Are Raccoon Dogs Good Pets? (VET Answer)

If you’re thinking about getting a raccoon dog as a pet, you might have some questions. Is it legal? How much does it cost? Are they good for families with small kids? And most importantly: 

“Are Raccoon Dogs Good Pets?” To answer all these questions and more, we’ve put together this guide to everything you need to know before making the decision to bring one home!

Key Takeaways
Raccoon dogs, also known as tanukis, are small, furry animals native to East Asia.
The legality of owning a raccoon dog as a pet varies depending on the state or country.
Owning a raccoon dog as a pet can be challenging due to their unique needs and behaviors.
Proper care for a pet raccoon dog includes providing plenty of space and enrichment, feeding a balanced diet, and socializing the animal from a young age.
Before deciding to bring a raccoon dog into your home, it is important to do thorough research and consider the challenges of ownership.

Are Raccoon Dogs Good Pets?

Raccoon dogs are very intelligent and affectionate animals that enjoy human interaction. They’re also playful, energetic, and clean a combination of qualities that make them excellent pets for families with older children who want something more than just a cat or dog. 

They’re also very trainable! You can teach them to do tricks (sit, stay) or simple commands (come). And if you want to take your raccoon dog on walks outdoors, it’s not unheard of for a well-trained Raccoon Dog to walk on a leash like any other dog would.*

“While raccoon dogs can make cute and cuddly pets, they can also be dangerous. As someone who has experienced owning one, I highly recommend reading our article on the potential dangers of raccoon dogs before making the decision to bring one into your home.”

Are Raccoon Dogs Legal To Own As Pets?

Raccoon dogs can be kept as pets in most states, with the exception of Hawaii, California, and New York. 

Check your state’s laws regarding keeping a raccoon dog as a pet and to find out whether you need any special permits or licenses before purchasing one yourself.

Are Raccoon Dogs Good For People With Allergies?

If you have allergies and want a small pet that won’t shed, the raccoon dog would be an ideal choice. They are hypoallergenic because they don’t shed like most dogs and will fit into most homes without taking up a lot of space. 

The raccoon dog is also quiet, so there won’t be any barking or other noises to annoy your neighbors if you live in an apartment building.

Are Raccoon Dogs Good For First-Time Pet Owners?

If you’re new to the world of pet ownership and are considering getting a raccoon dog as your first pet, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. 

Many people choose to get a cat or dog because they are easy you just feed them and let them roam around outside. However, there are many other factors that need to be considered when choosing what kind of animal is right for you.

Raccoon dogs might not be the best choice if you’re just starting out with pets because they require regular grooming and care (more than most cats or dogs). 

They also like being around humans a lot so if this isn’t something that suits your lifestyle then it might not be the right fit either!

Are Raccoon Dogs Good Companions For Children?

Raccoon dogs are social animals, which means they enjoy being around other raccoon dogs. They generally get along well with children and other pets (though some people recommend keeping them away from cats). 

As long as you can provide attention and stimulation for them, your new pet will be happy to spend time with the family! It’s also important to remember that if you have small children at home, it may not be appropriate for them to handle a raccoon dog until they’re older (usually around 5 years old).

“Are you considering getting a raccoon dog as a pet? It’s important to know what you’re getting into before making that commitment. Our veterinary expert shares their insights on whether raccoon dogs make good pets and what you need to consider before adopting one.”

Is There A Difference Between A Raccoon Dog And A Red Panda?

Raccoon dogs are a member of the raccoon family, but they’re much smaller than red pandas. Raccoon dogs have a shorter snout than red pandas and their tails are longer. 

If you’re looking for something like an arctic fox or raccoon hybrid, these are two possible options for you!

How Much Do Raccoon Dogs Cost?

Raccoon Dog prices are going to vary depending on a number of factors.

The first thing you’ll want to consider is how much money you’re willing to spend on an animal that could potentially die within the first year of your ownership. 

This will affect things like how much time and effort you put into finding a good breeder and what kind of vet care you provide for them as they grow older.

You should also keep in mind that not all raccoon dogs are created equal, so if one costs $10 000 and another cost $50 000 but has better breeding stock than its cheaper counterpart, it may be worth paying more for it though this isn’t always true!

“There is some confusion around the status of raccoon dogs in terms of their population and conservation. Our expert has addressed this issue in our article on the current state of raccoon dog populations and what steps are being taken to protect these animals.”

