Can Dogs Help Get Rid of Mice?

As soon as you find mice in your home, you need to act quickly. A mouse here and there can turn into an infestation in a very short time. But what is the best method of catching mice and how can you keep them out? There are a variety of options, including calling in professionals or using DIY pest control products. But what if you prefer a more natural approach? People have had some success with natural repellents such as citronella, peppermint oil, or vinegar. But there might be an option that hasn’t yet crossed your mind. Could your pet dog help get rid of mice?

Why does it work? Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and hearing, which helps them detect mice hiding in walls, cupboards, or under floors. Many dog breeds also have natural hunting instincts which means that they are quick to chase small moving animals. A mouse running around will spark a dog’s curiosity and it’s something fun to chase. Dogs are also territorial animals, so they would view mice as intruders. They will want to chase the mice away or catch them.

One thing to keep in mind, if you want your pet dog to help handle your infestation, is that some breeds are better than others at catching mice. Smaller, faster, dogs are better than big strong dogs in this case. Here are some breeds that have historically been used to hunt mice-

• Jack Russell Terriers - this is usually the first breed people think of as they are well known for their strong prey drive and high energy. For years farmers have used these dogs to hunt mice and rats. 

• Yorkshire Terriers - did you know these dogs were originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills and mines in the 19th century? You may not live in a mine but they can still be effective hunters in the home. 

• Dachshunds - they look cute and they have short legs so you might conclude that they aren’t good hunters, but Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt animals in burrows. Their desire to hunt and a strong sense of smell make them very effective at chasing mice. 

Large, slow, or companion-focused breeds are usually not very effective at catching mice. So if your lovable family pet is a Golden Labrador or a Great Dane, the chances of them eliminating unwanted rodents are very small.

Are there risks?

Even if you have the right breed of dog, it’s important to be aware of possible risks to your pet if you want to use them to get mice out of your home. 

Firstly, mice can carry diseases that could be transferred to your pet. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. If your dog eats a mouse it could also contract parasites. Rats can also transmit Salmonella bacteria to animals and humans through urine, feces and surface contact, causing the disease salmonellosis which has symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever.

Secondly, are you using other pest control methods already? If your dog eats a mouse that has already consumed poisoned bait, it could suffer from secondary poisoning. Vomiting or breathing issues are a sign that you should take your pet to a vet as soon as possible.

Thirdly, even something as seemingly minor as a bite or scratch from a mouse can cause injury and may lead to infection if they are not noticed and treated properly.

After reading this, you may have decided that relying on your dog to handle a mouse infestation isn’t the right option. So how can you get rid of mice while keeping your pets safe? Pet-safe pest control products, such as Bait Stations, are designed to keep bait, poison, and trapped rodents completely out of reach from curious pets. The Eco Pro Pest Control bait stations feature a lock-and-key system and are made from durable, tamper-proof materials for added safety. They can be placed either inside or outside.

Want to learn more? Check out our blog, The Dangers of Pest Control to Pets, to discover safe and effective ways to protect both your home and your furry family members.

Sources 

https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-dogs-help-with-mice

https://www.marthastewart.com/8119678/dogs-that-hunt-mice-and-pests

https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/should-you-be-concerned-if-your-pet-eats-a-rat-or-mouse/#:~:text=Whilst%20catching%20a%20mouse%20or,from%20secondary%20rat%20bait%20poisoning.