This is the shocking moment a wild monitor lizard charged at a sleeping pet dog.

The pooch was lying peacefully on the floor in front of a coffee shop when the reptile slithered inside in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 10.

CCTV footage shows the startled canine running away from the animal.

Moments later, the furry creature's companions gathered around to check on their friend. The monitor lizard did not harm any dogs in the area.

Asian water monitor lizards normally live in canals, swamps, sewers and ponds in cities in Thailand. They feed on fish, snakes, frogs and scraps of food left by humans.

The reptiles are aggressive when threatened and have a mildly venomous bite which sometimes carries harmful bacteria. The Godzilla-like reptiles are also a protected species in the country so their population thrives.