Being a pet lover, you can have more than one pet at your home. And the decision of keeping both Dog and fish is purely your choice! You can already own a dog, and you can still add fish to your family of pets. What are some of the tricks for keeping dogs away from fish tanks? Keep reading.
However, you need a proper setup of an aquarium for fish, and fishes still don’t ask for as much of your attention and maintenance as your furry friend! They can bring a bright, colorful splash and plenty of personalities to your home!
The question is, “Is it safe to keep dogs and fish together?” In this article, you will learn some tips for keeping your dogs away from fish tanks.
Tips and Tricks for Keeping Dogs away from Fish Tanks
From introducing your Canine to the fish tank to taking care of keeping any fish food that might be dangerous for your dog away, this article will be your guide for keeping your pets safe and letting them feel secure.
1. Introduce them to your Canine
Dogs can live with various other animals as they are among the domestic animals. Dogs can live peacefully beside any of them, from cats to livestock to fish and reptiles. Similarly, they will live well with fish as long as they are introduced properly.
Moreover, you should also train your dog how to behave around the fish tank, and if your puppy is particularly interested in it and likes to jump up, then you need to teach him that too, but this would be only possible as long as you have the time and patience.
2. How Interested can your pup be in the Fish?
The dogs are usually different. Some dogs don’t care much about fish and would not even bat an eyelid at fish tanks as they’re not interested. However, some dogs will pound up and try their best to use their paw to swipe at the fish.
It always depends on your dog and how it reacts to a new friend in their territory. Only you can assess that as you know them best! Because you know how its body language will be based on its likes and dislikes, as you are its caretaker and not just someone who knows what a goldendoodle price is.
You’ll need to watch your dog’s body language around the tank to determine whether they have a beneficial interest or are too interested. Wagging their tails, perking their ears up, and staring at the tank are typical signs of interest. However, alarming symptoms include stalking the tank, crouching, jumping, or pouncing.
3. Train your Pup
It is essential to guarantee that your dog and fish can coexist together. Training your dog to live with its aquatic friend is relatively straightforward. Ensure your dog is on a leash when introducing them to the tank.
Allow them to get close so they can smell and sense the new sights. If your dog has exceptionally increased energy levels, take them on a walk or run before you introduce them, to ensure that they are not overly excited.
Some dogs have their extent in interaction and would be least bothered by the fish. Hence, they are not interested, nor can they be in any trouble. At the same time, other dogs might like to sit and watch the fish swimming around. Hence it is very soothing for dogs as well as humans!
Image credit: dogsbestlife.com
4. Keep Dogs Away From a Fish Tank
Once your dog has been introduced to the fish tank safely, they usually won’t pay them any interest after that. Dogs often stay away from fish aquariums because, unlike other little critters, the fish can’t rush past them or frighten them.
The main concern with preventing your dog from accessing the fish tank is that he could tip it over. To prevent this, always place the fish tank on a high, level, and sturdy surface.
It will prevent your dog from being able to jump up, or even worse, jump on top of the tank and potentially hurt himself and the fish. If your dog does develop an unhealthy interest in the fish tank, consider moving it to an area that is out of view of your pup.
5. Fish Food and Dogs
Fish food usually comes in flakes or pellets, typically just ground-up protein sources that aren’t harmful to dogs but may cause digestive problems.
If you feed your fish live or frozen fish, you’ll need to ensure you keep this away from Fido because there is a risk the fish is carrying harmful bacteria. Salmon poisoning can result from particular seafood, like salmon, or bacteria like salmonella.
The other worry about your dog eating your fish-related equipment is that they might digest any chemicals or medication you need to use for the fish. Always ensure these chemicals are kept away from your dog, preferably in a high-up or locked cupboard.
6. Keeping Fish in a Pond with Dogs Around can be Risky
Keeping Fish in a pond rather than a fish tank is slightly riskier than keeping them higher up in a tank. However, having a fish pond and a dog is possible if you take the proper precautions. First off, some dogs like chasing cats or diving into ponds in search of fish because they have a high prey drive.
You’ll need to use your common sense here as to whether you think your dog will be too tempted by a tasty fish treat. You should use some barrier around the pond, either a small rock wall or mesh netting over the top of the pond.
Additionally, keep a close eye on your dog when introducing him to the pond and redirect him when he’s showing unhealthy interest.
7. Leaving Your Dog At Home with Fish
If you have to leave your dog at home regularly, place the fish tank in a separate room from your dog. Even if your dog doesn’t pay that much attention to the fish while you’re at home, when you leave, they could become bored or even stressed and may take an interest in the fish.
If you have a small fish tank within reaching distance of your dog, this could be disastrous if the dog jumps up to have a nosy.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you are planning to keep both a dog and fish, it is better to acquaint them with each other. However, to ensure that neither can be of any trouble to one other, you must follow the tips and tricks that make them more of a friend. Happy parenting your pets!