Thinking Of Adding A Pet? These 15 Might Not Get Along With Your Dog

Are you thinking of adding a new pet to your dog-loving home? Not so fast! Some animals naturally stir up trouble when paired with dogs. Chaos and unexpected friendships gone wrong can happen quickly. Before bringing home a feisty ferret or a skittish bunny, check out these 15 pets that might spell disaster.

Hamsters

That tiny, adorable fluffball running on its wheel? To your dog, it might look like a living squeaky toy. Hamsters have quick movements and are tiny in size. Many dogs have strong prey instincts, and hamsters are likely prime targets. Even the friendliest pup might not resist a playful “boop.”

Cats

The internet loves dog-and-cat friendships, but real life isn’t always a cute meme. Some cats tolerate dogs, but others see them as unwelcome roommates. Hissing and territorial standoffs can turn your home into a battleground. If you’re set on mixing the two, slow introductions and plenty of escape routes are a must.

Parrots

Parrots are chatty and full of personality. Unfortunately, they’re also fragile and loud, which can rile a dog in seconds. A curious pup might get too close, leading to a defensive bite. Meanwhile, a flying parrot can trigger a dog’s chase instincts to turn your living room into a real-life cartoon chase scene.

Snakes

A slithering pet might sound exotic and cool. But to a dog, a snake is either something to chase or something to fear. Many snake species defend themselves with bites that can be harmful to dogs. On the flip side, larger dogs may see a small snake as a chew toy. Bad for both pets.

Ferrets

Ferrets are mischievous, full of energy, and fearless, which can be a problem. They’ll try to play with a dog, even if the dog is much bigger and not interested. Some dogs might see them as prey, while others may get too rough. Either way, things can get out of hand fast.

Rabbits

Sweet and fluffy, rabbits seem like perfect pets. That’s just until you mix them with a dog. Rabbits are naturally nervous and can become extremely stressed around dogs, even those with good intentions. A single chase around the room can be enough to send a bunny into panic mode, which isn’t good for their health.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are fragile and prey animals by nature. Their tiny squeaks and quick scurrying can send a dog into hunting mode. Also, a guinea pig can be easily injured, even if a dog just wants to sniff or play. Hence, these two pets should always be kept in separate, secure spaces.

Skunks

Yes, skunks can be kept as pets! Domesticated skunks don’t have their infamous spray glands, but their feisty attitude remains. Some dogs see them as playful, while others get aggressive. A skunk that feels threatened might bite, leading to a less-than-happy household dynamic. Not exactly the ideal roommate for your pup!

Sugar Gliders

Nocturnal and full of surprises, sugar gliders are fascinating pets. Unfortunately, their size and rapid movements make them irresistible to dogs. A sugar glider soaring across the room can look an awful lot like a flying snack. If you want to keep both, extreme supervision is required.

Hedgehogs

Dogs and hedgehogs don’t always make the best companions. A hedgehog’s quills provide built-in defense, which can leave an overly curious dog with a painful surprise. Although hedgehogs prefer solitude, an eager dog trying to engage with one may quickly regret the interaction.

Chickens

Backyard chickens don’t always get along with dogs. High-energy dogs, like Terriers and Huskies, may have difficulty resisting the urge to chase. Guardian breeds, such as Great Pyrenees, are more reliable around flocks, though proper training is still key to preventing unwanted interactions.

Tarantulas

A tarantula as a pet? Cool. A tarantula near a dog? Not so cool. Dogs are naturally curious, and one wrong sniff can result in a bite or irritation from urticating hairs. Even if your pup isn’t interested, a tarantula on the loose in a dog-friendly home is a recipe for disaster.

Turtles

Dogs love to chew on things, and a slow-moving turtle can look like the perfect chew toy. While turtles have hard shells, they aren’t invincible. A dog’s curiosity can lead to injuries, and some turtles carry salmonella. That can be harmful if a dog licks or chews on them.

Pet Rats

Despite their affectionate and intelligent nature, rats aren’t always safe around dogs. Many dogs view them as prey and may react with excitement or instinctual chasing. Even a well-trained dog can be too energetic for a fragile rat. Breeds with a strong hunting instinct pose an even greater challenge for peaceful cohabitation.

Lizards

From geckos to bearded dragons, lizards are unique pets. However, dogs can be unpredictable around them. Some lizards secrete toxins as a defense mechanism, and others are small enough for a dog to mistake them for a snack. Keeping lizards out of reach and in secure enclosures is the best way to avoid issues.