What Eats Dogs?

Most animals that see dogs as prey animals or eatables are mostly wild or just little creatures that look harmless but are actually harmful. They include coyotes, snakes, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, cougars, scorpions, porcupines, groundhogs, and rats. Keep reading to get the eatable info.

Animals That Eat Dogs

1. Coyotes

You will find coyotes all over North America, with some parts having more coyotes than others. Because of habitat encroachment, coyotes have invited themselves into urban spaces. As they are nocturnal animals, they always come out when it is dark and quiet. During those times, they target small dogs and cats. This means that if you live in a coyote-laden area, you should never leave small dogs at night. If you need a watchdog, get a larger breed.

2. Snakes

This is yet another predator that you will find all over the Americas. The one thing that separates snakes from all the other predators is that they are not active killers. Dogs are usually the ones who get into the wrong place. Snakes like lazing under buildings, sleeping in burrows or hiding in the grass, and in those places, dogs find them. If the dog does not see the reptile, it will be bitten and will need medical attention immediately.

To prevent this from ever happening, you should keep an eye on all the movements that your dog makes. Also, you should always put the canine on a leash to prevent it from wandering.

3. Skunks

The one thing you know about skunks is their distinctive smell, which they use to their advantage. In most cases, they will lift their tails and spray to keep off anyone invading their personal space. If that doesn’t happen, the skunk may engage in a fight with the invader – they will use their claws, which are sharp enough to inflict deep wounds. They could give your dog rabies, and if your dog loses the fight and loses its life, the skunk won’t mind having dog meat for lunch.

To prevent any skunky damage from happening, ensure that you get your dog vaccinated for rabies. When the pup is sprayed, mix baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide in reasonable proportions. Then, rub the mixture into the skin patches and let it settle for about 5 minutes. If you’re dealing with larger dogs, ensure that you add some lukewarm water to the mixture.

4. Raccoons

While these little animals look harmlessly cute, they have aggressive tendencies.  When they feel threatened, they will go bonkers and expressive possessiveness. Because some raccoons grow as big as medium-sized dogs, they can engage smaller canines in fights. The raccoons have teeth and claws, which they use for their defense.

Like skunks, raccoons can also give your dog rabies. So, a dog owner needs to make their house raccoon-proof to prevent the animals from coming in. One way could be through closing trashcan lids (because raccoons love to scavenge).

If you’re letting your canine out to do some toilet business, you need to monitor its every move. A raccoon could be lurking in the shadows waiting to attack it.

5. Squirrels

When I came across this, I couldn’t help but giggle. We all know that dogs love chasing squirrels, and it would be a wonder to find one eating the other. However, squirrels are quite defensive and will fight for their lives if cornered by dogs. If your dog is unprepared for the fight, it may get clawed and teethed. The injuries it gets may take a long time to heal, especially if they damage the dog’s soft tissues.

6. Cougars

These are also known as pumas or mountain lions and are found in southwestern and far west America. At one time, they were almost extinct because of hunting, but now, their population is increasing. They are seen more and more often by people.

Because of their natural predatory instincts, cougars are a severe danger to our dogs.  This means that we should not leave our pets outside, especially if we live in regions where cougar numbers are high. Cougars rarely attack pets, but a hungry one will not mind taking your dog as a kill.

7. Scorpions

In the southwestern parts of the US, many scorpions live there. This means that pet owners and pets there are threatened immensely. The call to pet parents is that they should watch their dogs and cats closely. Sometimes, your canine or feline could be tracking down a creature, not knowing that it is a harmful scorpion. A scorpion’s sting is poisonous and may make a dog paralyzed if the canine does not get immediate medical attention.

During the daytime, do not leave clothing or footwear out. A scorpion may take shelter in those spaces. If your dog tries to play with the clothes or shoes, they could get stung. What follows is a period of sickliness and limping.

8. Porcupines

These rodents are found all over the Americas. They usually move from place to place looking for salt – from sweaty clothes and certain plywood types. This means that dogs should not be let out and run freely in the wood. A curious dog may get the loose quills embedded on its skin. It will take long, unpleasant hours for the vet to remove them entirely.

9. Groundhogs

Groundhogs are not natural attackers, and they only react if they think your pet is threatening them. They have strong front teeth and claws that they are always ready to use.

You should always have your dog on a leash to prevent it from getting near the groundhog.

10. Rats

It’s not the house rats that I am talking about – it’s the wild ones. Wild rats will find both urban and rural environments comfortable, and they use their intelligence, aggression, and hardiness to survive. Like raccoons, you should be scared of the diseases that the rats are going to bring.

The best way to keep wild rats at bay is by keeping all your garbage cans covered. Also, do not let your dog engage in a scuffle with the rat because it could get injured and infected.

