If you have a dog or cat in Southwest Florida, you need to know about iguana dangers. Most people think of iguanas as a landscaping nuisance. But iguanas can hurt your pets in several ways, and during mating season the risk goes up significantly.
Can Iguanas Bite?
Yes. Adult green iguanas have powerful jaws with sharp teeth designed for tearing plant material. They can deliver a painful bite that breaks skin. While iguanas normally avoid confrontation, they will bite if cornered, grabbed, or threatened. Dogs that chase or corner iguanas are at the highest risk.
Scratches and Tail Slaps
Iguanas have extremely sharp claws and powerful tails. A frightened iguana can deliver a painful slap with its tail that can bruise or cut. The claws can cause deep scratches that may become infected. If your dog gets scratched by an iguana, clean the wound thoroughly and watch for signs of infection.
Mating Season Aggression
From April through October, iguana behavior changes. Mating season peaks in April and May, and males become territorial and aggressive. They will charge, bite, and fight other iguanas, and they may direct that aggression at pets that get too close. If you have iguanas on your property during mating season, keep dogs and cats away from basking areas and burrow entrances.
Salmonella Risk from Droppings
This is the most overlooked danger. Iguana droppings carry salmonella and other bacteria. Dogs that sniff, lick, or eat iguana droppings can become seriously ill. Symptoms of salmonella in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration. If your dog has ingested iguana waste, contact your veterinarian.
Iguanas in Your Pool
Iguanas are attracted to water and will defecate in swimming pools. If your dog swims in a pool contaminated with iguana waste, it is exposed to bacteria. Iguanas also use pool decks as basking spots, leaving droppings behind. Keep pool areas clean and remove iguanas from the property to eliminate this risk.
What to Do If Your Dog Encounters an Iguana
- Do not let your dog chase or corner the iguana. Call your dog back immediately.
- If your dog is bitten or scratched, clean the wound with soap and water and contact your vet.
- Watch for signs of salmonella if your dog has been near iguana droppings: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
- If your dog picks up an iguana in its mouth, check for oral injuries from teeth and claws.
- Call your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms after an iguana encounter.
The Best Protection Is Removal
The safest way to protect your pets from iguana dangers is to remove the iguanas from your property. Deterrents and barriers help, but they do not eliminate the risk. Professional removal by an FWC-permitted specialist clears the population, destroys burrows, and implements prevention so iguanas do not return.
Rocky's Cane Toad and Iguana Management serves Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, Port Royal, Sanibel, and Captiva. Free property inspections. Call (239) 922-5992 or visit iguanaswfl.com.