It always raises questions for anyone with a pet about whether it is safe for your pet. This raised the following question that is often asked: are lizards poisonous to dogs and cats to consume? Consider assuming that the several lizards in your backyard are harmless; however, consider that feeding them to your pets is indeed dangerous. In this safety guide, we will explore what happens if a dog eats a lizard, the focus of the booklet to look out for, and how to ensure that potential dangers are safe for your pets.
Why Do Dogs and Cats Eat Lizards?
It is for these reasons that I gave an overview of why some pets might be tempted to go for lizards before expounding on the risks that are involved in fleshing them. Both dogs and cats are hunters by nature, and many dog breeds, as well as cats, cannot resist the temptation to run after fast little creatures like lizards. Cats mostly get curious when something moves quickly, and since a lizard moves so quickly, the cat will focus on it. On the same note, dogs mostly cats and lizards due to curiosity since it is part of exploratory and playing activities.
Fascinating to watch, lizards have a tail and constantly moving body that makes any curious pet curious about it. So the process of ‘chasing’ perhaps just for fun may look really funny, but eating a lizard may pose some health hazards.
Are All Lizards Dangerous for Pets?
The threat that your pets are posing depends on the variety of bush lizards that are around. All lizards, with a few exceptions, do not possess poisonous characteristics but are dangerous in a way that if a cat or a dog manages to eat it, then it can be fatal. For instance, two lizards belonging to the same family, the Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard, are poisonous. If a dog or cat consumes these types of lizards, the dog or cat will likely develop poisoning and many other related diseases.
Nonetheless, most of the lizards that pets come across, including geckos, anoles, or house lizards, to name a few, are harmless. However, any pet owner must take certain precautions and avoid feeding a lizard to your pet, no matter its species. The formation of secondary complications like stomach ailments or an infection is still quite possible.
What Happens if a Dog Eats a Lizard?
The initial reaction to determine what to do if your dog has eaten a lizard is to relax. At times, the lizard might just go through your dog’s stool without even affecting it seriously. Nonetheless, people want to know about some health risks involved in the use of the products. Let’s take a closer look at what happens if a dog eats a lizard:
- Choking Hazard: Lizards have scales that also contain sharp spines at the extremities of their tails, which may cause a choke when ingested or bitten by dogs. If the tail or any other part of the lizard enters the throat, the result will be choking or breathing complications.
- Digestive Upset: But even if the dog does get chlorophyllic lizard down its throat and doesn’t choke to death on it, its stomach is unlikely to cope well. Swallowing a lizard’s scales and bones will likely cause stomach upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
- Potential Toxins: The majority of common lizards are harmless, but some of them can have some skin secretion and toxins that cause an uncomfortable impact on the dog’s stomach. However, if your dog collapses and exhibits symptoms like drooling or vomiting or if the dog is weak for a few hours after being fed on a lizard, take it for veterinary help.
- Parasites and Bacteria: As infested parasites, dog lizards could have ticks, mites, and even worms. If a lizard that is already infected gets consumed by a dog, it will then eat the parasites, leading to multiple infections or any other disturbing ailment for that dog. Even bacteria such as Salmonella that may come from lizards eaten by dogs could also be a problem.
What Happens if a Cat Eats a Lizard?
Lizards are hunted by cats; they will pursue and perhaps swallow any type of lizard, and this is true in a cat’s cat as long as a lizard is present while throwing out the cat’s climbing process. Much like dogs, the majority of lizards do not pose any threat or harm to cats. However, the occasional danger is still likely. If a cat eats a lizard, the following could happen:
- Choking or Blockage: They are potentially dangerous components of the lizard because their ingestion can lead to a blockage in the digestive tract of your cat. This can lead to discomfort and vomiting, and it may also cause surgical intervention if the blockage is quite immense.
- Digestive Distress: In the same way, if a cat consumes too much food that is too tough, such as bones, and leaves a vicious stomach, it could result in a pet cat suffering diarrhea or vomiting due to eating a lizard. The irritation could have been such that the pet was taken to the doctor at a given time.
- Toxins and Infection: If the lizard has bacteria or toxins in its system, it is capable of developing into a more severe illness. Infections with Salmonella are common in both dogs and cats; its signs are fever, weakness, and a decrease in appetite.
Signs Your Pet May Have Eaten a Lizard
If you suspect that your dog or cat has eaten a lizard, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Drooling excessively
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
- Abdominal pain or discomfort (your pet may seem sensitive to touch around the stomach area)
If your pet exhibits any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance on the next steps.
How to Prevent Your Pets from Eating Lizards
While you can’t completely control your pet’s environment, there are a few measures you can take to reduce the chances of them encountering or eating a lizard:
- Supervise Outdoor Time: With your dog or cat outside, make sure you are always closely observing them. Should they begin to chase one or start to play with a lizard, separate them immediately from the reptile to avoid swallowing.
- Create a Lizard-Free Environment: Avoid having lizards in your yard by clearing out potential homes in which they might take refuge, including rocks, logs, or even too much foliage. Either caulk or putty can be used to seal areas in walls or the fence where the lizards may gain entrance.
- Training: Dog or cat training can help in the same way: turn your beloved pets away from the wildlife. Positive reinforcement methods prove most effective in this, such as appreciating the pet for responding to lizards inappropriately or turning away.
- Regular Vet Checkups: Well-being checkups will enable the vet to document that your pet is in good condition and receive treatment in case the pet has ingested poisonous substances such as a lizard.
What to Do if Your Pet Eats a Lizard
If a lizard gets eaten by your cat or dog, attending to the matter is of utmost importance. Though many pets get over it quite plainly, it is sensible to be cautious. Get in touch with your veterinarian and explain the details about the situation, such as what lizard your pet has attempted to eat (if you know), as well as any symptoms your pet has been showing. Your vet is likely to ask you to watch your pet for any signs or to bring your pet for evaluation.
If your pet happens to consume a venomous lizard, then the most important thing to do is reach out to a medical professional. If you know or are suspicious that the lizard is poisonous, you should avoid waiting for symptoms. Immediately reach out to the doctor.
To ensure your pets’ good health and safety, ensure they do not eat lizards at all. While most lizards are not toxic, what happens if a dog eats a lizard can still be concerning. Such a situation will allow you to save your pet from digestive issues or the risks that toxins or parasites pose. Therefore, it is better not to let your pet to try eating lizards.
In case of any health issues that your pet is not sure about, avoid any chances and make informed decisions with the help of professional advice.
