If you have cats, dogs, or both and you thinking about getting a bearded dragon or the other way around, you deserve to know that you can have both these pets. They can get along well, thanks to the laid back and docile beardie’s personality.
To get along well, you need to bond them for a long time. Furthermore, your dog’s or cat’s personality will matter a lot. Owing to their hunting instincts, some may see your this or other lizards as potential prey.
Therefore, even if they seem to get along with each other so well, always supervise them while they are roaming freely and house them separately. You can let these pets to see but not access each other.
However, never leave your bearded dragon with a cat or dog as they may attack, bite, injure, maim, or kill you him or her. Their long canines are deadly. Furthermore, ensure you tightly fasten their terrarium screen cover to limit access to any other animals, including potential predators.
For instance, fasten your screen with Exo Terra Terrarium Cover Clip Set. They have small and large ones depending on your terrarium size. Alternatively, use the Zilla Reptile Terrarium Covers Heavy Duty Screen Clips, Large 30Gallon or Larger, or any other fastening clips that will tightly secure the screen.
Secondly, some beardies may get stressed up at the sight of your dog or cat. Stress will make them lose appetite, not eat, and wreck their immunity.
Cat or dog attack
In case of a cat or dog attacks your beardie, check for any scratch or bite marks, especially on their neck, tail, back, or any other part of their body. If you notice them, let herp vet treat your beardie as soon as possible.
Sometimes, your dog or cat may drag your beardie out of his or her enclosure, and if the ambient temperatures are low, this pet may become cold and hypothermic.
In case they are bleeding, as you wait for your herp vet, clean their wounds using Povidone-Iodine or any mild antiseptic soap and let your vet advise you on which antiseptic cream you can apply afterward.
Also, keep this reptile warm and well hydrated. However, don’t soak this lizard if he is severely injured. Consider misting them or administering fluids with a syringe.
Once your vet arrives, he or she is likely to administer an antibiotic shot or oral dose to help treat any bacteria that the teeth or claws of your dogs and cats may have transmitted to your bearded dragon. Also, he may consider pain medication, IV fluids, and so on.
As they heal, ensure they have a balanced diet, the right temperature, UV lighting, and humidity as they are essential speeding up the healing process.
Also, since these reptiles will have suffered psychological trauma, you may notice some behavioral changes such as spending more time in their hiding cave, not eating, etcetera. Try to ensure your beardie doesn’t see your cat or dog again for a while because it will scare it further.
Finally, if they are not eating, give them Zilla Reptile Health Supplies Jump-Start Appetite Stimulant or any other appetite stimulant and follow any instruction given by herp veterinarian.
Salmonella and parasites
If you have both these pets, don’t forget that bearded dragons carry parasites and some germs, especially salmonella, and they can pass these germs to your cats or dogs.
Finally, since they do carry parasites, always sanitize your hands using a suitable antiseptic after touching them as you treat them or stop bleeding. Alternatively, wear gloves.