Exotic Pet Health – Reptiles

With the increasing popularity of owning reptiles as household pets, an estimated 3% of households in the United States currently own at least one reptile.

Unfortunately, many new reptile owners have problems with reptile health, the most common being malnutrition due to both a poor diet and an inadequate environment.

Most of the health problems in exotic pets stem from a lack of knowledge on the owners part about their specific needs. The most important thing you can do to provide your reptile with a long and healthy life is to research their needs.  The more you know about your pet, the healthier your reptile pet’s life will be.

There are a number of types of reptiles available and they all come from different environments and have different requirements for nutrition. Not everyone agrees on exactly how an individual reptile should be fed and cared for, but there are many basics a new owner needs to know.  As long as you know the basics you’ll be providing better health care than most of the population.

The most important thing for you to know as an owner of a pet reptile is the normal appearance and behavior for its particular species.  If you know what normal is, it will be easier to recognize what is abnormal.

There are a number of magazines and books available that have good color illustrations.  Nature programs on television also have excellent footage of animals in their natural habitat.

A good reptile veterinarian is an excellent source of practical advice.

Once you have good knowledge of your pet’s optimal environment, nutritional and medical needs, you can assess his health.  Your lizard’s home should be spot cleaned daily by removing any droppings.  Weekly maintenance should include thoroughly cleaning branches and rocks, turning the substrate, removing any large clumps, wiping down the glass, changing the newspaper, etc.

All reptiles should be handled with care because sudden movements may shock them, causing them to run for cover quickly which may result in serious injury including loosing his tail.  It’s always important to wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap after handling your lizard.

Don’t rely on pet stores for assurances as to what is normal.  Most pet shops are ethical, but they often have employees with no more knowledge than their average customer.  You don’t need to know anything about animals to be allowed to sell them.