This week, VPI Pet Insurance released the results of a survey in which they analyzed bite wounds from attacks and determined the top ten animals that attack house pets.The release of the survey coincided with the publication of a story about Ozzy Osbourne being devastated by the death of his favorite dog–a Pomeranian named Little Bit (right)–who was killed by a coyote in his own backyard in Los Angeles.
Note that the survey only covers bite wounds. The nature of the study does not include data on pets that disappeared after being consumed by predators. Thus, bobcats, birds of prey, and other predators–which may pose a bigger threat to you, depending on your location–are not on the list.
Top 10 Wild Animals That Attack Pets
Nation’s Largest Pet Insurer Reveals Claims Data on Animal Attacks
BREA, Calif., July 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sometimes our pets go looking for a fight, but other times the fight comes to them–from land, sea, and even air. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently reviewed more than 500 laceration/bite wound claims in search of animal-inspired incidents to determine which wild animals most frequently attacked and injured companion pets in 2008. In addition to the usual suspects–snakes, coyotes and raccoons–VPI received claims for pet injuries caused by a squirrel, scorpion, javelina, porcupine, ground hog, skunk, rat, goat, beaver, woodchuck, black bear, mountain lion, hawk, rabbit, sea urchin, and jellyfish. Following are the 10 animals aside from dogs and cats that were most responsible for pet injury claims in 2008:
Top 10 Animals To Attack Pets
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1. Snake
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2. Coyote
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3. Raccoon
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4. Squirrel
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5. Scorpion
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6. Javelina
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7. Porcupine
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8. Ground Hog
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9. Skunk
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10. Rat
————-Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Snakebites may require antivenin and scorpion stings may cause allergic reactions requiring antihistamines. Treatment protocols vary depending on the severity of the attack and costs can range from hundreds of dollars for bandages or stitches to thousands of dollars for surgery for damaged organs or broken limbs.
Though animal attack claims came from all areas of the country, javelina and scorpion claims were exclusive to the state of Arizona. Javelinas, or peccaries, are feral pig-like omnivores native to the southwestern United States. They have been known to viciously attack both pets and people. For a detailed account of a javelina attack on a VPI-insured pet, visit http://press.petinsurance.com/pressroom/267.aspx.
“Whether in urban or rural areas, pet owners should be aware of the danger posed by wild animals,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “VPI’s data reveals that not all members of the animal kingdom observe backyard fences, or appreciate the curiosity of a pet that may enter their territory. Always make sure that a pet’s rabies vaccine is up to date and if you know that potentially dangerous wild animals are present, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, take extra care to keep your pet close and secure.”
[IMAGES: USAToday, DreamDogs.co.uk]
