Dogs are a man’s best friend but at times we find ourselves wanting another pet. Some of us will be satisfied with getting another dog but sometimes we want a more exotic pet like a turtle.
If you are thinking of getting a turtle or tortoise as a pet there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Below we will discuss how well dogs and turtles get along and whether a turtle will be a good fit for you.
How To Introduce Your Dog To A Turtle?
Having both a dog and a turtle can be rewarding as a pet owner but you will have to be willing to put in a lot of work and be patient. Dogs are high energy pets that like to play and might think of your turtle as prey or a toy to chew on. Turtles are slow moving and easily frightened but they have a strong jaw and can hurt your dog if they want to. You will have to introduce them slowly and never leave them alone together.
How Well Do Dogs And Turtles Get Along?
It is possible for you to have both a dog and a turtle as a pet but they will never be best friends. Dogs are curious and might think your turtle is a chew toy and although a turtle has a shell they can still get injured.
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The same goes for a turtle or tortoise. They have strong jaws and if they bite your dog it can cause your pooch a lot of harm.
It is best to keep your dog and turtle separate and if they are together you should never leave them alone.
Can A Dog And A Turtle Be Friends (BFF)?
It is possible but highly unlikely that a dog and a turtle will be best friends.
How To Introduce Your Dog To Your Turtle [Step By Step]
If you do decide to get a pet turtle you should follow the below steps when introducing him to your dog.
- Make sure your dog is well trained and listens to your commands.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
- Start by letting them see each other while your turtle is in his enclosure.
- Make sure your dog stays calm.
- Once you think they are used to seeing each other you can take your turtle out of his enclosure.
- Slowly let your dog move closer to your turtle.
- Never leave them alone together.
Do Dogs Get Jealous Of Turtles?
Dogs do get jealous of other pets so if you are giving your turtle attention it is possible that your dog could get jealous.
Why Do Some Dogs And Turtle Don’t Get Along At All?
Dogs and turtles are extremely different from each other and although some of them might get along others won’t.
Dogs are high energy animals that are intelligent and like to play while turtles are easy going, slow moving creatures.
How Can I Safely Determine How My Dog Will React To My New Turtle?
There is no way to know for sure how your dog will react when you introduce her to a turtle.
Make sure you know your dog’s personality. If your dog is curious and high energy there is a good chance that the encounter won’t go well.
Do Dogs Eat Turtles?
It is highly unlikely that a dog will eat a turtle but a lot of dogs will try to chew on a turtle’s shell.
How To Keep My Dog From Eating My Turtle?
Make sure your dog is well trained and listens to your commands.
If your dog tries to chew on your turtle’s shell or to pick your turtle up you should keep them apart.
Never leave them alone together.
Why Did My Dog Attack My Turtle?
A lot of dogs have a high prey drive and it is possible that your dog sees your turtle as prey.
There is also the possibility that your dog thinks your turtle is a toy for him to play with.
How Can I Train My Dog To Not Attack Turtles?
Take your dog for obedience training and make sure she listens to your commands, especially stay, sit, heel and leave.
Introduce your dog and turtle slowly and reward good behaviour with treats.
My Dog Ate My Turtle What Should I Do?
If your dog ate a turtle you should keep a close eye on him. Turtles carry salmonella and your dog can get infected.
Watch out for these symptoms:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
It is always best to take your pooch to the vet for a check up if they eat anything they shouldn’t.
Can You Raise A Turtle With A Dog?
Young dog’s immune systems are still developing and they are more susceptible to parasites so it is not a good idea to keep a dog younger than two years of age with a turtle.
Are Turtles Harmful To Dogs?
Turtles can harm a dog. A turtle’s jaw is extremely strong and if they bite your dog it can cause them a lot of harm. A turtle’s bite could even be fatal for a small dog.
Turtles also carry salmonella which can cause you or your dog to get sick.
What Dog Breeds Are Good With Turtles?
Calm dog breeds that do not have a high prey drive will be better with turtles than dogs with a high prey drive.
It is also best not to keep small dogs with turtles as the turtle is more likely to harm a small dog.
Here is a list of big and medium sized dogs that do not have a high prey drive.
- Golden Retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Black and Tan Coonhound
- Beagle
- Bulldog
What Dog Breeds Are Not Good With Turtles?
Dog breeds like Bull Terriers, Rhodesias Ridgebacks, Airedale Terriers and Siberian Huskies will not be good with turtles.
These dogs are big and have a high prey drive so they might try to hunt your turtle or chew on its shell.
Are Turtles Scared Of Dogs?
Not all turtles are scared of dogs but a lot of turtles will be scared of dogs, especially if your dog is high energy.
Why Is My Dog Is Obsessed With My Turtle?
