Unlikely animal companionships are popular on the internet, but can a dog and a skink live together harmoniously? Skinks are lizards that burrow and live in tropical regions. However, it is unlikely that dogs and skinks can get along. Reptiles are not social creatures like dogs and can carry harmful diseases like salmonella. Dogs may mistake skinks for prey, and the reptiles can harm dogs with bacteria.
Signs of Infection
If a dog contracts something from a skink, there will be noticeable signs. Dogs may vomit, lose interest in eating, lose weight, and have diarrhea. They may also become dehydrated, weak, and go into shock. Other signs include panting, weakness, furrowed brow, raspy panting, sweaty paws, hair on edge, dilated pupils, freezing, sleepiness, dehydration, blood loss, weight loss, fever, difficulty breathing, and pale or dark red gums.
History of Dogs and Reptiles
Dogs have a natural hunting instinct and may mistake reptiles like skinks for prey. Keeping reptiles as pets is relatively new, while dogs have been pets for a long time. Dogs may find it difficult to bond with lizards, and historically, dogs have gotten sick when living with reptiles due to bacteria they carry.
Science Behind Dogs and Skinks
Dogs have a prey drive and may see skinks as food. There is limited research on how dogs and skinks get along, but it is best to keep them separate due to the potential harm to each animal.
Training for Coexistence
It is not recommended to let dogs and skinks mingle. Dogs should not have access to the skink’s habitat or waste to prevent disease transmission. A dog-proof cage should be used for the skink. It is important to communicate to family, friends, and visitors that the two animals should not interact. Basic commands like “no,” “stay,” and “leave it” should be taught to the dog to protect the skink’s life.
“Keeping skinks and dogs separate is the best way to ensure the safety and health of both animals.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ It is unlikely for dogs and reptiles, such as skinks, to live together harmoniously. Reptiles are not social creatures like dogs and may carry diseases that can be harmful to dogs.
2️⃣ If your dog has contracted a bacterial infection, such as salmonella, from a skink, there are signs to look out for including vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, dehydration, and potential blood infections.
3️⃣ It is important to keep dogs and skinks separate to prevent any potential harm. Dogs have a natural prey drive and may mistake small reptiles for prey. It is recommended to have a dog-proof cage for the skink and to train your dog to not interact with the reptile.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs and skinks live together in animal harmony?
It is unlikely for dogs and skinks to live together harmoniously due to differences in behavior and the potential for disease transmission.
2. What diseases can dogs contract from skinks?
Dogs can contract diseases such as salmonella from skinks, which can cause gastrointestinal upsets and potentially blood infections.
3. What are the signs that a dog has contracted something from a skink?
Signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, seizures, and coma.
4. Why do dogs have a prey drive towards small reptiles like skinks?
Dogs have a natural instinct to hunt for food, and smaller reptiles like skinks can be seen as prey due to their size and ability to be easily caught and killed.
5. How can you ensure the safety of both a skink and a dog in the same household?
It is recommended to keep the skink and dog separate, preventing access to each other’s habitats and using dog-proof cages. Basic commands like “no,” “stay,” and “leave it” should be taught to the dog to prevent any harm to the skink.
