Can a red tail boa eat a small dog?

Question

Well I'm trying to get my little

sis a Yorkshire terrier but......

I have 3

snakes

I'm experienced with snakes for 3 years

the biggest snake I have is a hypo red tail boa( female) and she is above 5 ft

I know she'll get over 8 ft but what I want to know is it possible that she might eat a small dog

Answer 1

It is possible. But just keep them away from each other. Especially during feeding and there should be no problem.

Answer 2

Boas eat small mammals.  Please ask your pet store or breeder where you purchased your snake what they are eating.  A baby boa will be eating pinky mice and as they grow will progress up to rats and eventually rabbits, possibly a yorkshire.  

Answer 3

Boa constrictors do eat small mammals, but dogs and cats aren't generally recognized as "food".  Many people keep boas and other small pets with no problems.  As long as you are caring for your boa properly and it is kept in a secure set up, you won't have any problems.  

This being said, I should mention that if you are feeding your snakes live prey, as opposed to pre-killed/ frozen thawed, then your risks are higher.  

I have three boas, 2 very active cats, and a dog... all of whom live in the same house for several years with no problems.  

If you have any concerns, you might want to consider joining a reptiles forum such as www.ssnakess.com  or  www.reptilescanada.com or www.kingsnake.com .  They are all excellent forums with many knowledgeable people who can assist you in any reptile related questions you may have.  

Take care

Annie

Answer 4

Yes it's possible.  Or rather should I say that the boa can definately kill the dog even if it can't swallow it.  

You know the drill - keep the cages locked and always supervise  when snakes come out.

Answer 5

I keep boas and rats and they don't get along too well...

Extremely large snakes are always an issue with regular sized pets.  Red tailed boas have been known to reach upwards of 10ft and weigh 50 lbs.  A boa that size would be able to eat 5-10 rabbits and a dog that size could be mistaken under the wrong circumstances.  I'd say go for a large dog.  My golden retriever, while completely mesmerized by them, is absolutely terrified of them.

You can't use the excuse that they'll never interact kind of thing.  Eventually they will.  Snakes are notorious for getting out somehow.  I have 60 snakes at any given time with my own home made cages that can lock and everything.  My 9ft burmese python got out and we had to make sure the cats were safe and in the bathroom.  Luckily the dog found her in the bushes 300feet from where we were looking... he was so proud of himself.  Let me know if you have further questions on this subject or snakes.

Answer 6

yes very possible if the snake were to get out of it's enclosure.