Why Dogs Catch Mice
Dogs have an instinctual drive to hunt and forage for food, even when they are being regularly fed by their owners. This instinct dates back to their wolf ancestors, who had to hunt small prey like mice and other rodents for survival. According to the American Kennel Club, many dogs, especially terriers, were purposely bred to hunt rodents. So for some dogs, chasing and catching mice is deeply ingrained in their DNA.
In addition to their innate hunting drive, dogs also seem to find excitement and enjoyment in the chase itself. A game of cat and mouse stimulates a dog’s prey drive and provides mental enrichment. The stalking, chasing, capturing and shaking behaviors are all rewarding for dogs as they get to act out their natural hunting sequence. So even dogs who are well-fed may be compelled and thrilled to hunt mice when given the opportunity.
As one Reddit user describes about their terrier mix “He definitely still gets amped up every time he suspects one and gets really into tracking it down”. So while the end goal may be catching the mouse, dogs also find joy in each stage of the hunt.
Risks of Mice to Dogs
Mice and other rodents can carry and transmit diseases and parasites that can be harmful to dogs if the dog ingests a mouse. According to veterinarians, the main risks are:
Leptospirosis – A bacterial disease that can damage the liver and kidneys of dogs. It is spread through the urine of infected animals like mice and rats (https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/should-you-be-concerned-if-your-pet-eats-a-rat-or-mouse/).
Salmonella – A bacterial infection often found in the intestines of mice that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs (https://drjeffnichol.com/health-risks-to-a-dog-who-catches-eats-field-mice/).
Intestinal worms and parasites – Rodents are common carriers of worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and other parasites that can infest the digestive system of dogs when ingested.
In addition to disease risks, mice may bite dogs in self-defense leading to puncture wounds and possible infection. Anytime a dog ingests a mouse, monitor them closely for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian with any concerns.
Getting the Mouse from Your Dog
If your dog has a dead mouse in his mouth, the first instinct may be to try to pull it out. However, this can be dangerous as the dog may bite in response. A better approach is to use treats to distract and redirect your dog.
Begin by having tasty treats available, such as small pieces of chicken, cheese, or hot dogs. Calmly approach your dog and show him the treats. Say “drop it” in a friendly tone and offer him a treat. Keep redirecting his attention positively until he drops the mouse. Avoid reprimanding him or putting your hand in his mouth, as this can provoke biting.
If needed, you can gently put a leash on your dog and lead him away from the mouse once he drops it. Continue providing treats and praise so he associates giving up the mouse as a good thing. Be patient, as this process may take some time depending on your dog’s temperament.
According to veterinarians, avoid techniques that risk being bitten like trying to pry open the mouth or scolding the dog (Source: JustAnswer). With a positive approach, you can get the mouse without putting yourself in danger of bites.
Stopping the Behavior
One of the most effective ways to stop your dog from catching mice is to provide them with more stimulation and play. Dogs that get bored are more likely to resort to chasing mice for entertainment. Make sure your dog is getting adequate exercise and playtime. Try increasing the length and frequency of walks, playing more interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war, or providing puzzle toys that stimulate their mind. A tired, fulfilled dog is less inclined to hunt mice.
It’s also important to keep all human and pet food sealed and stored properly. Open bags of kibble or bowls of food can attract mice, triggering your dog’s prey drive. Use airtight, rodent-proof containers to store dry food. Keep countertops and floors free of crumbs or spills. Without easy access to food, mice are less likely to enter your home, removing the temptation for your dog.
Training Your Dog to Leave Mice
One of the most effective ways to teach your dog not to pick up or play with mice is through training commands like “leave it” and “drop it.” These allow you to tell your dog to ignore or release an object on cue.
Start training the “leave it” command by placing a treat on the floor and covering it with your hand. Tell your dog to “leave it” and wait for them to stop sniffing and trying to get the treat. As soon as they back away, reward them with a different treat from your other hand along with lots of praise. Repeat this exercise, gradually removing your hand from covering the treat on the floor as your dog learns the command. Practice with items of increasing value.
For the “drop it” command, give your dog an item they can carry, like a toy. Say “drop it” and wait for them to release the item. Immediately reward with a treat and praise. Increase the length of time you wait before rewarding to strengthen the behavior.
With consistency, your dog will learn to leave mice alone when you give these commands. Always reward them for complying to reinforce the behavior. Treats and positive reinforcement are essential for training dogs to ignore intriguing items like mice. How To Train Your Dog To Leave Something Alone.
