Are Iguanas Poisonous to Dogs? What to Do If Your Dog Eats One

Updated December 17, 2025

Short answer: Iguanas are not poisonous or venomous to dogs. However, dogs can become seriously ill after biting or eating an iguana due to bacteria (including Salmonella), parasites, choking risks, intestinal blockage, and toxins associated with dead or decomposing carcasses.

People often confuse poisonous with dangerous because dogs can become seriously ill after eating an iguana, even though the illness is caused by bacteria, parasites, or decomposition toxins—not venom.

It becomes an emergency if your dog eats a dead or decomposing iguana, swallows a large reptile whole, or shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, paralysis, or trouble breathing.

Quick Triage: Is This an Emergency Right Now?

Use this fast checklist to decide how urgent the situation is.

• Go to emergency care now if your dog has trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, collapse, a swollen/painful abdomen, pale gums, or any signs of paralysis.
• Call your veterinarian today if your dog ate a large iguana, swallowed bones/tail/claws, ate a dead or rotting carcass, is very young/senior/immunocompromised, or you are unsure what species it was.
• Monitor closely for 24 to 72 hours if your dog only mouthed/bit a small lizard and is acting normal, while watching carefully for delayed stomach or infection symptoms.

Why Do Dogs Eat Lizards or Iguanas?

Dogs are curious by nature. Whether it’s chasing squirrels, sniffing through bushes, or stalking backyard reptiles, their instincts can sometimes get the best of them.

Dogs often eat lizards or iguanas for a straightforward reason: instinct. The quick movements of a lizard or iguana can trigger a dog’s prey drive. Some breeds, like terriers, have strong hunting instincts and are more likely to pounce on small reptiles.

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Are Iguanas or Lizards Harmful to Dogs?

Most iguanas are not venomous and are not “poisonous” in the way many people mean it. The risk comes from what they carry (bacteria/parasites) and what their bodies can cause (injury/blockage), especially if the reptile is dead or decomposing.

Bacterial Infections (Salmonella)

Reptiles—including iguanas and many common lizards—frequently carry Salmonella. Dogs exposed to this bacterium can develop gastrointestinal illness and (in more severe cases) dehydration or systemic infection.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Family safety note: Salmonella can also spread to humans through contact with your dog’s saliva, stool, or contaminated surfaces after the incident. Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect any areas your dog may have licked.

Parasites

Some lizards and iguanas can harbor intestinal parasites (including roundworms and flukes). These can be transmitted to your dog and may lead to ongoing digestive issues. A fecal exam is often used to confirm parasites, followed by appropriate treatment if needed.

• Weight loss
• Digestive issues
• Malnutrition
• Poor coat condition

Related reading: If your dog is acting “off” after any outdoor incident, this guide may help you sort out common causes of low energy: 6 Reasons Your Dog Feels Lethargic and What to Do About It

Physical Blockages, Choking, or Mouth Injuries

Swallowing a lizard or iguana whole, or ingesting sharp bones/claws/tails, can cause immediate or delayed problems.

• Choking (especially in small dogs)
• Intestinal blockage (may require emergency treatment or surgery)
• Mouth or throat injuries from claws, tails, or bones

Toxicity vs “Poisoning”: What Actually Puts Dogs at Risk

Iguanas are not venomous, and most common North American lizards do not produce toxins that directly “poison” dogs.

The real danger is usually:

• Bacterial contamination and gut upset after ingestion
• Injury/blockage from swallowing parts of the reptile
• Decomposition-related risk (dead/rotting carcasses can expose dogs to harmful bacteria and toxins)

In Florida and other warm regions where iguanas are common, the highest-risk scenario is often a dog eating a dead or decomposing iguana rather than biting a live one.

Symptoms to Watch For After Your Dog Eats a Lizard or Iguana

Monitor your dog for the next 24 to 72 hours. Even if your dog seems fine at first, symptoms can show up later.

• Persistent vomiting or gagging
• Diarrhea, mucus in stool, or blood in stool
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Swollen or painful abdomen
• Lethargy, restlessness, or weakness
• Fever
• Wobbliness, trouble standing, or paralysis-like weakness

If your dog shows any combination of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Dog Eats an Iguana or Lizard

Here’s a practical action plan that avoids the most common mistakes.

