It's a Jungle Out There!

Life in Loudoun County means we share our beautiful backyards and trails with all kinds of wildlife. While most encounters are harmless, some animals can seriously injure or sicken your dog. Here’s what to watch for—and how to keep your pup safe.

1. Raccoons

Why they’re dangerous: Raccoons may look adorable, but they're still wild animals: if cornered or threatened, they can bite or scratch. In Virginia, raccoons are considered a high‐risk species for rabies, and they also host raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) among other parasites and diseases. While many raccoons are healthy, the danger increases with close contact, and it’s safest to keep pets vaccinated and avoid letting raccoons get near pet food, shelters, or dwellings.

Where they’re found: Wooded areas, under decks, near trash cans.
Safety tips:

• Secure garbage bins with locking lids.

• Never let dogs chase raccoons—injuries can happen fast.

• Keep dogs vaccinated for rabies.

2. Coyotes

Coyotes sometimes prey on small pets (cats, small dogs) and in rare cases may injure larger dogs if a dog enters their territory or challenges them. As human development expands into wild areas, coyotes in suburban and urban edges are becoming more habituated to people, losing some of their natural wariness. Coyotes are susceptible to—and may carry—diseases like rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, as well as various parasites. While the risk of transmission to dogs and especially to humans is generally low, keeping pets vaccinated and avoiding direct contact with wild coyotes help reduce risk.

Where they’re found: Open fields, wooded edges, and even suburban neighborhoods at dawn/dusk.
Safety tips:

• Supervise dogs outdoors, especially in early morning and evening.

• Walk dogs on a leash—no off-leash play in unfenced areas, especially at dawn/dusk.

• Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.

3. Snakes

Why they’re dangerous: Virginia is home to venomous snakes such as the copperhead (found across much of the state) and the timber rattlesnake (in more limited areas, especially the mountains). Bites from these snakes can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage, though severity depends on where the bite is, how much venom is injected, and how quickly the dog receives veterinary care.

Where they’re found: Tall grass, leaf piles, woodpiles, and sunny rock areas.
Safety tips:

• Keep your yard trimmed and free of debris.

• Stay on clear trails when hiking.

• Seek immediate vet care if your dog is bitten.

4. Skunks

Why they’re dangerous: Skunks are adorable, very stinky, and one of Virginia’s most common rabies vectors. If a skunk bites or scratches a dog (or a person), especially if there’s contact with saliva and broken skin, there is a risk of rabies transmission. While not every skunk exposure causes rabies, it’s best to treat any bite or scratch from a wild skunk as a serious concern.

Where they’re found: Burrows, brush piles, sheds, and under decks.
Safety tips:

• Block off potential den sites around your home.

• Keep pets inside at night.

• If sprayed, use a vet-approved cleaning solution—avoid just using tomato juice.

5. Bats

Why they’re dangerous: Bats are one of Virginia’s high-risk wildlife species for rabies. Even a very small or hard-to-see bite or scratch from a bat can transmit the virus—especially if there’s contact with saliva or nervous system tissue. Because their teeth are small, wounds may be unnoticed. If your dog might have been exposed to a bat in any questionable way, it’s wise to consult your vet promptly and ensure the pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Where they’re found: Attics, barns, sheds, tree hollows.
Safety tips:

• Keep dogs away from grounded or injured bats.

• Call animal control if you see bats in your home or yard during the day.

• Keep rabies vaccines up to date.

6. Large Birds of Prey

Why they’re dangerous: Large birds of prey—hawks, owls, and occasionally eagles—can pose a risk to very small pets (often under ~10-15 lbs), especially young puppies or unsupervised cats. These raptors hunt small mammals and birds, and their talons are strong enough that, in rare cases, small dogs or cats left outside or in areas where the birds can swoop down may be attacked. While such incidents are uncommon, it’s wise to supervise small pets outdoors (especially at dawn/dusk), keep them on leash where possible, and avoid letting them roam in open spaces without cover.

Where they’re found: Open fields, tall trees, fence posts.
Safety tips:

• Supervise small dogs outside.

• Provide covered outdoor areas for play.

Keep Your Pets Safe

• Supervise outdoor play—especially near woods or open fields.

• Keep vaccines and parasite prevention current.

• Teach strong recall so you can call your dog away from danger.

At Waggin’ Tails, we’re in local yards every day—and we know the signs of wildlife activity. If we spot a snake nest, raccoon droppings, or coyote tracks, we’ll give you a heads-up so you can protect your pets.