Mouse-Proofing Your Home
Preventing mice from entering your home is the best way to avoid encounters between your dog and mice. Here are some tips for mouse-proofing your home:
Seal any holes or gaps where mice can enter, especially around pipes, vents, windows and doors. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1/4 inch. Use steel wool, caulk or foam sealant to plug holes both inside and outside the home (Terminix).
Make sure there are no accessible food sources like pet food bowls, leftover pet food, garbage or compost inside the home. Store all food, including pet food, in sealed metal or plastic containers (Payne Pest Management).
Use deterrents like peppermint oil, predator urine or ultrasonic devices to make your home inhospitable to mice. Place these around potential entry points. However, make sure any deterrents used are pet-safe (Vandenberge Pest Control).
Signs of a Rodent Problem
There are several key signs that may indicate the presence of mice or other rodents in your home. Being aware of these signs can help you identify an infestation early and take action before it becomes a bigger issue.
Droppings
One of the most obvious signs of mice are their droppings, which are dark-colored and pellet-shaped. Mice tend to leave droppings along their regular travel paths and near food sources. Look for droppings in cupboards, under sinks, in drawers, and along baseboards. A heavy accumulation of droppings indicates an established infestation. According to Orkin, just a few droppings can mean up to 25 mice in the home[1].
Chewing Damage
Mice gnaw on materials to create nests and entryways into homes. Look for frayed edges or teeth marks on insulation, wood, cardboard, wiring, and other materials. Mice can also chew through plastic, aluminum and lead. Damaged packaging is another sign of mice. According to The Spruce, chew marks that are 1/4-inch wide or less typically indicate mice[2].
Strange Smells
The presence of mice may create unusual odors in the home. Their urine has a strong, musky smell, and rotting food or dead mice trapped in walls can also create foul odors. Follow your nose to find heavy rodent activity. Droppings and urine stains may also be visible along with strange smells.
Safe Mouse Control
When dealing with a mouse problem, it’s important to focus on humane, non-toxic methods of control and prevention. Here are some effective strategies:
Use humane traps like live traps to catch mice and release them outdoors unharmed. Baited with treats like peanut butter, these traps allow the mice to be transported and released away from the home.
Deter mice from entering and staying in your home with natural repellents like peppermint oil, cloves, chili powder and ammonia. Place these strong scents along baseboards, in doorways and other points of entry.
Block any cracks, holes or openings in your home’s foundation, walls, doors or windows that are greater than 1/4 inch wide. This will prevent mice from squeezing inside. Use steel wool, caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any gaps.
With a focus on humane, non-toxic solutions, mouse problems can be resolved safely and effectively.
When to Call a Professional
While some small mouse problems can be handled with do-it-yourself methods, there are situations where you’ll need to bring in a pest control professional:
Large Infestation
If you have signs of a major mouse infestation like droppings in multiple rooms, damaged packages and food, and loud noises in walls and ceilings, it’s best to call an exterminator. They have the skills and proper equipment like traps and rodenticides to fully eliminate large numbers of mice.
Inside Walls and Home
Mice that get inside walls and build nests can be very difficult to remove yourself. An exterminator can locate exactly where mice are entering the home, install one-way exclusion devices, find nesting areas, and set traps inside walls and ceilings.
DIY Methods Not Working
If you’ve attempted trapping, sealing entry points, and cleaning up food sources but are still seeing signs of mice, it may be time to call in an expert. They can identify any spots you may have missed and have stronger methods for removing mice you can’t get with over-the-counter products.
Providing Enrichment for Dogs
It’s important to provide enrichment for dogs to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. This is especially true for dogs with high prey drives who like to hunt. Providing enrichment can curb unwanted hunting behaviors by satisfying your dog’s natural instincts in more positive ways. There are several great enrichment ideas to try:
Food puzzles like Kongs stuffed with treats or snuffle mats with hidden kibble engage your dog’s natural scavenging instincts. Your dog will enjoy using their powerful sense of smell and problem solving skills to “hunt” for food. Rotate different food puzzles to keep it interesting.
Introduce new toys on a regular basis to spark your dog’s curiosity and prevent boredom. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, chews, and items to shred can provide mental and physical enrichment. Rotate toys to keep your dog engaged. 1
Increasing play time is another great way to provide enrichment. Games like fetch, tug, and hide-and-seek allow your dog to exercise their natural hunting, chasing, and searching behaviors in a positive way. Try hiding treats around the yard and letting your dog search for them. 2
