15 Creatures That Dogs Can’t Stand

Dogs are known for their boundless affection and loyal companionship, often earning the title of man’s best friend. However, particular creatures can make them uneasy, anxious, or downright hostile. Read on as we look into some animals that dogs do not particularly like engaging with.

Coyotes

Coyotes are wild relatives of dogs, yet their presence can cause fear and aggression in domestic dogs. They are territorial animals and could harm smaller breeds. Keep your pet on a leash during walks in areas where coyotes roam, and ensure your yard is securely fenced.

Raccoons

While cute and harmless, raccoons aren’t dogs’ favorite animals. Dogs mostly react to raccoons with agitation due to their distinctive smell and unpredictable movements. In addition, being nocturnal in nature and having a tendency to raid garbage cans makes them unwelcome visitors around your house. 

Snakes

Many dogs experience primal fear when they see snakes, likely rooted in their natural survival instincts. A snake’s sudden, slithering movement can startle dogs, and a venomous snake’s bite can be life-threatening. Pet owners can minimize snake encounters by keeping their yards tidy and removing tall grass and debris where snakes might hide.

Skunks

The pungent spray skunks emit when they sense danger can cause distress to dogs. This odor can linger for days, and the initial spray can cause temporary blindness and discomfort. Dogs are often curious about skunks, leading to unfortunate encounters.  

Scorpions

Scorpion stings are painful and dangerous, sometimes fatal. You should check bedding and areas where your dogs play, keep the yard free of debris, and ensure your home is sealed to prevent scorpions from entering.

Hyenas

Though domestic dogs and hyenas don’t naturally encounter each other, dogs may instinctively react with fear or aggression due to the hyena’s predatory nature and eerie vocalizations. If you live in a region where hyenas might attack at any time, you should keep your dogs inside at night.

Javelinas

These wild pig-like animals are found in the southwestern United States. They are territorial and will act aggressively if they feel endangered. Their musky scent and defensive behavior can cause dogs to react with fear. Since they’re stronger, dogs can get severely injured in such encounters.

Cougars

If mountain lions are present in your area, installing high fences and motion sensor lights is the way to go. Cougars or mountain lions’ stealth and hunting prowess can trigger a dog’s survival instincts, causing significant anxiety. Some less experienced dogs might try to attack, putting themselves in a deadly situation. 

Bears

Dogs usually feel extremely uncomfortable when they spot a bear, even from a distance. Bears’ sheer size and strength, combined with a dog’s natural inclination to protect its territory, can lead to fatal encounters. The altercation between a bear and a dog will unlikely end in your canine’s favor.

Squirrels

Despite their small size, squirrels can drive dogs into a frenzy. Quick, darting movements and chattering sounds can be highly stimulating, triggering a dog’s prey drive. This can bring frustration and excessive barking. As a result, they might jump or put themselves into dangerous situations to attack these small animals. 

Opossums

While opossums are generally not aggressive, their appearance and behavior can make dogs uneasy. Dogs can rampage trash cans and cause a lot of mess, looking for one opossum. 

Groundhogs

Canines usually feel curious when they spot groundhogs or woodchucks. Since they have burrowing behavior, sudden appearance can be startling for dogs. Your dog might start digging into your backyard, pursuing a groundhog it will never find. 

Porcupines

Feeling endangered when a dog gets too close, a porcupine can release its quills, which embed painfully in the dog’s skin. This mostly leads to immediate distress and requires veterinary attention to remove the quills safely. Unfortunately, dogs often don’t learn from their mistakes, and this could happen again.

Alligators

Dogs are fond of swimming, but alligators, found in swamps and lakes, can easily kill them. Their powerful jaws make them predators that canines shouldn’t mess with. Dogs may be attracted to the water and unknowingly approach alligators only to be surprised by a fatal bite. 

Red-Tailed Hawks

With keen eyesight and powerful talons, these hawks may swoop down to capture what they perceive as prey. Small dogs left unattended in open areas can be vulnerable to these aerial predators. You should supervise your small dogs when they are outside, especially in rural or suburban areas where hawks are common.