Should We Fear A Fox?
 

Piper's small fenced yard surrounds our deck and I always keep an eye on her when she's out. Last evening I observed a red fox trotting along the back edge of our lawn (maybe 20 feet from Pipe's fence); Piper was inside the house. I understand that an average fox weighs 15-18 lbs and Piper is a solid 9 1/2 lbs. Again, I try to stay vigilant, but should I be alarmed/concerned about Piper's safety with a red fox running around?

I don't have any experience with fox but I would say definitely yes. That fence can be jumped over very easily and even at 9 1/2 pounds I don't think a domestic dog would have a chance against a feral fox. Better safe than sorry.

Also found this in the archives

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/eur...vs-yorkie.html

I have concerns of fox also as I do have them in my area. I just googled this, but I would still be cautious. I would get my killer in the house ASAP.

Are Foxes Dangerous To People Or Pets?
A lot of people will be intimidated by the sight of a fox. It is true that to see a fox in a place where people live is a strange sight and no one should ever try to pet or corner a fox in order to catch it with their bare hands as they will become aggressive when cornered. But in general, foxes are not especially dangerous to humans or some pets. They will feed on livestock that is small such as poultry, rabbits or other small newborn animals. There have been cases where there have been some attacks, but generally speaking it is not a common occurrence. The cases where there has been an attack have happened when the fox is defending itself, its den or has been pushed to that extreme due to a lack of food. The reason they do not attack dogs, cats or humans is because they are not something that a fox sees as prey. Though it could happen that a fox tries to attack a dog or more likely a cat, they will be scared off when the noise begins or when a cat’s claws come out.

Diseases They May Carry
The one danger that foxes do present is the danger of disease. They are a possible carrier of rabies and a bite can cause an infection. They can also defecate close to where people live and the bacteria can spread when the feces dry or when a dog gets too close. This has the same impact as dog feces and if a fox has gone to the bathroom in your garden you should clean it, just like you would when a dog does it. The more likely scenario is that you will not be affected by the diseases that foxes carry, but your pets will be more susceptible to them. Mange, for example can affect dogs but the disease is easily treated and will not kill the dog once the treatment begins. The worst case scenario is hair loss by your pet unless it is not treated.

Unless he is rabid he should not want to come near you so if you are out there with her it should be fine.

Might put a fencing/wired overhead on the area fence, just so things can't jump/fly into it.

Generally, foxes will not come near a dog or even a cat (but maybe a kitten).

From another site:

Will a fox attack my dog or cat?

This is extremely unlikely. Foxes avoid dogs, even small dogs, because many foxes are killed by dogs. So it is much more likely that your dog will attack the fox, not the other way round. Attacks on cats are equally rare: cats and foxes are roughly the same size, and cats are very capable of defending themselves against foxes. So it is hardly surprising that foxes generally give cats a wide berth and flee when threatened by a cat. Occasionally small kittens are killed, but this is rare.

We have a fox or two in that walks our neighborhood in the early morning hours. It is pretty skittish and doesn't bother Emma or I when we are walking. But I'd just steer clear and make sure you're pup is up to date on shots so you're not picking up anything detrimental. Rabies is a must just in case.

I get my guy in the house because he's a trouble maker, he wants to attack what ever he sees, even the beautiful deer. I'm waiting for our black bear to come meandering by to see what his reaction to him is lol.
I don't want him scaring the wild critters that are harmless to him.

It's interesting to read that foxes would not harm cats and dogs. Without knowing that, I personally would avoid letting my two furbabies near any wild animals. Even mice! Who knows what kind of bacteria etc they could get from wild things.

Anyway. You guys have to watch this super cute animation about A Fox and A Mouse. It's a sweet 6 minute clip :) Enjoy and Happy Easter long weekend!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZyjJtBIlow

I wouldn't let any of my dogs anywhere near one. Dogs can quickly turn predator in some circumstances and may charge the fox, which could defend itself if it feels trapped. I've read that the fox would likely try to run from a dog but they can defend themselves if cornered or crazed by disease, injury or starvation.

You shouldn't let your Yorkie outside by itself. I had a friend of mine who didn't listen to me and her Yorkie was picked up by a Hawk. She had a wood privacy fence with a nice open green backyard. Thinking it would be the best thing to do with letting her Yorkie outside by itself and not watching for good exercise. It didn't go well at all. She cried to me for several days. She told me she heard her Yorkie screaming as it was picked up and was helpless when the Hawk flew away with her Yorkie. :( Just a lesson learn and hopefully others too. Treat your Yorkie just like your child. One eye on him/her and the other around for danger. :)

Yikes that’s terrible. I’m happy mine are all above 10 pounds which is to heavy to pick up.