Stray Dog

Stray Dog

Facts Identification and Control

Appearance of Stray Dog

A dog that has gone astray has no particular weight, color and height. Domestic dogs which are of different size and shapes are in no way different from stray dog. Ownership is basically that differentiates them. They both have the same set of canines and four set of legs. Dogs are known to have snouts which can either be long, short or brachycephalic. Their eyes can either be bulging or beady. They have ears which can either be hairy and long or tall and upright. Their body is mostly short, but can be long, spindly or compact. A dog’s tail can either be curly, bushy or just absent, but this will depend on the dog’s specie. Stray dogs are mostly identified by the outward condition of their body. A dog that has gone astray will most likely have an emaciated body, protruding body structure, inflated abdomen and a pot belly indicative of parasite overload. The hair coat of such a dog will be dirty and unkempt. If the dog has a long hair, it will be tangled up in mats. Some breeds of dogs when they go astray end up suffering from nasal discharge. Their nails end up growing hideously long. Stray dogs generally show signs of neglect.

Habitat and behavior of stray dog

Stray dogs live where people live. They sometimes join coyote pack, but this is only on rare occasions. Wolves barely tolerate the presence of dogs, and will very likely kill a stray dog that gets into its territory. Stray dogs see humans as enemies. This is because they mostly love on the outskirts of humanity. When they find their way to a city, they will find a safe spot to live. Just like other animals, stray dogs like it when things get safe, dry and quite. This inherent instinct of theirs makes them take up homes in porches and the bottom sides of a deck. You will find stray dogs inside sewers and drain pipes. Their nomadic nature makes it difficult for them to live in a particular location for so long.

Canine camaraderie is very common among stray dogs. They tend to form packs especially in areas where their population is dense. When they form packs, stray dogs just like wolves will appoint a leader who’s responsibility is to direct the pack, dictating their direction of movement. Unlike Wolves, stray dogs do not really care who assumes the alpha role position –male or female. Either a male or a female can take on the leadership position, and can only be ousted by a strong challenger.

Considering the fact that most of the stray dogs once had a home, they are most times sterilized. When they breed, they do so every four months, and can breed at any time of the year. A litter can contain as much as 14 puppies, but the size does depend on the dog’s specie.

Diet of Stray Dog

Most people erroneously believe that dogs are carnivorous, and will eat only protein laden diet. In actual truth, dogs eat whatever humans eat, and vegetables are no exception. What really matters is how the meal they eat smells. A bowl filled with fresh piece of broccoli will definitely not attract them as one filled with sugared fruit would. When faced with severe hunger, a stray dog will eat plastic materials with the scent of food on it.

Concerns caused by Stray Dogs

Stray dogs are considered as threat to humans and even household pets. They are one of the most common carriers of rabies as they are more likely to feed on rabies infected animal when in the wild. Humans do scare stray dogs. They respond to this fear by attacking whoever they feel is a threat to their existence. Household pets suffer it the most when they encounter stray dogs, and a pack of stray dogs can hunt household pets right within the enclosure of a yard. The garbage which stray dog leave on street after searching for food is a nuisance most homeowners worry about.

Diseases caused by stray dog

Rabies is a very big threat stray dog pose. A dog that has been affected by rabies displays two major neurological symptoms: unsteady movement of the eye and staggered gait. Sometimes, saliva flow out of their mouth in excess amount. Dogs that have gone astray are very likely to contract brucella, capnocytophaga and pasteurella. It is important to keep kids away from the stools of stray dogs because it contains some deadly parasites.

On this site, you will find relevant information which will guide you in making informed decision when dealing with stray dogs. Also, you will find lots of articles on this site that will give you strategies of dealing with stray dogs.