Step 1: Stay Calm

Do not panic. Avoid home “fixes” that can worsen the situation.

Step 2: Secure Any Remains (If Safe)

If part of the lizard/iguana is left behind, collect it in a sealed bag (or take a photo). This can help identify species and risk level.

Step 3: Rinse Your Dog’s Mouth

If your dog allows it, gently rinse their mouth with clean water to reduce bacteria/irritants. Do not force water if your dog is distressed or at risk of choking.

Step 4: Do Not Induce Vomiting Unless a Vet Directs You

Inducing vomiting is not automatically safer and can create aspiration risk. Follow your veterinarian’s guidance.

Step 5: Monitor and Document

Keep notes on symptoms, water intake, appetite, and bowel movements. If symptoms appear, this timeline helps your vet make faster decisions.

Step 6: Call Your Veterinarian

Your vet may recommend:

• A physical exam
• Abdominal X-rays (if blockage is suspected)
• Blood work
• Fecal testing and deworming treatment
• Anti-nausea meds, fluids, or antibiotics, depending on symptoms

Can Iguanas Make Dogs Sick?

Yes. Iguanas can make dogs sick primarily due to bacteria (including Salmonella) and possible parasites. The risk increases if the iguana is dead or decomposing, since bacterial load and toxin exposure can rise significantly as the carcass breaks down.

Is It an Emergency If My Dog Eats a Lizard?

It depends on several factors that change the risk profile quickly:

• Size of the reptile: Larger iguanas create more blockage/choking risk.
• Dog size and breed: Smaller dogs are more vulnerable to obstruction and airway issues.
• What was eaten: Bones, tails, and claws increase injury risk.
• Live vs dead: Dead/decomposing reptiles are much higher risk than live prey.
• Symptoms: Any vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or breathing difficulty increases urgency.

When in doubt, treat it as urgent and contact your veterinarian.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Lizards or Iguanas

You can’t supervise every second, but you can materially reduce the odds of repeat incidents.

• Train “Leave it” and “Drop it” so you can interrupt prey behavior quickly.
• Supervise outdoor play near walls, shrubs, and gardens where reptiles hide.
• Reduce reptile habitat by clearing brush, sealing gaps, and trimming low shrubs.
• Use a basket muzzle on walks in high-reptile areas (especially for determined hunters).
• Consider motion-activated sprinklers to discourage reptiles in common dog zones.

Related: If you’re doing more outdoor activities with your dog, this guide can make trips easier and safer: What Are the Best Portable Dog Bowls?

When to See a Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian promptly if:

• Your dog is a puppy, a senior, pregnant, or immunocompromised
• The reptile was large, or you suspect your dog swallowed it whole
• Your dog ate a dead or decomposing iguana/lizard
• Your dog is showing any symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, weakness)
• You are unsure what species your dog ingested

Waiting can make treatment harder. Obstructions and infections are often easier to treat when caught early.

Related Articles on Pet Safety

• 10 Common Backyard Dangers for Dogs
• What to Include in a Dog Emergency First Aid Kit
• Foods Dogs Should Never Eat – Complete List

FAQs

Are Florida iguanas toxic to dogs?

Florida iguanas are not venomous, but dogs can become seriously ill after eating them—especially if the iguana is dead or decomposing—due to bacteria, parasites, and decomposition-related toxin risks.

Should I induce vomiting if my dog ate a lizard?

No. Do not induce vomiting unless your veterinarian tells you to, because it can create aspiration risk and may not be appropriate depending on what was swallowed.

Can lizards carry parasites that infect dogs?

Yes. Some lizards and iguanas can carry intestinal parasites that may transfer to dogs and cause digestive issues, weight loss, or ongoing stomach upset.

Is it safe if my dog only bit the lizard but didn’t swallow it?

Even a bite can expose your dog to bacteria. Rinse your dog’s mouth if possible, then monitor closely for 24–72 hours and contact your vet if symptoms develop.

Can a dog die from eating an iguana?

Severe cases can be dangerous—especially if a dog develops an intestinal blockage, serious infection, or toxin-related weakness after eating a dead or decomposing iguana—so treat worsening symptoms as urgent and contact a veterinarian immediately.