Your dog might see your turtle as prey and that is why it looks like she is obsessed with your turtle. She wants to hunt it.
There is also the possibility that she could be intrigued by your turtle’s movements and simply enjoys watching it.
Why Is My Dog Whining At My Turtle?
Your dog may want to play with your turtle but a turtle does not make a very good playmate for a dog. Your dog might also see your turtle as a toy and is trying to get to it so that he can chew on it.
How To Introduce A Turtle To A Dog?
Introducing your turtle to your dog is not complicated but you should be careful as they are both capable of hurting each other.
Keep your turtle in his enclosure and let them get used to seeing each other before letting them meet in person.
Once you think they are ready you can let them meet outside of the enclosure. Make sure your dog is well trained and listens to you.
Do Turtles Live Well Together With Dogs?
It is possible for dogs and turtles to live together but it is not ideal.
Can A Puppy Be Around Turtles?
No, do not allow your puppy to go anywhere near turtles. Your puppy’s immune system is still developing and if he gets salmonella poisoning it could cause him to get really sick or even be fatal.
How Do Dogs React To Turtles?
Not all dogs are the same, some will react with gentle curiosity and others will get excited and try to play with it or maybe even use it as a chewing toy.
Are Turtles Scared Of Dogs Barking?
Turtles have sensitive hearing and loud noises like dogs barking could scare them.
Will The Turtle Attack The Dog?
Yes, some turtles will attack your dog. Turtles, like most animals have different personalities and while some might be docile, others are aggressive.
Turtles have strong jaws and if they bite your dog it could cause a serious injury or even be fatal if your dog is small.
How To Get My Turtle To Love My Dog?
It might not be possible to get your turtle to love your dog. Dogs and turtles are very different and there is a possibility that they will never be happy in each other’s company.
[What Should I Do] My Dog Is Eating Turtle Poop?
Your pooch should be fine if he ate turtle poop but make sure to keep an eye on him. If he shows any symptoms of illness take him to the vet immediately.
[What Should I Do] My Turtle Is Eating Dog Poop?
It is normal for a turtle to eat poop but not recommended. Make sure to always clean up after your dog so that your turtle can’t eat it’s poop.
Will The Turtle Charge At My Dog?
It is unlikely that your turtle will charge your dog unless it is scared. Most turtles will hide in their shell but if your turtle feels like he must protect himself he can bite your dog.
Are Dogs Afraid Of Turtles?
Some dogs might be afraid of turtles; however, it is more likely that your dog will be intrigued by your turtle or want to hunt it.
Do Turtles Make Good Pets?
Turtles can make really good pets for the right person. They are unique and interesting pets and you will be able to have a lot of fun observing them.
There are many factors that you have to consider before getting a pet turtle though. They can grow large and will need an enclosure with enough space and a good filtration system.
You will also need to feed them and make sure their enclosure is kept clean to ensure they stay healthy. Taking care of a turtle requires dedication as they can live anything from 25 to 50 years or even longer.
Turtles are not the kind of pet that you can cuddle with and do not like being handled. They have strong jaws and that can cause a lot of pain if they bite you and you will have to be careful as they can carry salmonella.
How Much Room Does A Turtle Need?
Turtles may be small as hatchlings but can grow very large.
The bigger the enclosure, the better. A good rule to follow is to make sure there are 10 gallons of space for every inch of your turtle.
Is It Expensive To Raise Turtles?
Having a turtle as a pet does not have to be expensive but you will have to spend some money on him.
You will have to budget for food, bedding, toys and vet visits which can cost anything between 200 and 500 dollars.
Do Turtles Learn Their Names?
No, turtles do not know their names. Your turtle will recognize you though and if you give him snacks he will associate you with food and come to you.
Can A Turtle Get A Dog Pregnant?
No, your turtle will not try to mate with your dog.
Can A Dog Get A Turtle Pregnant?
No, your dog will not get your turtle pregnant.
Can A Turtle Kill A Dog?
Yes, a turtle can kill a dog. A turtle’s jaw is strong and if he bites a small dog it can be fatal.
Can Turtles Become Emotionally Bonded With Humans Like Dogs?
Turtles can form a bond with a human but not like a dog would.
Turtles can recognize their owner and might get excited and run to you if they think you are going to give them a treat.
Some turtles will even let you pet them but they don’t really like being handled.
Why Is My Dog Petrified Of The Turtle’s Beak?
Turtles have strong jaws and can bite pretty hard. If your turtle ever tried to bite your dog it is normal that your dog will be scared of your turtle’s beak.
Your dog and turtle will probably never be best friends, at best they will tolerate each other and learn to get along which is good enough as you can always give them attention separately and enjoy having both pets.
References
https://wagwalking.com
https://www.vetstreet.com
https://www.tortoiseknowledge.com
