It is difficult to think of a dog as living in the wild. Especially when so many homes have pet dogs that are considered a part of the family. It is easy for dogs to revert to more wild-like behaviors. This is common when a dog is not properly taken care of or abandoned. Stray dogs are classified as unowned dogs, not the typical neighbor’s dog from down the street. Those seeing unknown dogs in the community can call a stray dog removal specialist for help catching the animal.
Lost Pet
In most cases it is easy to determine the difference between a lost pet and a wild dog. Lost pets, if recently separated from its owner, look clean, have a collar, and appear to be cared for. True wild dogs are often malnourished and dirty, with matted fur. If it is a lost pet, try to reach out to the dog to read its collar and tag for contact information. If unsure, or the dog is acting strange, call for professional removal assistance immediately.
Concerns
There are many concerns about stray dogs, including barking, howling, raiding trash, and destroying property. Many pet owners are also concerned about stray dogs fighting with domesticated animals and spreading fleas. Stray dogs bite and scratch, especially when feeling threatened. Stray dogs are not comfortable around humans, especially if they were born and raised in the wild. It is always best to stay away from any unknown dog and call for help with stray dog removal.
Habits
Dogs are very nomadic and travel to anywhere food is available. For the most part, stray dogs are dependent upon human food waster and smaller animals that eat it. Dogs like to live and hunt in packs. They have a fear of humans, however, stray dogs will linger in an area where it feels it can get food, shelter, and be safe.
Diseases
Just like any other wild animal, wild and stray dogs carry diseases which are harmful to both humans and domesticated animals. These dogs carry fleas, ticks, and ear mites, which can carry diseases of their own. Some dog-related diseases and parasites include ringworm, roundworm, tapeworm, mange, viral infections, rabies, and distemper. All of these can easily be passed to humans and other animals via a dog’s feces. In some cases, these diseases can be very fatal if contracted by a human.
Nuisances
Stray dogs can easily become a nuisance in a neighborhood. They are known to bite during mating season, fighting other dogs and humans. They carry an array of diseases, ruin yards and gardens, and rummage through trash for food. The continual barking and howling can be very annoying. Not to mention, riling up household pets when the stray dog enters a yard or comes too close to the home. Dogs mark their territory through urinating in specific spots, which can leave behind an awful smell. Once a wild dog becomes a nuisance it is important to call for stray dog removal assistance before things get worse.
Helping Stray Dogs
Human nature makes many want to reach out and help a stray dog. If an unknown dog looks sick or potentially dangerous, leave it alone. Call for stray dog removal assistance immediately. Because it is impossible to know the temperament of a stray dog, it is always a good idea to leave an unknown dog alone. If they become a nuisance or threaten humans or domesticated animals, it is best to call for removal assistance.
Prevention
There are many ways to secure a yard, making it less attractive for stray dogs to make themselves at home. Secure garbage, put a fence up, and avoid feeding household pets outside are just some of the prevention measures homeowners can take to keep a yard stray dog-free. Do everything possible to eliminate shelter, food, and water sources for stray dogs. Keeping a yard groomed and reducing places to hide, as well as filling in holes under perimeter walls and fences helps keep dogs out.
Clean up pet dog’s waste immediately to reduce the smell, which can often attract other dogs. Don’t forget to keep doors, including garage doors closed at all times when not in use. All of these methods can be very effective, however, sometimes it is necessary to leave it to the professionals. Stray dog removal service companies also offer assistance with securing a yard and installing prevention measures against unwanted dogs.
Removal
The removal process for stray and wild dogs can be complicated. In most states, it is illegal to trap dogs. This is mostly because when homeowners set out their own traps, they could trap someone’s pet. Professionals can trap the dog and go through the proper channels to ensure it is humanely taken care of and returned to its owner. If the dog does not have an owner, it is taken in for a check up and if possible, rehomed.
Removal Specialists
Hiring a removal specialist to help deal with stray dogs can be very challenging. The last thing anyone wants is for the dog to be captured and euthanized without any attempt to rehome it. When hiring help, ask about their process and how they handle stray dogs. Some companies will help rehabilitate the dog, take it to the vet to be cared for, and put it up for adoption. Knowing how the dogs are handled ensures the best company for the humane capture of these dogs is hired.
During initial discussion with the dog removal company verify licenses, insurance, and permits are up-to-date. If time allows, ask friends and neighbors which companies they have used in the past. In the end, make sure the company hired handles the dogs humanely and ensures the best possible care of the animal.
Some dogs are born in the wild, others are left behind or abandoned when someone moves where they cannot have a dog or realize they cannot afford one. It is sad to see a dog abandoned and return to wild-like behavior. That is where dog removal specialists need to be called. They come in, capture the dog, and ensure it is humanely treated.
