Sometimes we hear from customers that they do not need a professional mice removal service because they have a dog that chases and eats mice. While this may seem logical and cost-effective, there is more cause for concern than it seems at first. Dogs may help keep mice away temporarily, but not permanently. Dogs can also develop illnesses by consuming mice, so it’s best to call for professional pest control in Oakville and let your dog snooze while we do the hard work. 

Do Dogs Help Keep Mice Away? 

The short answer to this question is yes, but only for a little while. If your dog and a mouse happen to cross paths in an instant, the mouse will run away. Unfortunately, it may run just around the corner and scurry under your house, safe from the dog! Then, when it comes out again at night while your dog is asleep, it will know it is scot-free. The presence of a dog is not an automatic repellent.

What Is the Relationship Between Dogs and Mice?

Dogs were not historically trained to hunt mice in the same way that they were bred to hunt foxes, rabbits, and African game. In the 21st century, whether your dog wants to chase mice will really depend on what type of breed your dog is. Terriers and dachshunds may be more likely to chase mice, whereas lazier, heavier dogs may see a mouse and not care at all. Keep in mind that it may not be safe for any dog to chase and kill a mouse, due to the diseases that mice carry from wild fields and forests. 

Are Dogs an Effective Mouse Control Solution? 

Scientific research indicates that dogs by themselves are not a foolproof solution to mouse infestations. Researchers at the University of Florida determined that mice are no more afraid of dogs than they are of their other common predators such as cats, foxes, snakes, weasels, lizards, and owls. The study revealed that mice are generally afraid of anything larger than them, but when the predator is absent, the mice return to the location without any fear. The study also revealed that the presence of both a dog and a cat, or multiple pets, did keep mice away longer. 

Why Are Mice Dangerous to Dogs?

Be careful, too, because mice pose some dangers to dogs. Mice are wild animals, prone to carrying diseases, whereas your dog has likely been domesticated for several generations and is, therefore, less immune to natural viruses. It may be tempting to let your dog chase and kill mice, but be very cautious about letting the dog eat its kill. Mice frequently carry a protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause diarrhea and nervous system issues in dogs.

Are Mice Afraid of Dogs?

Any rodent will, at first, run away from an animal that is larger and louder than itself. But once the fight-or-flight moment has passed, if the dog is not around anymore, the mouse will return fearlessly. A much more effective solution is the proactive prevention and removal strategies that we have mastered. This starts with a free inspection, then continues with advice and consult on sanitation, exclusion, trapping, and population reduction. 

Professional Mice Removal in Oakville 

At Truly Nolen, we take the guesswork out of your pest control problem. If you keep your pets safely indoors or kenneled while we do our assessment and prevention strategies, you won’t have to worry whether your dog is a mouser or not. Easily use our website to find a Truly Nolen location near you, or call us today.