If you have a dog or cat and iguanas in the yard, it's worth understanding the real risks. Here's what South Florida pet owners should know about iguanas and their animals.
Iguanas can defend themselves
Large iguanas are not aggressive by nature, but when cornered by a curious pet they defend themselves with a whip-like tail, sharp claws and a powerful bite that can cause serious injury. A dog that corners a big male iguana can get hurt.
There's also a disease angle: iguanas can carry salmonella, and their droppings around the yard are a potential exposure route for pets that sniff or lick.
Keeping pets safe
Supervise pets in yards with iguana activity, discourage your dog from chasing them, and clean up droppings promptly. Keep an eye on any encounters near the water, where a fleeing iguana may lead a dog toward a canal.
These precautions help, but the underlying issue is the iguanas sharing your yard with your pets in the first place.
Reduce the risk by reducing iguanas
The simplest way to lower the risk to your pets is to lower the number of iguanas on your property. Professional trapping and control means fewer encounters, fewer droppings and a safer yard.
Our iguana control programs keep South Florida yards — and the pets that play in them — safer. Call us to set one up.