Countries Where Dogs Are Eaten

In many countries all over the world, many cuisines are prepared with dog meat. It always happens against the background of long-standing tradition, culture, or religion. Some cultures see dogs – meat or soup – as a good source of nourishment. Dog meat is seen the same way as pork and beef.

Westernized cultures find dog consumption an unacceptable thing. To be honest, those who engage in dog eating are scorned and shamed for making that dietary choice. Any westerner who reads this section of the article may feel horrified to know that eating dog meat is quite the norm in many countries. However, the one thing you must not forget is that different cultures have different ways of doing things. To exemplify, factory farms, which are common in America and engage in cattle raising using grains, are taken as an awful thing by many cultures worldwide.

Now, let us look at the countries that practice dog eating. Some countries may not shock you, but others will, and the details will surely be fascinating.

1. In VIETNAM, Dogs Are Eaten In Their Millions Every Year

Globally, Vietnam is known as the ‘best’ dog-eating country, which is for a good reason. In the country, dog meat is like a staple dish. It will be served to you in stews, roast, soups, and even sticks. Most of the dogs part are used as food in the country, and actually, many slaughterhouses only deal with dog meat. Each year, the estimate given of the number of dogs eaten is about 5 million, which is more than that of any other country. Actually, the price tags of dog meat are higher than those of pork.

The Vietnamese people consider dog meat healthy for consumption, and among many of them, there is a belief that they reap many medical benefits from eating it. The only unfortunate thing is that the history of slaughtering methods has been marred with unsanitariness and cruelty.

2. In SOUTH KOREA, Dogs Are Kept Not As Pets But As Livestock

South Koreans don’t just eat meat from any dog. While you may find terriers and mastiffs on the menu, the main staple is known as neurongi. The Koreans raise the yellowish dog breed in mass – just like cattle – with the sole purpose being to get the dogs slaughtered and cooked.

As mentioned in the headline, there is nothing like keeping the breed as a pet. This implies that the industry is big, and just like in Vietnam, the dogs are eaten in their millions. In Korea, people who have recently undergone surgery or another medical procedure are advised to eat the meat to recover. Studies that have been conducted note that at least 83% of Koreans, at some point in their lives, have eaten dog meat.

3. In SWITZERLAND, The Swiss See Dog Food As Holiday Food

About 3% of the Swiss population eat meats, which is about 260,000 people (as their population is about 8.6 million). In the country, it is seen as a holiday meal.

When a farmer has too many dogs and wishes to rid himself of a couple of them, they will slaughter the excess ones. Then, the meat will be dried and salted to become a chew jerky. Actually, it is even used in the making of traditional sausages.

This dog-eating custom is one that dates back to earlier centuries. Many people in the country – the conservative ones – believe that dog fat can help with rheumatism. Although many people are off the dog-eating culture, it is not outlawed in the country, and it is usually prevalent during Christmas. The point you should take home is that the Swiss do not eat the stockier stuff.

4. In CHINA, There Is A Tiny Province That Boils Dogs Alive During A Festival

The Lychee and Dog Meat Festival, also known as Yulin, is a globally-known event widely contested for apparent reasons. Although that may be the case, the event draws many people to it, and oddly enough, it is hard to believe that the festival is new – barely ten years old.

Many people think and believe that dog meat is safe and healthy. The only thing that opponents talk ill about is the unhygienic-ness and cruelty the dogs are subjected to. To exemplify, many of the canines are boiled alive so that the meat’s flavor and texture are enhanced. Every year, the festival involves the killing of up to 10,000 dogs. Apart from boiling, the meat is also baked, spiced, and preserved.

Although the festival is not mainstream and isn’t recognized by society or the government, it goes down every year. Because of that eventuality, dog meat prices are going up.

5. In BURKINA FASO, Dog Meat Is In The Level Of Cultural Luxury

When one hears that people are eating dog meat, they may take it as a desperate thing that only the poor and starving do. In Burkina Faso, however, things are quite different. This is a small country in West Africa that has been preparing and eating dog meat for a long time. More often than not, the dog-eating activities are times for bonding and growing friendships and family ties. Before the meat is boiled, it is first seasoned then eaten by the males as a kinship sign. Also, a dog may be eaten if a person dreams about death. Also, it may be offered as a sacrifice to ward off death.

Sometimes, the dog meat is not eaten, but that depends on the norms and traditions of different families. Whenever it is consumed, it is considered a luxurious delicacy, meaning that the people who cook it are meticulous in the preparation.

If you go to Burkina Faso, you may not be served dog meat in restaurants. However, if you align yourself with this or that family, you may have a taste of it.

6. In POLAND, The Fatty Product Called The Lard (Made From Dogs) Is Considered Medically Valuable

Unlike the other societies and countries on this list, the Poles do not focus on the flesh and the canine’s muscle – they take the dog fat and use it to make lard. Many people believe that dog lard can help alleviate the pain associated with body aches and joint pain. In the same country, they also prepare cat lard.

