Dogs and iguanas make for very quarrelsome neighbors. Dogs’ restless nature, running and jumping everywhere, is a source of irritation and annoyance to iguanas. On the other hand, the erratic comings and goings of iguanas may make dogs feel that their territory is being threatened, and they may decide to pounce on the iguana.
Will an iguana attack a dog?
An adult iguana can measure over one yard in length. They are long, strong, and powerful animals with a hundred or more teeth and a powerful jaw and will not hesitate to defend themselves when they are provoked or feel threatened. Although iguanas usually try to avoid direct contact with humans, they will attack if they feel that a pet is about to catch or corner them.
If your dog is bitten by an iguana, should you be concerned?
Although iguanas will only bite when they are really scared, if they do bite your dog, you should immediately clean the wound. Even if it is just a superficial cut, you want to ensure that the area does not get infected. Also, iguanas are known carriers and spreaders of salmonella, so you may have to take your dog to the vet to make sure there is nothing to worry about except for supervising the wound to make sure it heals fully.
If any bacteria carried by the iguana penetrate the skin, your dog may suffer from botulism poisoning. This poisoning causes the hind legs to become paralyzed, and the paralysis slowly moves forward, rendering the diaphragm useless and resulting in the dog’s death.
What should I do if my dog eats an iguana?
Small iguanas running around become as tempting to dogs as any other small prey. Given the chance, they will not hesitate to put one in their mouth. Some iguanas may poison your dog through bacteria on their skin which they have precisely to protect themselves from predators. Even eating just a small amount of salmonella can be enough to make your dog sick. If you notice this has happened, rush your dog to the vet and give them as much information as possible on the size and type of iguana involved.
Toxic Iguanas and Other Lizards
It is not likely that your dog will try to eat a large and venomous iguana or another large lizard, such as a Gila monster or other iguanas found in the warm, humid weather of Florida. However, since it is common for iguanas to be present everywhere, it is important not to encourage your dog to chase them or try to play with them in any way. Keep your pet away from them and teach them to do the same. Even a small one can seriously harm your dog.
How can you tell if your pet has been in touch with or eaten an iguana?
These are some signs to be on the lookout for if you suspect that either your dog was bitten by or ate an iguana:
- Foaming at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Hyperactivity
- Seizures
You can read more on the url here to detect problems your dog may have after being in contact with an iguana and what steps you can take to keep dogs and iguanas apart.
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