Keeping Foxes Away from Your Dog – How to Use Safe and Effective Repellents

Dealing with foxes in your backyard can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have dogs. Foxes and dogs often do not mix well, and confrontations can lead to injuries on either side. As a dog owner, you want to keep foxes away from your property without harming them. The good news is there are effective fox repellents that are safe to use around dogs. With the right products and deterrents, you can humanely keep foxes away and protect your furry friends.

Understanding Fox Behavior

To keep foxes away from your dogs, it helps to understand their behavior patterns. Foxes are opportunistic animals that are attracted to easy sources of food and shelter. They may be drawn to your yard if you have small pets, unattended pet food, or potential denning spots. Foxes are also territorial and will try to keep other animals like dogs out of areas they consider their own.

Foxes tend to be more active at dawn and dusk, so these are times when confrontations with your dogs are more likely. Foxes may consider your dogs as competition and try to intimidate them with aggressive posturing, noises, or even nipping. Dogs may in turn become highly reactive and protective. Preventing interactions is the best way to avoid fights and injuries.

Repellents That Work and Are Dog Safe

The key to effective fox control is using repellents that alter fox behavior without harming the foxes, your dogs, or the environment. Repellents work by creating unpleasant sensations that foxes will avoid. Look for humane products that specifically state they are safe for use around dogs. Avoid any repellents containing coyote or predator urine, as these can actually attract foxes.

Pepper Sprays

Pepper sprays create a strong irritant sensation on contact that foxes want to avoid. Look for products containing capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers The sprays cause no permanent harm but are very uncomfortable. Reapply the spray after heavy rains. Take care to keep the spray away from your dog’s face and eyes as the pepper can irritate

Motion Activated Sprinklers

These devices detect movement and shoot bursts of water to startle foxes They are harmless but discourage foxes from lingering Place them near dens or common fox entry points. The sprinklers can keep foxes away from yards with dogs. They may need to be brought inside during freezing weather.

Electronic Repellers

These battery operated devices emit high frequency sounds, ultrasonic noise, or lights that foxes want to avoid. Models with motion sensors are most effective since they activate when foxes come near. The lights and sounds are not detectable by dogs but will drive foxes away. Look for features like variable frequency, range, and volume control.

Lighting

Foxes prefer darkness, so installing bright lighting around your yard can make it less attractive. Floodlights or motion activated lights near dog pens and dog doors will discourage foxes. Just be sure lights do not shine into dens as mother foxes will relocate their kits.

Removal of Attractants

Denying food and shelter is key to permanent fox control. Never intentionally feed foxes. Keep pet food inside, clean up fallen fruit and secure compost bins. Fox proof enclosed spaces like porches, sheds, and crawl spaces. Cut back overgrown areas and trim vegetation to reduce hiding spots. Making your yard less welcoming will encourage foxes to look elsewhere.

Additional Tips for Keeping Foxes Away

Here are some additional tips for repelling foxes while keeping your dogs safe:

• Supervise dogs when outside, especially at dawn and dusk. Don’t allow dogs to roam freely.

• Accompany dogs on leashes when walking near known fox dens. Keep dogs close in fox heavy areas.

• Use secure fencing around pens, install wire mesh under porches, and block potential holes.

• Try landscape options like thorny plants as natural deterrents along fences. Plant animal repellent plants like marigolds.

• Clean up fallen fruit around trees and bushes. Rotting fruit attracts foxes.

• Remove outdoor pet food, water bowls, and bird feeders at night when foxes are most active.

• Use bio-degradable cleaning products when cleaning dens or eliminating scents. Avoid fox urine.

• Seek professional fox removal for difficult cases. Some states allow trapping and relocating nuisance foxes.

• Consult local regulations about legal fox deterrent options and necessary permits.

Take a Proactive Stance Against Foxes

Coexisting with foxes requires an active prevention approach. The key is breaking the attraction cycle by restricting access, removing food sources, and making your yard less inviting. Persistence is important so deterrents become a permanent part of your routine. With regular use of safe repellents, maintaining a clean yard, and supervision of your dogs, you can humanely convince foxes your property is not worth the trouble. Keeping foxes away removes the threat while allowing both species to coexist naturally and safely in shared environments. Your dogs will thank you!