Ball pythons and other pets?

[Los]

I have a dog and just recently got a ball python. Would my dogs scent trigger the snake to go into feeding mode causing it to strike at me?? I always wash my hands before and after handling my ball python, but should i maybe change shirts as well?

[Bogertophis]

No, your snake is not going to be inspired to want to eat your dogs, or you, & not your beef/chicken/turkey/ham/lamb dinner either. But to a snake, your dog is a PREDATOR, & that can trigger a FEAR bite from the snake. So yes, change your shirt, & wash your hands between pets.

Snakes have a very good sense of smell, & are normally only interested in their natural prey of rodents, similar other small mammals "possibly" (things like squirrels, guinea pigs etc) & possibly birds. BPs are one actually one of the fussiest snakes to feed though, so it's unlikely yours will get excited for more than one or two options. Some like rats, not mice, & some like mice, but not rats...& some of them have even been known to object to the COLOR of the rodents, LOL.

You only recently got your BP- it's most likely striking at you just because it's still afraid of you. Best NOT to handle it until it's feeding reliably (about 3 times at normal intervals), & then gradually get it used to being handled by you. (& never near your dog)

[Los]

Thanks, I figured maybe i should change shirts as well seems like the correct thing to do since these guys pick up on scents so well