How Big Do Raccoon Dogs Get?

Considering their size, raccoon dogs are surprisingly light animals. The average weight is 15 pounds and the maximum weight is 30 pounds. 

Their height ranges from 16 to 20 inches tall (40 to 50cm). Raccoon dogs have a lifespan of about 15 years in captivity but they can live up to 17 years in the wild; they’re not quite as 

long-lived as some other exotic pets like pandas or red pandas but that doesn’t mean you should think twice before getting one!

The best thing about this pet is its personality it’s friendly, intelligent, curious, and jovial and that makes it an ideal choice for first-time pet owners who want something small but still loveable!

Do Raccoon Dogs Make Good Pets For Families With Small Kids?

Raccoon dogs are not recommended as pets for families with young children. This is because they are not social animals and do not get along well with other raccoon dogs or humans. 

They will bite if provoked and can carry rabies, which can be very dangerous if transmitted to a human through a bite wound.

Raccoon dogs also have high-pitched barks that may frighten small children and make them afraid of the animal, which could cause problems in the future when your child is old enough to understand how dangerous it would be to approach it while it’s awake.

“Curious about raccoon dogs and their behavior as pets? One of our writers shares their personal experience in owning one in our article on the reality of having a raccoon dog as a pet, including some of the challenges they faced and the joys of having such an unusual companion.”

Do You Have To Have Special Training To Own A Raccoon Dog As A Pet?

If you’re interested in getting a raccoon dog, make sure that you are willing to give it plenty of attention.

You should also be prepared to provide ample exercise for the raccoon dog.

Finally, if you want to own a raccoon dog, make sure that your house can provide ample space for them to run around and play.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Raccoon Dog In Captivity?

  • Raccoon dogs can live up to 10 years in captivity.
  • Raccoon dogs are a good choice for first-time pet owners, as they’re easygoing and don’t require much training.
  • Raccoon dogs are not good pets for families with small kids, since they like to run around and might hurt children on accident or cause property damage if left unattended.

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Do You Need To Feed Your Raccoon Dog Special Or Premium Foods?

Raccoon dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and vegetables.

They should be fed a balanced diet with grains, proteins and fruits/vegetables in equal amounts. 

They should not be fed any grain free formulas or foods that contain corn or soy as the main ingredient because these ingredients can cause allergies in some animals. 

It is recommended that you feed your raccoon dog high quality premium food that contains essential nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and iron for healthy growth and development.

Raccoon dogs have very sensitive digestive systems so it’s important to feed them quality food at least once a day but it’s best if you can do twice daily feeding schedules instead of leaving food out all day long because this can encourage bad behavior such as begging for table scraps at night when everyone else has gone to bed

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you decide whether or not a raccoon dog is right for your family. If you’re still on the fence, we recommend giving one a try! They can make great companions, and they’re sure to bring a smile to your face every day.

Further Reading

Raccoon Dog (Tanuki) as a Pet: Legal or Illegal? – A detailed article on the legalities and challenges of owning a raccoon dog as a pet.

The Care and Keeping of Raccoon Dogs – An informative and insightful piece on the care and keeping of raccoon dogs.

Pet Raccoon Legal States – A useful resource for those interested in owning a pet raccoon, with information on the legality of ownership in each state.

FAQs

What is a raccoon dog?

A raccoon dog, also known as a tanuki, is a small, furry animal native to East Asia that is often kept as a pet.

Are raccoon dogs legal to own as pets?

The legality of owning a raccoon dog as a pet varies depending on the state or country. It is important to research local laws and regulations before considering a raccoon dog as a pet.

What are the challenges of owning a raccoon dog as a pet?

Owning a raccoon dog as a pet can be challenging due to their unique needs and behaviors. They require a lot of space and mental stimulation, and may have a tendency to escape or become destructive if not properly cared for.

What are some tips for caring for a pet raccoon dog?

Caring for a pet raccoon dog requires a lot of knowledge and dedication. Some tips for proper care include providing plenty of space and enrichment, feeding a balanced diet, and socializing the animal from a young age.

Are raccoon dogs good pets?

Raccoon dogs can make good pets for the right person, but they are not suitable for everyone. It is important to do thorough research and consider the challenges of ownership before deciding to bring a raccoon dog into your home.