Table of Contents
Breaking up a fight between a raccoon and your pet requires caution to avoid injury to both you and the animals. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have sharp claws and teeth and can carry rabies. Your pet may also bite out of fear or excitement. This guide covers how to safely separate them and what to do afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Do not use your hands to separate fighting animals. Use a long-handled tool.
- Make loud noises to startle the raccoon into releasing your pet.
- Check both animals for injuries after separation. Seek veterinary care for your pet.
- Report raccoon bites to animal control. Raccoons are primary carriers of rabies.
In This Guide
Immediate Steps to Break Up the Fight
- Stay calm and assess the situation. Do not run into the fight. You may be bitten or scratched by either animal.
- Make loud noises. Yell, bang pots together, or use an air horn. The sudden noise may startle the raccoon into releasing your pet.
- Use a long-handled tool like a rake, shovel, or broom to push the raccoon away from your pet. Do not hit the animals. Use the tool as a barrier.
- Spray water from a hose. A strong stream of water from a garden hose can separate fighting animals. Aim at the raccoon’s face.
- Throw a blanket or towel over the raccoon. This can disorient it and give your pet time to escape.
After the Fight
- Check your pet for injuries. Even small punctures can become infected. Take your pet to the veterinarian.
- Check yourself for injuries. If you were bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention.
- Report the incident to animal control. The raccoon may need to be tested for rabies.
- Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date. This is your pet’s best protection.
Preventing Future Fights
- Supervise your pet outdoors especially at dawn and dusk when raccoons are most active.
- Remove food sources that attract raccoons to your yard: garbage, pet food, birdseed, fallen fruit.
- Install motion-activated lights to deter raccoons from entering your yard.
- Seal gaps under decks and porches where raccoons may den.
- Keep your pet on a leash when walking in areas with known raccoon activity.
For more, read our attic removal guide and raccoon behavior guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a raccoon kill a dog?
A raccoon can seriously injure a small dog. Raccoons have sharp claws and teeth and are strong for their size. A raccoon protecting its young can be especially aggressive. Large dogs may injure the raccoon but can also be bitten and exposed to rabies.
Can a raccoon kill a cat?
Yes. Raccoons can kill cats, especially kittens and smaller cats. Cats and raccoons often compete for food and territory. Keep cats indoors at night when raccoons are most active.
What should I do if my pet fights a raccoon at night?
Use loud noises and a long-handled tool to separate them. Do not use your hands. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately after the fight, even if injuries appear minor. Report the incident to animal control.
How do I know if a raccoon has rabies?
Signs of rabies in raccoons include: active during the day, staggering or circling, drooling excessively, making strange sounds, and showing no fear of humans. If a raccoon shows these signs and has been in a fight with your pet, call animal control immediately.
The Bottom Line
Breaking up a fight between a raccoon and your pet requires caution. Never use your hands. Use loud noises, a long-handled tool, or a hose to separate them. After separation, check both animals for injuries and seek veterinary care for your pet. Report the incident to animal control. Prevent future fights by supervising your pet outdoors, removing food sources, and keeping your yard less attractive to raccoons.
