10 animals you should never co-pet with dogs​

So, you’re a dog lover—and also an animal lover in general.

You’ve got this idea of a peaceful, happy little Noah’s Ark in your house where your doggo is best friends with a rabbit, a cat, and maybe even a parrot.

While it’s sweet in theory (and sometimes works in movies), in real life? Not always a great idea. Dogs, as adorable as they are, come with instincts—hunting, chasing, protecting territory.

Depending on the breed, upbringing, and even their mood, they might treat your other pet as a buddy… or a chew toy.

Here are a few animals you really shouldn’t co-pet with dogs—unless you’re okay with daily mayhem or worse, someone getting hurt

Rabbits are quiet, delicate, and prey animals by nature. Even if your dog seems calm, their predator instincts might kick in when they see something small and fast hopping around. Many dogs will chase, corner, or even nip at rabbits—not out of cruelty, but out of instinct. Some pet owners have managed to make it work, but it’s a high-risk combo. One wrong jump, and your bunny could go into shock. Also, rabbits get stressed easily, and a big barking dog sniffing around their cage 24/7 can be stressful for them.

Tiny, squeaky, and easily frightened—guinea pigs basically scream “toy!” to some dogs. Even a well-meaning dog who just wants to “play” can cause serious injuries with a single paw swipe. Guinea pigs are fragile little fluffballs. Dogs are rough, energetic, and sometimes way too curious. That nose-in-the-cage thing your dog does? That’s terrifying to a guinea pig. Best to give them their own space, far from canine curiosity.

Ferrets are clever, mischievous, and have no sense of self-preservation. They’ll steal your keys, dive under your furniture, and yes—annoy your dog on purpose. Some dogs find ferrets fascinating. Others… not so much. Ferrets can bite in play, which might trigger your dog’s defense mechanism. It’s not unusual to hear horror stories of ferrets getting bitten—or dogs getting nipped and then snapping out of instinct. Just too unpredictable a mix, really.

Backyard chickens are all the rage now, especially among people into home-grown eggs and organic living. But introducing them to a home with dogs? Risky business. Many dog breeds—like terriers, retrievers, and shepherds—have a natural prey drive. Chickens clucking around, flapping wings, running in panic? That’s like dog Netflix. Your pup might jump the fence or dig under it to get to them. Even if your dog doesn’t attack, the stress to the chickens is real. Their little chicken hearts can’t take it

Now, this is controversial. Tons of dogs and cats live together peacefully. But—big but—it really depends on the breed, temperament, and early exposure. High-prey-drive dogs like huskies, greyhounds, and some working breeds don’t always vibe well with cats, especially skittish or young ones. A dog chasing your cat around all day might look like a game to the dog, but it’s exhausting and even traumatic for the cat. If you’re bringing a new cat into a dog household (or vice versa), it’s crucial to manage introductions very slowly—and accept that sometimes, it just won’t work

This is a no-brainer. Hamsters are nocturnal, tiny, and super fragile. Dogs are… the opposite. Your dog could knock over the cage trying to investigate, or bark at it non-stop. And if the hamster ever escapes? Oh boy. That’s a high-stakes game of hide and seek with potentially tragic results. Also, many dogs find the smell of rodents exciting—not in a good way. They might see your little hamster as something to hunt, not coexist with.

This might surprise you, but reptiles and dogs are a tricky mix—not because the dog will always attack, but because dogs just don’t know how to behave around them. Some lizards are venomous or have bacteria like salmonella on their skin. A curious dog licking or biting them can get very sick. On the flip side, reptiles like snakes might see your dog as a threat and strike. Even caged reptiles can be at risk if your dog keeps knocking the enclosure over or barking nonstop. It’s stressful for everyone

Parrots are smart, loud, and sensitive. They love attention, and often bond deeply with their owners. But mix them with a dog? It can go south real quick. Dogs might bark, snap, or lunge at flying or fluttering birds. Even a nip can be fatal to a bird. On the flip side, some parrots bite hard, and a bitten nose or paw might make your dog retaliate instinctively. Even the noise alone can create a noisy turf war—squawking from the parrot, barking from the dog, and a migraine for you

These tiny gliding marsupials are nocturnal, sensitive to light, and need a calm environment. Dogs? Usually loud, playful, and up at all hours. Sugar gliders need low-stress surroundings, and a sniffing, barking, bouncing dog is the opposite of that. Even if your dog is chill, sugar gliders don’t recognize that—they’ll just be scared stiff. Also, sugar gliders are escape artists. If they get loose and your dog is nearby, it’s a recipe for heartbreak.

Fish don’t seem like they’d have any conflict with dogs—they’re in water, dogs are not. Some dogs get obsessed with fish tanks. They bark at them, jump up, knock them over, or try to catch the fish through the glass. There are even stories of dogs gulping down entire fish when they jump out during cleaning time. Fish tanks also contain electric equipment, fragile glass, and chemicals. A dog knocking it over can get injured—or electrocuted. Not a good mix unless your fish tank is well out of reach and your dog is trained not to mess with it

Look, every dog is different. Some grow up around cats and birds and bunnies and love them all. Others see anything small and fluffy as a chew toy. The key is to understand your dog’s breed and personality, and never assume they’ll “get used to” a new animal on their own.
If you’re dead set on adding a new pet to your family:

Introduce slowly and under supervision. Use physical barriers at first (gates, cages, etc.) Watch for signs of stress in either animal. Never leave them alone together until you’re completely sure it’s safe
Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for both your dog and the other animal… is to keep them apart