These days, the delicacies are usually frowned upon because of the idea of humaneness. Many people have been arrested for fatten dogs until they get to a point where the canines cannot stand. The government takes the fattening as a cruel activity.

That said, many Poles in different parts of the country still engage in the dog lard-making practice.

7. In GHANA, Things Are Taken A Notch Higher – The Meat Of A Dog Is Seen As Spiritually Beneficial

The culture of eating dog meat has only become popular in recent times in some parts of the country. However, that does not mean that the practice has not been there. Actually, when the food was initially consumed, it was because of reasons of sociopolitical nature. It is believed that your body will be kept safe if you eat dog meat. In life, eating the dog protects you, and in death, it will guard the fleshiness of your body. The dish is also a delicacy that is either boiled or served in stews – whatever is eating is soft and tender meat.

8. In CAMEROON, The Game Of Young People Is Eating Dog Meat

While dog-eating countries involved themselves in breeding, most of the meat that Cameroonians eat is from stray or feral dogs. In that case, therefore, it takes skill and prowess to get the meat – something that young people excel in.

Once a piece of meat is taken down, it will be treated the same as others, like beef and mutton. The people preparing it will smoke, season, or dry it. It is served in restaurants and even by families and people give special attention to the neck. However, the country is shifting, and the practice is being seen as more taboo than an exquisite thing.

The Vame people, who are native to Cameroon, engage in dog eating to commemorate and celebrate cultural rituals. Because people are the movers of culture, the practice is likely to continue for quite a while.

9. For The NATIVE AMERICAN Tribe Known As The KICKAPOO, There Exists A Recipe For Preparing Puppy Meat

If you’re an American reading this, you might be surprised at the prospects of your neighbors being dog-eaters (no pun intended). The Kickapoo, who live in modern-day Kansas, Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, engage in puppy stewing. Actually, they have a recipe that they serve during unique festivals that involved worshipping the chief deity.

They prepare stew from puppy meat, and then, they serve it – while it is all hot and boiling – into bowls to everyone present to have. They tweak the meal and make it a game to see the person who finishes first. The recipe is still thriving and surviving, but the tribe may not be upholding the festivals these days. So, don’t spy on your Native American neighbors.

10. For some INDIANS, Dog Meat Is Still An Appreciated Cuisine.

Dog meat is still a typical dish in the Nagaland areas of India. In that state, about 30,000 dogs are slaughtered and eaten with every year that passes. Although the trade is becoming taboo, certain groups of people are still hooked to the culture.

The cruelty that surrounds the slaughtering is forcing many Indians to look away. First, dogs are captured and then put in bags, with the bags covering the area below their necks. Their muzzles are then tied and what follows is gruesome: they are clubbed to death. All that time, a potential customer is usually watching.

When the dog is confirmed dead, it is then boiled or sealed to remove all the fur. Like beef, all the meat is cut into portions and prepared in several dishes. As compared to the other parts of India, Nagaland has built upon the dog-eating culture. This is explained by the fact that in the state, the practice is not outlawed.

11. For Some INDONESIANS, A Dish Known As ‘Rica-Rica Waung’ Is Trendy.

In Indonesia, rica-rica is a product of bringing together various meats into a dish. One example is fowl rica-rica, whose meat is from birds. The Rica-rica Waung, which is also known as the guk-guk and the rintek wuuk, is made from a canine’s meat. The dish is made with a rich sauce, spices, and lots of chilies to heighten its flavor. Because of the meal’s chilliness, it only takes people with a strong heart to eat it.

Individual butchers slaughter the dogs, meaning that the meat is not sold in masses. On occasion, the dish appears in restaurants, and sometimes, the dog meat is exchanged with pork or chicken.

12. In The PHILLIPINES, The Dog Cuisine Was Brought By The Malay People

Initially, the people of the Philippines (or Filipinos) neither had dogs as pets, let alone as meat. The Malay people, who are seafaring, brought the canines as livestock, which they consumed during the traveling times. The natives who met the Malays borrowed the culture from them and started raising dogs to eat them. Up to today, the culture exists as tradition.

 The consumption of dogs sometimes happens for religious reasons (slaughtering then eating). Also, the culture has also been normalized, and the meal has become a staple. Generally speaking, the dog is either roasted or cooked, sauced, spiced and then given to all the family members.

It is important to note that unlike centuries ago, the practice is now uncommon.

13. In The TONGA KINGDOM, Dogs Are Still Kept For Food

In the Kingdom of Tonga, it is socially acceptable to eat dog meat. Locals actually treat dog meat like any other out there. However, it is not as popular as chicken and pork.

The meat is prepared using various methods and eaten by the old and the young alike. The many free-roaming dogs (unclaimed and unprotected) may be pinpointed, chased, and slaughtered for eating.

So, if you’re in Tonga and you own a dog, do not be surprised to find it being served as dinner.