Should I let my dog play with squirrels?
It’s never a good idea to let your dog befriend squirrels, as fun as the chase might be. Ultimately, if the game goes too far, it could result in serious harm, or even death, for both animals.
As fast, smart, and capable as squirrels may seem, they are not invincible. One mistake could lead to a dog catching the squirrel and most likely killing it. It is not worth risking the squirrel getting hurt, no matter how confident it may seem.
Moreover, squirrels can carry serious diseases that could seriously harm your dog. Squirrels carry a variety of nasty parasites and fleas, and can also spread Lyme disease to your pet through tick infestation.
On top of this, dogs that end up killing and even eating squirrels may be at risk of serious gastrointestinal problems – or, at the very least, a stomach bug. These are, after all, wild animals – and your domesticated pet isn’t built to deal with the various hidden nasties that squirrels put up with.
What’s more, dogs can also easily get hurt trying to reach squirrels by jumping, climbing, and possibly falling.
Let’s also consider the fact that squirrels can be avid scratchers – causing deep cuts and wounds for your dog.
Therefore, as fantastic a video of your dog playing with squirrels might be to share online, it’s a habit you should do well to stop as soon as possible. You’re likely safe to let your dog roam a little more when it’s wet – squirrels hate the rain – but otherwise, it’s time to be vigilant.
Why do squirrels tease dogs?
Believe it or not, squirrels enjoy teasing dogs because it helps to relieve boredom – it’s a strange spin on the old game of tag! Squirrels goad dogs into chasing them – and at the same time, dogs can sometimes enjoy the thrill of the chase. Crucially, it’s a mutually beneficial moment where both animals choose to let off a bit of steam.
However, a squirrel may also appear as though it is teasing a dog when in actual fact, it is trying to defend itself. It could be that it has kits (or baby squirrels) in its nest, or a food reserve that it is building for the winter. If that is the case, then it will be doing its utmost to keep other creatures out, especially ones that could easily harm what is most dear to them. Squirrels aren’t afraid to show aggression if need be (and some studies suggest this can be down to urbanization).
The squirrel is impressively plucky – and while it will run away if it is under immediate threat, no studies exist to suggest that squirrels are actually afraid of dogs. Dogs can be considered predators in rare cases, but the squirrel is most likely keeping its eye out for wild mammals such as weasels, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats – not domesticated beasts.
Therefore, the relationship between squirrels and dogs can offer a bit of mutual fun – but things can turn a little risky if you let these creatures get too close to each other.
How do squirrels deal with dogs?
Take some of your dog’s favorite treats and hide them in areas around your backyard. Let your dog loose in your backyard so he can scent and “hunt” out the treats instead of focusing on chasing squirrels. Repeat the “Find It” game with treats up to two times per day, preferably around meal times.
TV for Dogs : Videos for Dogs to Watch – Squirrels
They tease and chase after each other because it’s fun. It depends on the species of dog, of course. Some dogs will slow down if they get too close to the squirrel (so the game can continue), while other dogs will kill the squirrel in their enthusiasm.