Adopting a dog when you have a snake

[GoingPostal]

No, snakes don't really seem to care about other animals as long as they are left alone. I have cats, dogs, ferrets, rats, lizards, etc in my house and the snakes don't react to the noises or scents at all, I do wash my hands before/after handling and I don't allow interaction with other species.

[bcr229]

No they won't stress each other out.

That said, snakes are escape artists so definitely get a real reptile enclosure with latches, not a tank with a lid that can be pushed off.

I have locks on my retic enclosures because they can push or slide the doors open.

[Bogertophis]

My snakes don't appear to pay any attention to dogs in the room, so don't worry about it. The only reaction I've ever seen was years ago when I kept
a number of rattlesnakes: when my dog would run past a cage, they'd rattle. And then "get over it".

[Lirenn]

No they won't stress each other out.

That said, snakes are escape artists so definitely get a real reptile enclosure with latches, not a tank with a lid that can be pushed off.

I have locks on my retic enclosures because they can push or slide the doors open.

Luckily Lucy has not yet figured out how to slide open the screen, she seems to enjoy just sniffing it. However we will be upgrading enclosures after we move. Something bigger and with more secure doors.

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[Bogertophis]

That's good to know. We're looking for a large breed and an older dog.

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All my dogs have come from shelters as adults. When you work, & aren't home a lot, puppies just get into too much trouble...it's not their fault. They are
so cute but high energy. While older dogs can come with some "baggage" (don't we all?) they are typically wonderful pets that already have some "sense",
and they are mellower. I don't expect you'll have trouble finding a good dog...more likely, trouble deciding which one.

[Lirenn]

All my dogs have come from shelters as adults. When you work, & aren't home a lot, puppies just get into too much trouble...it's not their fault. They are
so cute but high energy. While older dogs can come with some "baggage" (don't we all?) they are typically wonderful pets that already have some "sense",
and they are mellower. I don't expect you'll have trouble finding a good dog...more likely, trouble deciding which one.

It will be hard to pick just one. I want to rescue them alllll.

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[SDA]

So long as they have a secure cage that is out of reach of the dogs and not in an area that the dogs reside or play in you will be fine.

Yes, a dog actively attempting to open the caging will stress out the snake. That is why you should not house the snakes in a room the dogs will primarily be in. I have mine in a completely seperate part of the house that the dogs rarely enter so they show no interest in the snakes.

If you house them in the same location and the dogs begin to show interest int he cage(s) then you add unnecessary stress to the snake. Simple to avoid.

As far as the type of dog it doesn't really matter. The point is to avoid entering the snake cages as a point of interest.


Funny yet appropriate story... last night I was taking the puppy back in from going potty and walked by the GTP cage and she nearly struck the front of the cage showing interest in my puppy so yes, snakes show interest in dogs and can get stressed if they are in close contact even through a cage.

[Craiga 01453]

I think much of what I would say has already been said. If I repeat some, it's just to reiterate the importance...

You've already said you won't be introducing them. Good! Please don't, accidents and emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye. I won't continue to beat that drum...

A secure enclosure is a MUST. You definitely don't want a situation like this on your hands... pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?255374-MA-Police-shoot-boa-that-constricted-puppy

I would also suggest keeping the dog out of the room the snakes are housed in, just to make sure their curiosity doesn't create a problem. Make sure heat lamps or CHEs can't be knocked over, the enclosure itself can't be knocked over, etc...

I had dogs most of my life, but my girlfriend was bit in the face as a kid and is NOT a dog person. So, no dogs in my future. We do have a cat and ferrets though, and they don't ever come face to face with the snakes. If a snake is out, the cat is put in another room.

Good luck, keep us posted

[rlditmars]

The only thing I would add is in the case of adoption, a policy of truth may not serve you or the dog well. If you are certain you can prevent any kind of interaction between the animals so you won't have an issue, do not tell the place you are adopting from that you have a snake/s. The ignorance will win out and you may not be allowed to adopt the animal you want.

Understand that I am not trying to encourage deception or nefarious actions. It is simply that in this litigious society, filled with concerns of PC and liability paranoia, common sense gets ignored for the sake of everyone trying to cover their behinds. That said, if you do have any doubts about being responsible and able to prevent an accident between the two animals, then don't do it. Just my $0.02