Yes, you should intervene if a raccoon is fighting your dog. Raccoons can be aggressive when they feel threatened and may carry diseases like rabies, which could put both your dog and yourself at risk. Here’s what you can do:
- Stay Safe: First and foremost, prioritize safety for both yourself and your dog. Avoid getting close to the raccoon, as it may act unpredictably or bite.
- Distract the Raccoon: Try to distract the raccoon from a safe distance by using loud noises like clapping, banging pots, or using an air horn. This may scare it away.
- Separate Them Carefully: If the situation doesn’t de-escalate, carefully separate your dog from the raccoon. Do not use your hands directly; if possible, use an object like a broom or a leash to keep a safe distance between you, your dog, and the raccoon.
- Get Professional Help: If the raccoon doesn’t leave, or if it’s injured or acting unusually, call animal control or a local wildlife rescue service for assistance. They have the expertise to deal with such situations safely.
- Check Your Dog: After the encounter, check your dog for injuries or signs of a bite. If there are any, or if the raccoon was acting aggressively, contact a veterinarian immediately to check for possible infections or diseases.
In any case, safety is the priority, so act with caution.
