For pet owners in Toronto and the surrounding GTA, fall is a beautiful time to get outside with your dog. Cooler fall temperatures make walks more comfortable, while trails, wooded areas, and green spaces become especially scenic as the leaves change. Despite these nice Fall benefits, they can also bring more encounters with local wildlife. Coyotes, deer, raccoons, skunks, foxes and other animals live throughout the area, and curious dogs and outdoor cats can sometimes find themselves a little too close to wildlife. Understanding the risks of animal encounters and knowing how to respond can help keep your pets safe this fall.
Coyotes and Small Pets
Coyotes are an important consideration for pet owners living near wooded areas, ravines, trails, natural spaces and even in the suburbs. While coyotes generally avoid people, they can view small pets as potential prey. Small dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable, especially when left outside unattended. Don’t let small dogs or cats roam outdoors freely, especially around dawn, dusk, and overnight, when wildlife may be more active.
When walking your dog, keep them on a leash and stay aware of your surroundings. If you see a coyote, don’t allow your dog to approach or chase it. Calmly create distance and leave the area. If a coyote approaches you instead of retreating, make yourself appear larger, make noise, and maintain distance while moving away. Never attempt to feed or interact with wildlife.
Deer and Dogs
Seeing deer while walking through Toronto’s trails or natural areas can be exciting, but dogs don’t always understand that wild animals need their space. A dog’s instinct may be to chase a deer, particularly if it suddenly runs away. This can cause your dog to get lost, run into traffic, or get injured while navigating unfamiliar terrain. Keep your dog leashed in areas deer frequent. Deer can also defend themselves if they feel threatened, and a dog that corners or pursues a deer could potentially be kicked or injured. Keeping your dog leashed and under control is the simplest way to prevent an encounter from turning into a dangerous chase or situation.
Watch for Raccoons, Skunks and Foxes
Coyotes and deer aren’t the only wildlife Newmarket pets may encounter. Raccoons, skunks and foxes are also common in many Ontario communities. These animals generally prefer to avoid pets and people, but encounters can occur around backyards, garbage bins, sheds and wooded areas when you least expect it. To avoid these encounters, keep garbage securely contained and avoid leaving pet food outdoors. If wildlife regularly visits your property, remove potential food sources and make sure fencing and other barriers are secure. Skunks can also create an unpleasant problem for curious dogs. If your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, don’t let them inside immediately, and contact your veterinarian or groomer for advice on safe cleaning.
Tick Season Isn’t Over
Wildlife isn’t the only outdoor concern during fall. Ticks can remain active during cooler weather, particularly when temperatures are above freezing. Dogs exploring wooded trails, tall grass or leaf piles can pick up ticks and bring them home. After walks, check your pet’s coat and skin. Pay particular attention to areas around the ears, neck, between the toes and around the legs. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate year-round flea and tick prevention for your pet.
What to Do After a Wildlife Encounter
If your pet has been bitten, scratched or injured by wildlife, contact your veterinarian immediately, even if the injury looks minor. Puncture wounds can be difficult to see and may become infected. If you notice unusual behaviour, excessive drooling, weakness, difficulty walking or other concerning symptoms after an animal encounter, seek veterinary advice immediately. Keep your pet’s vaccinations current and make sure their identification information is up to date. A microchip and current identification tag can make a major difference if your dog runs off while chasing wildlife.
Enjoy Toronto’s Fall Beauty Safely
Fall is a beautiful season to explore Toronto and the GTA with your pet. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy local trails and outdoor spaces while reducing the risk of unwanted wildlife encounters. Keep dogs leashed, supervise pets outdoors, stay alert around wooded areas, and give wildlife plenty of space. A little preparation can help keep your fall adventures enjoyable for both your dogs and the wildlife that calls the area home. For your dog walking needs this fall, contact Citizen Canine.
