Do Owls Attack Dogs? 6 Ways To Keep Your Furry Friend Safe

It’s hard to picture an owl attacking a dog, but it does happen. If your dog is small enough, there is always a risk. However, if you have a pit bull, Labrador, Great Dane, or any other medium to large-sized dog, you won’t have to worry about this. Great horned owls may also attack cats. Cats, though, usually compete with owls for food outside. When there are attacks, they are rarely successful. Still, if you’re worried that your Chihuahua or Teacup Yorkie will get snatched away by an owl, there are ways to prevent this. Follow along to discover six ways to keep your furry friend safe.

6 Ways To Keep Your Furry Friend Safe From Owls

While there is always a risk, owl attacks on pets are rare. Successful attacks are even more uncommon. Still, your poor pet can walk away with injuries if they get into a battle with a large owl. Generally, though, dogs and cats are not on the menu for owls. Instead, you may need to worry more about coyotes, wolves, bears, and alligators than birds like owls, hawks, and eagles.

So, how can you keep your dog safe? Keep reading to learn six ways to keep your furry friend safe.

1. Keep Your Dog on a Leash

Now that you know that owls attack dogs make sure to walk your dog only on a leash. Keeping your pet on a leash gives you control, which is necessary to keep your pet from danger. Choose a leash that is easy to retract. Even if your owl is on a leash, owls may swoop down and try to take or attack them. Keep your eye out for nests or active owls in your area.

2. Install an Owl Decoy

Keeping your pet on a leash, though, is not enough. You can also install an owl decoy if you walk your dog in your backyard or front yard. These realistic decoys are large enough to scare smaller birds away. This doesn’t always help, though, as some birds catch on. Some people recommend placing multiple owl decoys throughout your yard or changing the position occasionally.

3. Keep Your Pet Out of Sight

This tip is a little misleading. It would be best if you always kept your eyes on your dog but also kept them out of sight from wildlife. If you constantly walk your pet in your backyard or allow them space to run, consider adding a cover, like a tent, to keep them out of sight from owls and other large birds. If you have a screened-in patio, consider letting your pet rest or play there instead of outside. Regardless, always keep an eye on your pet.

4. Avoid Bird Watching Trails

If you have a small dog, maybe avoid hiking and bird-watching trails with them. Owls sometimes hunt for rabbits that may weigh as much as 6 pounds. It can be easy for a bird to confuse small dogs and cats for birds. Bird-watching trails are known for bird activity. You can’t avoid birds altogether, so keep an eye out for your pet on a leash.

5. Dress Your Dog in Protective Gear

While few owls attack dogs, there is a risk, and you can never be too safe. If walking your dog on a leash isn’t enough, consider dressing them in protective gear. Multiple companies make adjustable and custom-made animal attack-preventing gear. Dog vests are common. This can make it harder for an owl’s talons to pierce through and harm your pet. Some even have fabric that covers your dog’s neck, which is helpful against other wild animals like coyotes and wolves. A popular brand many pet owners swear by is Raptor Shield. This shield/collar uses materials for making bulletproof glass.

6. Add Motion Lights Outdoors

Our last tip to keep your pet safe from owl attacks is to invest in good motion-sensing lights. These lights are perfect to scare away animals from your front or backyard. This is great if you’re looking to free your lawn of nuisances. The best part is that you can also get creative with the lights. Some motion-sensing lights are flexible. You can adapt the brightness and the sensitivity. Others even have patterns that come in colors. Owls may be startled by the sudden bright lights.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Vladone/iStock via Getty Images