1. Feeling Threatened: Squirrels are prey animals and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. If your Yorkie chases or corners a squirrel, the squirrel might bite or scratch in self-defense.
2. Protecting their young: Squirrels are particularly protective of their young. If your Yorkie gets too close to a nest, the mother squirrel might attack to defend her babies.
3. Disease: Squirrels can carry diseases like rabies and Lyme disease, which can be transmitted through bites.
4. Size disparity: While squirrels are generally smaller than Yorkies, they can be quite agile and nimble. If a squirrel feels threatened, it could injure your Yorkie with its sharp teeth and claws.
5. Individual personality: Just like people, squirrels have individual personalities. Some squirrels are more skittish and will run away from any interaction, while others might be more bold and confrontational.
To minimize the risk of your Yorkie being hurt by a squirrel, it's important to:
* Supervise your Yorkie: Keep a close eye on your dog when you're in the yard.
* Discourage chasing: Train your Yorkie not to chase squirrels.
* Keep your yard squirrel-proof: Make sure your yard is free of any food sources that could attract squirrels, such as bird feeders or compost bins.
* Be aware of squirrel nests: Stay away from areas where squirrels might have nests, especially during breeding season.
* Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date: This will help protect your Yorkie from diseases that could be transmitted by squirrels.
If your Yorkie does get bitten by a squirrel, it's important to:
* Clean the wound: Wash the bite with soap and water.
* Contact your veterinarian: Your vet can assess the wound and recommend the best course of action, which may include antibiotics or rabies vaccinations.