Whether or not the FoxWatch Ultrasonic Deterrent Unit will have an effect on dogs is a very common and understandable question that we get from a lot of dog owners who have a fox problem but want to double-check the FoxWatch is ok to use with dogs first.
As many of you may know foxes and dogs are both members of the Canidae biological family and, as a result, they share many common features such as a similar hearing range.
The FoxWatch emits a sound that is between 40-45 kHz, so it is within a dogs hearing range and dogs are able to hear it, although us humans cannot.
Foxes can be a nuisance for homeowners, especially those with pets like dogs. While getting rid of foxes is important for protecting your property, you also need to make sure any deterrents used are safe for your furry friends. The good news is there are effective fox repellents that won’t harm your dog.
Understanding Fox Behavior
To stop foxes from causing trouble in your yard, it helps to know their patterns. Foxes go wherever they can easily find food, water and shelter. They may target your property if you have unsecured trash cans, small outdoor pets, fruit trees or potential den sites. Foxes are most active at dawn and dusk when confrontations with dogs are more likely. They see dogs as competition and will try to scare them away from their territory. Preventing interaction is the best way to avoid injury to pets or foxes.
Choose Repellents Safe For Dogs
Look for humane fox deterrents clearly labeled as dog-safe Avoid predator urine, as the strong scent can actually attract foxes Some good dog-friendly options include
-
Pepper Sprays – Made with capsaicin from hot peppers these temporary irritants cause discomfort but don’t permanently harm. Reapply after rain. Avoid dog’s face.
-
Motion Sprinklers – Detect movement and shoot water to startle foxes. Harmless but effective. Place near dens or fox entry points.
-
Electronic Repellers – Ultrasonic, lighting or sound devices irritate foxes but most dogs can’t hear. Models with sensors work best.
-
Outdoor Lighting – Foxes prefer darkness so floodlights deter them. Don’t shine lights directly on dens.
-
Plant-based Repellents – Natural ingredients like garlic, citronella, vinegar or chili pepper make yards less welcoming.
-
Professional Removal – In extreme cases, professionals can legally trap and relocate nuisance foxes. Check your state’s laws.
Top Tips for Success
-
Supervise pets outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when foxes are active. Don’t let dogs roam unsupervised.
-
Walk dogs on leashes near known fox dens. Keep pets near you in fox-prone areas.
-
Use secure fencing and block potential holes that foxes could access.
-
Remove food sources like bird feeders, fallen fruit and unsecured trash. Fox-proof enclosed spaces.
-
Use fox-deterrent plants like oregano, marigolds or thorny bushes as natural barriers.
-
Clean up after pets. Foxes are attracted to food, water bowls and scent markers.
-
Persistently reapply repellents. Consistency is key in establishing long-term deterrence.
Are Ultrasonic Devices Safe Around Dogs?
A common question from pet owners is whether ultrasonic fox repellers will bother dogs. These devices emit high frequency sounds that deter foxes but are almost undetectable to humans. However, dogs have a similar hearing range to foxes, so they can hear ultrasonic sounds.
Despite this, most dogs don’t seem bothered by ultrasonic devices after an initial adjustment period of a few days. They quickly become accustomed to the sound as just another normal noise in their environment. Foxes never get used to it because they don’t reside in areas protected by ultrasonics. The sound remains alarming and unfamiliar to them.
While dogs may bark at first, consistent use of ultrasonics results in fewer reactive outbursts compared to frequent fox encounters. Dog owners often report their pets seem calmer once foxes stop appearing in their yards. Smaller, more vulnerable dogs also benefit from reduced risk of fox aggression.
So while dogs can hear ultrasonic deterrents, they aren’t harmed and typically adapt without issue. The sounds create an invisible fence that makes your yard an unpleasant place for foxes but leaves pets unbothered. This allows dogs and foxes to safely and humanely share outdoor spaces.
The Bottom Line
Protecting your dog and property from foxes is possible with consistent use of proven humane deterrents. Supervise pets, restrict food sources, and use dog-safe repellents like lighting, sprinklers, plants and ultrasonics to establish your yard as fox-free. With some persistence and prevention, you can send foxes packing for good. And your dog will thank you for it!
Dogs are often calmer once foxes are out of the garden
So, in short, many dog owners successfully use the FoxWatch to keep foxes away without causing any disruption to their dogs.
A dog, when it is in the garden, is actually a very good natural fox deterrent and it’s worth encouraging your dog to pee in places you’ve seen a fox.
It’s when dogs are indoors or away from home that foxes living nearby may try to venture into the garden. Installing a FoxWatch means there is a deterrent working for you at all times
Additionally, we often get feedback from dog owners that their dogs were previously barking far more when they saw a fox come into the garden, than they do once a FoxWatch is installed and doing its job.
It can also provide peace of mind to many owners of smaller breeds of dog who are worried about potential fox attacks, however small the threat.
Dogs quickly get used to the FoxWatch but foxes do not
However, in most circumstances, a dog owner who installs a FoxWatch finds that, although their dog may bark the first few times the FoxWatch is triggered, they soon get used to it as just another household noise.
The FoxWatch is something new in the garden that is making a new noise, so naturally a dog will initially be inquisitive.
Foxes on the other hand, are wild animals who are constantly on the lookout for threats to themselves and their territories, so the FoxWatch is very successful at providing this threat at all times, causing the fox to flee and teaching the fox that your garden is not a place it can feel comfortable or worth attempting to enter.
The best analogy is to think of the FoxWatch as a fox burglar alarm or the fox equivalent of fingers scratching down a blackboard.
Scoot Fox Repellent – Trick foxes into staying away from your garden!
FAQ
What fox repellent is safe for dogs?
EFFECTIVE AND SAFE: KinderPet Fox Repellent Spray is – as the name suggests – ‘Kinder to your Pet’. It is 100% natural and plant and fruit based.
How to deter foxes but not dogs?
Use Repellents: – Scent Repellents: Foxes are sensitive to strong smells. You can use commercial fox repellents, or try natural options like vinegar, garlic, or predator urine (available at garden stores). – Noise Deterrents: Create noise by using wind chimes, radios, or motion-activated devices that emit sounds.
What scent will keep foxes away?
For example, you can make a solution of water and vinegar and spray it around your garden. The strong smell of vinegar can help to repel foxes.May 8, 2023
What is the best deterrent for foxes?
You can use certain smells to deter foxes, they are reported to dislike the smell of chilli peppers and garlic so try infusing in boiling water and spraying around your garden as a fox repellent.