without a fence, always monitor your pup while outside, especially at night when raccoons, skunks and coyotes are more active. Have plenty of lighting in the yard when Sam is outside; a lot of light can deter some animals.
Food
To keep wild animals away, NEVER put out food for them, even the cute or seemingly harmless ones. Sure, deer are nice to look at, but if you're putting out dried corn or other types of food for them, you're also luring the undesirables; that food is going to be tempting for raccoons and coyotes as much as it is for Bambi and her friends. Always feed your dog inside. Bowls of food, even up on a deck, will attract bears and raccoons. They would LOVE a convenient dinner--don't put out this type of invitation.
Clean
Keep your yard cleaned: mow the lawn and remove any downed branches or other debris. Snakes and skunks might like to hide out in this type of environment. Don't give them a reason to use your yard as a place they'd like to settle! And always clean up after a barbeque or outdoor cooking. 
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Written by Harrison Howe