The Danger of Raccoon Droppings For Pets

Raccoons resemble mask-wearing bandits, but the animals are rather shy and unaggressive. While a raccoon will defend itself or attack when cornered, incidents are pretty rare. However, calling raccoon removal in Victoria is still the best option if you see these animals around your property. If raccoons are a common sight around your property, they likely have a den or nest nearby. The proximity of a den to your property increases the odds of interaction with the animal, especially pets. An attack is not the only way a raccoon may harm your pet. If your dog or cat comes into contact with a raccoon latrine, it can become ill.

Defining a Raccoon Latrine

Like cats, raccoons are particular about where they go to the bathroom. They will not defecate or urinate in their dens or burrows. The nocturnal mammals will find a location near their den and use it as a restroom. They will continue to use the same area as a restroom for as long as it suits their needs. Experts refer to the area as a raccoon latrine.

Understanding Disease Risks of Raccoon Urine and Feces

If you spot a latrine, avoid it and keep your pets away. Call a professional to your property to clean and remove the waste safely. Raccoon waste is home to many bacteria and viruses. If your pets get too close or eat the excrement, they can become infected. Raccoons are host carriers of several diseases.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that causes flu-like symptoms. The raccoon transmits the bacteria through its urine, which can then transfer to the ground or water sources. If a pet lays in a raccoon latrine or drinks from a nearby puddle or stream, it may ingest the bacteria. In the worst-case scenario, your pet can spread the infection to you. The symptoms of leptospirosis include:

• Yellowing eyes
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dark urine

Giardia

Like leptospirosis, giardia is a bacterium that can spread from pet to person, specifically dog to person. The bacteria can transfer through the consumption of raccoon feces or the drinking of affected water. While many dogs will not show symptoms, owners should watch for them all the same:

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy

Roundworm

Roundworm is a parasitic disease that can pass from raccoon feces to dogs. As roundworm is a zoonotic disease, it can transfer to humans. Strangely enough, raccoons do not seem adversely affected by roundworm, but your pet will not have the same luck. Roundworm symptoms can resemble rabies and can prove fatal in puppies. Some of the more severe symptoms of the disease include:

• Seizures
• Loss of muscle control and coordination
• Difficulty swallowing
• Confusion
• Lethargy

Distemper

Canada experienced a severe distemper outbreak in 2009, killing hundreds of raccoons and skunks. While distemper is not a threat to humans, it is a danger to your dogs. Canine distemper can spread through infected urine, feces, food, or water. A raccoon latrine is a possible contamination site.

Keeping Your Pet and Property Safe

  When speaking to experts in wildlife removal on Vancouver Island, there are several suggestions they offer to protect your property and your pet. Primarily, maintenance and proper food and trash storage provide the best protection. Specific recommendations include:

• Never leave pet or people food outside
• Keep garbage, recycling, and compost in secure containers
• Clean food containers before disposing
• Treat your lawn for common garden pests, like grubs

Raccoons are relatively passive animals, but they can pass along harmful diseases to your pets. If you notice raccoons in your area, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to schedule a property inspection. Not only will the wildlife technician assess your property, but they will also give you pointers for keeping wildlife out of your yard.