If you’re a pet lover passionate about caring for animals, chances are high that you may have more than one pet at home. Having multiple pets can be fun and rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
But no fear, because today we will discuss the unique experience of caring for a bearded dragon and a French bulldog in a multi-pet household. These two pets may seem unlikely, but they can thrive under one roof with the right knowledge, patience, and care. So, let’s get started!
Do Dogs and Bearded Dragons Get Along?
You may have seen the viral videos of the French bulldog and the bearded dragon chasing each other, but that’s not necessarily how it’s going to be with your Frenchie and dragon.
If you’re looking for a bearded dragon to pair with your dog or vice versa, you’ll be surprised and very pleased to know that the two are excellent! Though they will need some time and effort to get to know one another, they should be a compatible couple before long.
You might think that because your dog is friendly, it’ll cosy up to the bearded dragon. But that’s not always the case. Dogs are friendlier, so you can’t automatically expect them to get along with your bearded dragon. Dogs are naturally bigger than dragons, which gives them the advantage of size.
Yes, even your Frenchie, who’s relatively closer in size to bearded dragons, depends on the Breeder of French Bulldogs and the Personality and Temperament of the Dog. There are certain guidelines you should follow when it comes to introducing your dog to bearded dragons.
Understandably, it will take time before your dog and gecko are BFFs with each other. So have patience and don’t force them to get along because it might have serious consequences.
7 ways To Properly Introduce Your Dog To Your Bearded Dragon
Introducing your dog and gecko to each other will be difficult, so keep that in mind. If You force them two together, you won’t succeed if you don’t put in enough effort. So instead, follow the guidelines below to introduce your dog to your gecko.
- Before introducing your dog to the bearded dragon, let the little reptile roam free in your room for some time. Then, put the spiky dude in a terrarium.
- Allow your dog to sniff your room and familiarize themselves with the new guest’s scent. Then, let your dog interact with the dragon through the terrarium.
- Keep the terrarium close by, so your dog can always see it. Then, after about a week of seeing and smelling the dragon, you can let the dog and the dragon come face to face.
- Some dragons and dogs get along quickly, while others do not. It all depends on each pet’s personality and disposition. For instance, if your dragon is afraid of smaller animals or your dog is afraid of them, it may take several introductions before your pets feel secure around each other.
- Bearded dragons are not fond of loud noises. If your dog is constantly barking, save the introduction for later. Ensure the room is calm and both pets are in a good mood.
- A dog’s body language can say a lot! If they’re all jumpy and wagging their tails, it’s a good sign. If their tails are down and they growl or show their teeth, it’s best to separate them.
- Always be present when your dog and bearded dragon are interacting. You must control your dog and the dragon and have a friend or family member hold onto the dog while you hold the dragon.
5 Steps to Care for a Bearded Dragon and French Bulldog in a Multi-Pet Household
A multi-pet household can seem challenging to control, but with a few simple tips, you can get your multi-pet household in your reigns. Even with uncommon pet pairs like a French bulldog and bearded dragon!
- Take Easy On Their Introduction
As discussed before, don’t force the introduction between your French bulldog and a bearded dragon. Over-stimulation can cause both animals to become stressed and freak each other out. You don’t want that, so take your time when introducing them.
- Don’t Leave Them Unattended
You must be with them during the first few meetings between your bearded dragon and French bulldog. Even if the meetings went favorably, it is still important their interactions are closely monitored.
When they’ve acquainted themselves, leaving them alone for a while is safe, but not too long. However, you must be prepared to respond quickly if they act unexpectedly negatively.
- Make Sure To Pick Up Their Business
When keeping bearded dragons and French bulldogs together, you must clean up their business properly—especially bearded dragon’s because their feces carry salmonella. Even though the bacteria can remain silent in the dog’s stomach, they can act up later on and affect your dog.
Nevertheless, once infected with it, their entire area and saliva can transmit the germs. The bearded dragon’s droppings are a major way that these bacteria spread. So be sure to pick up and clean the dragon’s business.
- Get Vet Check-Ups Regularly
Whether you have one or several pets, taking them for routine vet checkups is important. Take your French bulldog and bearded dragon to vets and get their vaccinations and other examinations done properly.
- Spend More Time With Them
Spending time with them is the best way to ensure your bearded dragon and French bulldog get along. Feed them together, not the same things, but in the same area. Take them for walks together and let them chill around you together.
Things to Remember
- Have patience. Even though bearded dragons are a friendlier type of lizard, you must closely monitor their interaction with your dog.
- As mentioned above, don’t leave your French bulldog and bearded dragon alone. Even playfully, your dog might accidentally injure your dragon.
- When you’re feeding the two, give them their food. Also, since dogs tend to be a little more curious than reptiles, keep an eye on your Frenchie so he doesn’t dip his tongue in the dragon’s feed.
Signs Of Bearded Dragon and Dog Nervous Around Each Other
Ans: Dogs and bearded dragons react differently from each other when they’re nervous. Let’s take a look at how each animal reacts when they’re under stress,
Nervous Bearded Dragon Signs
- Beard puffing
- Bearded dragons may run back and forth along the front of their enclosure when worried.
- Waving: Bearded dragons wave one or both arms when they feel nervous.
- Head bobbing
- Staying still in one spot.
Nervous Dog Signs
- Licking their lips
- Growling in their direction
- Avoiding looking at the dragon
- Lifting their paws slightly off the ground
- Yawning
- Tucking their tail between their legs
- Laying their head down
- Whimpering in the dragon’s direction
Some Related FAQs
Bearded dragons are generally solitary animals and should not be housed with other pets. However, some owners have successfully housed their bearded dragons with certain species of reptiles, such as leopard geckos or small tortoises. Researching and carefully monitoring the interactions between housed pets is important.
It is not recommended to house a bearded dragon with a cat, as cats are natural predators and may view the dragon as prey. Even if the cat is well-behaved and not aggressive towards the bearded dragon, the bearded dragon may become stressed or injured from the cat’s presence.
Bearded dragons are not like dogs in terms of behavior or temperament. While both may be affectionate towards their owners, bearded dragons are solitary animals that do not require the same level of social interaction or training as dogs.
It is unlikely for a bearded dragon to kill a dog, as bearded dragons are not aggressive animals and do not possess the physical capabilities to injure or kill a dog seriously. However, if a bearded dragon feels threatened or stressed, it may lash out with a bite or tail whip, potentially harming a small dog.
It is not advisable to try to get a dog and a bearded dragon to get along, as dogs are natural predators and may view the bearded dragon as prey. If you have both pets, it is important to keep them completely separated to ensure the safety and well-being of the bearded dragon.
It is generally not recommended to house a bearded dragon and a dog together, as dogs are natural predators and may view the bearded dragon as prey. Even if the dog is well-behaved and not aggressive towards the bearded dragon, the bearded dragon may become stressed or injured from the dog’s presence.
Conclusion
There you have it! Caring for a bearded dragon and French bulldog requires patience, consistency, and attention to their specific needs. Proper nutrition, close observation, and devoting your time and effort are essential for keeping these pets healthy and happy companions. Share with your friends, family, and other canine-reptile-loving acquaintances.
When it comes to caring for a bearded dragon and French bulldog in a multi-pet household, it is important to consider the unique needs and behaviors of each animal.