Pet Lovers

[KingstonsMom]

While I don't live where coyotes are common, birds of prey are very common, we have 2 bald eagle families that nest here and lots of hawks in the trees over the lake behind our house.

"With coyote sightings on the rise, Ohio pet owners scared of having their small dogs and cats snatched by hungry predators, have started outfitting their beloved pets in heavily-adorned, protective Kevlar vests.

Made by a California couple who watched as their own dog was killed by a coyote, CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor is an unsubtle mix of an old school punk rocker's studded jacket and colorful Mohawk hairstyle, and a school crossing guard's hi-vis vest.

Ohio dog owners Carlton Ross and girlfriend Cassie Smith told WJW that they bought two of the lightweight, flexible Kevlar vests for their pair of Jack Russell terriers after spotting coyotes near their home. 

'It’s so nerve-wracking cause you can hear them howling from here,' Smith said of the encroaching coyotes. 

The standard CoyoteVest — made for both dogs and cats — come with two rows of sharp plastic spikes along the spine area. Additional spikes at the back of the neck are meant to protect the most common coyote bite point, while the optional

CoyoteWhiskers, long colorful nylon bristles, are aimed at warding off bird of prey strikes. The Kevlar portion of the vest can withstand sharp canine teeth and bird talons. 

Neither the spikes nor the bristles are 'dangerous to handle,' the company says. 

Ross said that he thought the vests 'were crazy looking for sure,' but added that 'nothing's gonna want to bite that.' "

**No link provided due to graphic images of pets being 'taken' by coyotes, full article available at Daily mail website**

[Carmie]

I posted a picture of the vests on this board about a year or two ago because posters were having problems with Coyotes and it didn't go over well.  I was sorry I even mentioned them.

I still think they are a great idea to keep pets safe.  I wonder how your post will be received...I hope it goes better than mine.

[NickNack]

I think the vests would be a good idea if coyotes were getting close to your house.  I don't think they should be a substitute for staying outside with your pet the entire time though.  If there are coyotes nearby your pet should never be outside alone IMO.

[Carmie]

I agree @NickNack.   But, The inventor of the vest was out walking a small dog when a coyote came right up and snatched the dog away...leash and all.  Imagine how awful that was.

Sometimes wild animals can be quite aggressive and strong measures need to be taken.

The vests could be a godsend if your coyotes are way too bold and you can't protect your pet any other way.

[NickNack]

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@Carmie wrote:

I agree @NickNack.   But, The inventor of the vest was out walking a small dog when a coyote came right up and snatched the dog away...leash and all.  Imagine how awful that was.

Sometimes wild animals can be quite aggressive and strong measures need to be taken.

The vests could be a godsend if your coyotes are way too bold and you can't protect your pet any other way.

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@Carmie  Yes I understood the purpose and agree it could be a wonderful solution if coyotes are a problem.  I have heard many stores about coyotes taking a small pet when the owner is right there.  I just meant I don't think they should be wearing them without the owner present when there's a coyote problem.  I hope that makes sense.

[Carmie]

@NickNack  It makes perfect sense, and I 100% agree with you.

My two little Cavaliers have never been outside alone...ever or even off leash unless fenced in.  I watch them like a hawk.  We have problems with humans stealing pure bred dogs around here....worse than coyotes.

[ValuSkr]

The look is pretty cool - like punk rockers.  But I wonder if the animals will resist wearing them.

[candys mine]

Better than nothing.. but... Kevlar won't protect against crushing injury of jaws if a coyote does attack.  Just don't become complacent thinking they're all safe wearing one.

[NickNack]

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@Carmie wrote:

@NickNack  It makes perfect sense, and I 100% agree with you.

My two little Cavaliers have never been outside alone...ever or even off leash unless fenced in.  I watch them like a hawk.  We have problems with humans stealing pure bred dogs around here....worse than coyotes.

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@Carmie  I'm sure I've told you this before, but I've had five Cavaliers over the years.  I've had all colors except ruby.  They are such wonderfully sweet, special dogs.

[Sooner]

I can't see that would be really effective against predators.