Are Armadillos Dangerous to Dogs?

When you see an armadillo wandering in your yard or during a walk with your dog, your first thought may be about safety. Armadillos are unusual animals with hard shells, sharp claws, and the habit of digging up soil for insects.

But if your dog comes across one, you might wonder—can this strange-looking creature harm my pet? The truth is that armadillos are usually shy and avoid confrontation, but there are some risks for dogs if they chase, bite, or get too close to one.

These risks are not just from scratches or bites but also from diseases armadillos may carry. Knowing the facts can help you protect your dog and keep encounters with these animals safe.

Armadillos and Their Natural Behavior

Armadillos are small mammals covered with a bony shell that acts like armor. They live mainly in the southern United States and warm regions of Central and South America. These animals are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night, looking for food such as insects, worms, and small invertebrates.

• Armadillos are not naturally aggressive.

• They defend themselves by digging quickly into the ground or curling up, depending on the species.

• If trapped or threatened, they may scratch with their claws or, rarely, bite.

This means that your dog is unlikely to be attacked unless it tries to corner or hurt the armadillo first.

Physical Dangers to Dogs

While armadillos are not predators, they can still harm your dog in certain situations.

• Sharp claws: Armadillos dig with strong claws. If your dog tries to grab or paw at one, it could be scratched. Scratches can lead to wounds or infections.

• Biting risk: Though rare, some armadillos may bite if cornered. A bite can be painful and break the skin.

• Shell impact: The hard shell of an armadillo can injure a dog’s mouth or paws if your pet bites down or paws too aggressively.

These risks are small but real, especially for curious or playful dogs that like to chase.

Disease Risks from Armadillos

The bigger concern is not usually the physical fight but the diseases armadillos may carry. Dogs may be exposed if they bite, scratch, or sniff an infected armadillo or the soil where the animal has been digging.

• Leprosy (Hansen’s disease): Armadillos are one of the only animals that naturally carry the bacteria that causes leprosy in humans. While dogs rarely contract it, close contact could increase risk.

• Parasites: Armadillos may carry fleas and ticks, which can jump onto your dog and spread diseases like Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis.

• Salmonella and other bacteria: Dogs that lick or eat soil where armadillos dig could pick up harmful bacteria.

• Rabies: Armadillos are not common carriers, but rabies is possible in any wild mammal. If bitten, a dog should always be treated as at risk.

This is why even if an armadillo does not injure your dog physically, it can still be dangerous due to disease transmission.

Signs Your Dog May Have Been Exposed

If your dog had a close encounter with an armadillo, you should watch for signs of injury or illness. Some warning signs include:

• Redness, swelling, or bleeding from scratches or bites

• Limping or licking paws after digging near an armadillo burrow

• Fever, loss of appetite, or lethargy

• Skin lesions or sores that don’t heal properly

• Signs of tick or flea infestation

Prompt veterinary care is always recommended if you suspect contact with an armadillo.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe Around Armadillos

You don’t need to panic if you see an armadillo near your home, but prevention is always better.

• Leash your dog during evening or night walks, since armadillos are most active then.

• Secure your yard by filling in burrows or using fencing to prevent armadillos from digging.

• Discourage chasing—teach your dog not to chase wildlife to reduce the risk of injury.

• Use flea and tick prevention year-round to lower the chance of parasite transmission.

• Check for wounds immediately if your dog has a run-in with one.

By taking these steps, you reduce both injury and disease risk.

What to Do If Your Dog Fights an Armadillo

If your dog bites or gets scratched by an armadillo:

1. Separate them safely without touching the armadillo directly.

2. Check your dog for visible wounds or bleeding.

3. Clean the wound with mild soap and water if it’s small.

4. Contact your vet right away, especially if there’s a bite or deep scratch.

5. Watch for symptoms of illness in the following days.

It’s also wise to call local animal control if you suspect the armadillo may be sick or rabid.

Are Some Dogs More at Risk?

Yes, certain dogs are more likely to be at risk around armadillos.

• Hunting breeds such as terriers and hounds are more curious and may chase or dig after them.

• Young puppies don’t know better and are at higher risk of scratching or biting injuries.

• Outdoor dogs who spend time unsupervised in yards where armadillos live are more exposed.

If your dog falls into these categories, extra caution is needed.

The Bottom Line

Armadillos are not aggressive animals, and most of the time they just want to dig and eat insects in peace. But they can become dangerous to dogs if cornered, bitten, or handled. The main risks are scratches, bites, and the diseases they may carry, such as parasites or bacteria. By supervising your dog, preventing direct contact, and acting quickly if an encounter happens, you can keep your pet safe without harm to wildlife.

Conclusion

So, are armadillos dangerous to dogs? The answer is yes, but mostly in indirect ways. They won’t hunt or attack your pet, but if your dog chases or corners one, it can get scratched, bitten, or infected. The biggest risk comes from diseases and parasites rather than physical injury.

As a dog owner, your best defense is prevention—keep your dog on a leash, use parasite control, and never allow direct contact with wildlife. If an encounter does occur, quick veterinary care will help your dog recover safely.

Understanding these risks lets you protect your furry friend while respecting the natural role armadillos play in the environment.

FAQs

Can armadillos bite dogs?

Yes, armadillos can bite dogs if they feel trapped or cornered, though this is uncommon. A bite can cause bleeding and increase the risk of bacterial infection. If your dog is bitten, gently clean the wound with soap and water, then seek veterinary care right away to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications.

Do armadillos carry rabies?

Armadillos are not common carriers of rabies, but any wild mammal has the potential to carry it. If your dog is bitten or scratched, you should always treat the situation as a rabies risk. Contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Vaccination against rabies is the best protection for your dog in these encounters.

Can dogs catch leprosy from armadillos?

Armadillos can naturally carry the bacteria that cause leprosy in humans, but it is extremely rare for dogs to become infected. The risk is very low, but close contact should still be avoided. If your dog bites or scratches an armadillo, watch for unusual skin changes and contact your vet for professional evaluation.

What should I do if an armadillo lives in my yard?

If armadillos are in your yard, fill in burrows, secure fences, and reduce food sources like insects or pet food left outside. Keep your dog supervised and avoid letting it dig near burrows. If the problem continues, contact local wildlife control for safe removal. Preventing direct contact is the best way to protect your dog.

Are armadillos poisonous to dogs?

No, armadillos are not poisonous or venomous. The danger comes from scratches, bites, parasites, or bacteria they may carry. Dogs that chase or bite armadillos are most at risk. Using parasite prevention, supervising outdoor time, and discouraging wildlife chasing are the most effective ways to keep your pet safe from potential harm and illness.