Fight or flight response
When dogs see a rat, their natural instinct is to either give chase and try to catch it, or run away in fear. This “fight or flight” response is triggered by the rat being perceived as a potential threat or prey animal. Some key reactions from dogs when they encounter a rat include:
Barking and growling
Many dogs will start loudly barking to alert their owner. The barking often sounds aggressive as they try to scare the rat away. They may also growl and bare their teeth to intimidate the rat. This noise and posturing reflect an instinct to chase.
Staring and stalking
Some dogs will intently stare at the rat and freeze in an alert stance. Their eyes remain fixed on the rodent as they stalk its movements, waiting for the opportunity to lunge forward and seize it in their jaws. This reflects their predatory drive.
Chasing
If the rat runs, many dogs will immediately chase after it. Their prey drive compels them to run it down. This usually involves barking wildly as they pursue it to wherever it hides. Their natural hunting instinct is triggered.
Backing away
Other dogs may act fearful when spotting a rat. Instead of chasing, they will keep their distance. Some may even back away to put more space between themselves and the rodent. Rats can bite, so avoiding a confrontation is sometimes the wisest approach.
Why dogs react this way
Dogs descend from wolves, which are predatory pack animals. As a result, today’s dogs still retain innate predatory and defensive behaviors aimed at protecting territory and avoiding harm. Specifically, rats trigger dog reactions for several reasons:
Prey drive
Dogs are natural hunters. Rat-chasing stems from their predatory instincts to catch and kill small fleeing creatures. They are wired to react this way due to centuries of evolution.
Territorial defense
Wild rats invading a dog’s space can trigger territorial aggression. Barking and posturing serve to scare the rat away and defend the dog’s claimed space. They want to protect their domain.
Fear and uncertainty
Some dogs have fear-based reactions to rats, stemming from wariness about potential danger. Rats have sharp teeth and can bite, so avoiding confrontation reduces risk. Dogs may lack positive past experiences with rats.
Boredom
Chasing rats provides mental stimulation and an outlet for high energy. Working breeds or under-exercised dogs are more likely to react excitedly for this reason. It interrupts the monotony of boredom.
Instinctive arousal
The sudden appearance of a fast-moving rat automatically triggers a dog’s natural instinct to chase. They react on impulse before even thinking. The sight sparks their interest while activating chase motivations.
Risks to dogs from rat encounters
While giving chase can be thrilling for dogs, interacting with rats does pose some risks, including:
Bites
Cornered rats may bite dogs in self-defense. Rat bites can puncture skin and transmit diseases. Bites should be cleaned and monitored closely.
Falling injury
Overeager chasing puts dogs at risk for falls or collisions as they single-mindedly pursue rats into hazardous areas without paying attention to their surroundings.
Disease exposure
Rats can carry and transmit parasites, bacteria, and viruses to dogs through urine, feces, saliva or bites. Leptospirosis, plague and rat bite fever are examples.
Ingestion of poisons
Dogs may eat rat poisons or dead rats that were poisoned. Rat poisons contain toxic compounds like warfarin, bromethalin or cholecalciferol to kill rats, which can make dogs extremely ill as well.
Petrifaction or bradyzia
In rare cases, diseases from rat parasites like Baylisascaris procyonis can cause neurological impairment in dogs leading to Partial paralysis, stupor or slowed movements.
| Disease | Summary |
|---|---|
| Leptospirosis | Bacterial infection of kidneys and liver |
| Rat bite fever | Bacterial infection from bite causing fever, vomiting |
| Plague | Rare bacterial infection causes swollen lymph nodes, fever |
| Rabies | Viral infection of brain, invariably fatal once symptoms start |
Prevention tips
To keep rats away and prevent hazardous encounters, owners should:
Seal up homes
Block any holes or entry points rats could use to get into your home. This removes access.
Remove food sources
Keep foods in chew-proof containers and promptly clean up any crumbs or leftovers. Don’t leave dog food out overnight.
Declutter yards
Reduce clutter like woodpiles, debris and dense vegetation that offer rat shelter and nesting sites.
Set traps
Strategically place snap traps or other effective trapping devices to eliminate any nearby rats.
Use dog-proof bait stations
If using rodenticide baits, make sure they are kept in tamper-proof, dog-proof stations so dogs can’t access them.
See a vet
If bitten by a rat, immediately contact your vet. They can assess risk, treat wounds and may advise on antibiotics.
Obedience train
Teaching a solid “leave it” command can help dogs ignore rats instead of chasing. Reinforce this training regularly.
Conclusion
Dogs have strong innate reactions to rats stemming from their evolutionary past. Both chase instincts and self-preservation contribute to their typical barking, chasing or fearful behaviors. While interacting with rats does pose risks to dogs, good prevention and prompt care can keep your companion safe. Consistent training is also key to teaching more relaxed responses. With thoughtful management, dogs and rats don’t need to come into direct conflict in the first place.