Common Reptiles That Can Pose A Threat To Pets

If you have a pet and a fenced-in yard, then you enjoy the luxury of letting your dog or cat outside without feeling the need to constantly watch it. While an enclosed yard offers a lot of security, there are still some dangers that can lurk hidden in your grass. Some reptiles that are quite common in parts of the United States can pose a serious or even mortal threat to your beloved dog or cat.

Some reptiles and amphibians that pose a life-threatening problem for your pets include alligators, Gila monsters, and several venomous snake species like the rattlesnake, copperhead, and water moccasin. Some common reptiles that can cause problems if your pet eats them include cane toads, salamanders, and East American toads. Pythons, Gila monsters, and iguanas all pose unique and potentially fatal dangers to dogs and cats.

You must remember that just because your yard is fenced-in, it does not mean harmful reptiles are unable slither into your yard. Snakes, lizards, and toads are crafty creatures. They can dig or climb into many yards, posing a potentially lethal danger to your beloved pets. The good news is, knowing what animals can harm your pets is the first step in ensuring your furry friend’s safety. Below is a list of common reptiles that can pose a serious threat to your pets.

10 Reptiles And Amphibians That Can Threaten Your Pet

1. Rattlesnakes

One of the most deadly reptiles in America is the rattlesnake. This snake is known for its shaking tail that makes a loud, rattling sound. The snake often makes this sound when an animal (or human) gets too close for its comfort.

While most humans will run in the other direction when they hear this rattling sound, it may only further entice a curious dog or cat. A rattlesnake’s venom is powerful enough to kill a fully grown human, and can very quickly kill a dog or cat, regardless of its size. 

Rattlesnakes are particularly common in the Southwestern United States, as well as in California, but they are found throughout the country. If there have been rattlesnake sightings or incidents, make sure you keep a closer eye on your pet, as these snakes can come into your yard.

2. Cane Toads

Some animals pose no threats to humans but can be potentially fatal to your pets. Cane toads are a perfect example. These large amphibians often appear after a rain and are commonly seen flattened by cars on roads after a storm.

These animals love to hop around, which can entice dogs, and make them want to chase and eat them. The problem is cane toads release a toxin as a natural defense. While this toxin isn’t particularly harmful to humans since we don’t eat wild toads, it can easily kill a dog. 

Cane toads are very common in the state of Hawaii, as well as parts of Texas, and southern Florida. If you live in an area where cane toads are found, make sure you keep your curious pets on a leash, especially at night after it rains.

3. Alligators

One reptile that is synonymous with danger is the alligator. This giant reptile is a predator to dogs and cats alike. Alligators are found all over the American South. You can find these fierce reptiles as far north as North Carolina.

They are most commonly spotted in Florida and Louisiana, as they love swampy areas like the Bayou and the Everglades. They can be found in more domesticated areas, too, including golf courses, and even in your backyard.

If you have a dog or cat and live in an area with alligators, make sure you scan the yard before letting your pet run free. If you live on the water, you are even more susceptible to encounters with these dangerous reptiles.

4. Salamanders 

Salamanders are seemingly adorable amphibians that can pack a poisonous punch if ingested by your pet. Both dogs and cats can have a horrible reaction if they eat a salamander. That is because many of these creatures secrete a poison as a defense mechanism.

While in some cases the result is simply nausea, ingesting certain salamanders can be fatal. These animals are quite small, so it’s important to train your dog to stay away from all small lizards and amphibians and don’t encourage them to chase these creatures.

5. Gila Monsters And Mexican Beaded Lizards

Some lizards are perfectly harmless, and dogs and cats love to chase them. There are a few, however, that are poisonous, so much so that they can kill your precious pet. Two examples of potentially deadly lizards are Gila monsters and Mexican beaded lizards.

Gila monsters are yellow and black lizards native to the Southwestern United States. These creatures look fascinating, but keep your distance, as these lizards are venomous. They can harm humans and are fatal to dogs and cats if they come in contact with them.

Mexican beaded lizards look similar to the Gila monster, and can also be fatal if your pet encounters them. They are, however, more common in Mexico and Central America than in the United States.

6. Copperhead Snakes

Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes that can pose a threat to dogs and cats in your yard. Copperhead snakes are another highly venomous species of snake found in the United States that have been known to kill pets when they get too close.

Copperheads are found all over the United States, from New England, all the way down to southern states like Georgia, and as far west as Nebraska. Copperhead venom is considered mild to humans, but it can kill dogs and cats, especially if not treated immediately. These snakes are in the viper family and are some of the most commonly spotted snakes in America.

7. Eastern American Toad

Another toad that pet owners need to be aware of is the Eastern American toad. This toad secretes a toxin from its head, especially when it feels threatened. If your dog or cat gets too close and tries to put the toad in its mouth, vomiting, and other bad symptoms can occur.

This toad is rarely life-threatening, but if your pet encounters one, you should wash your pet’s mouth out right away. If the symptoms are severe, you should bring your pet to the nearest vet. This toad is particularly common in New England and the rest of the North Eastern United States.

8. Water Moccasins

The third venomous snake that pet owners should be aware of is the water moccasin. This snake is commonly referred to as a “cottonmouth” snake and is known for living on or near the water. It loves swampy areas, so you and your pets are particularly vulnerable if you live near a wetland. These snakes can also be found in or near pools, in the Southern United States and does not like colder regions. Fairly reclusive, when provoked, it will attack. These snakes can kill humans and pets and should be avoided.

9. Pythons

Pythons might not be venomous, but their large size and increasing numbers in the United States have made them a major threat to your pets. Pythons are not native to the United States, but since the 1990s, their numbers have skyrocketed, particularly in Southern Florida. Some estimates put their numbers as high as 300,000.

These large snakes constrict their prey and have been known to swallow cats and dogs as a meal. If you live in Southern Florida, you must keep your eyes out for these large snakes, and keep your pets far away from them.

10. Iguanas

Lastly, Iguanas are another large reptile found in the Southern United States. They are quite common in Miami and the Florida Keys. They are fairly docile creatures and are usually fairly skittish. 

The problem with these reptiles is they have large, sharp claws. If your dog or cat gets overly curious, iguanas can attack with these claws, causing large gashes in your dog or cat’s face. If you see iguanas, keep your pet away from them.

Final Notes On Common Reptiles That Pose A Threat To Pets

Pets are part of the family, and we must keep them safe and healthy. Part of keeping your pet safe is keeping it away from potentially harmful animals, including several common reptiles and amphibians. Some dangerous slithery animals you should keep your pet far away from include snakes like rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins, and pythons. Alligators can also kill your pets, as can the venom of a Gila monster. Salamanders, cane toads, and East Americans toads are also potentially quite dangerous, especially if your pet tries to eat one.

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• How To Keep Frogs Out Of A Pool