Hope everyone’s having a happy new year! This is traditionally a time for people to set goals for the coming year. And no matter how old you are or where your are in life, growth and change are always important. This is something that is also very relevant to pet owners. In order to make sure your animal companion is happy and healthy, it’s important to understand their needs. Out of all of our patients, reptiles are likely the most often misunderstood. A vet lists some resolutions for people with lizards, snakes, and turtles below.
Do More Research
Reptiles are genuinely fascinating. And they get even more interesting the more you learn about them! Even for those of you who’ve had pet reptiles all your life, there’s always more to learn. Invest in a few good source books or magazines, or just go on an online reading binge. Just learning a few new things will be time well spent!
Check Your Equipment
Many of our reptilian buddies need particular environmental conditions, when it comes to temperature, lighting, and/or humidity. Creating and monitoring these conditions requires special equipment. If your pet’s gear is old, sub-par, or just plain rundown, it may not be accurate. So if it’s time for an upgrade, be sure to put that on your to-do list this year.
Replace Bulbs
Many specialized light bulbs are known to get weaker long before they burn out. This may not be noticeable, since the bulbs can appear fine to the naked eye. Be sure to replace these regularly!
Watch For Warning Signs
Reptiles can be both personable and charming, but they usually aren’t as charismatic as cats, dogs, and other animals. This can make it harder to see behavioral changes that might indicate stress or illness. Research is helpful here, but it’s also important just to observe your pet. And this should be something you actually enjoy doing. These creatures are both beautiful and captivating to watch!
Share The Love
It’s unfortunate that reptiles suffer from some pretty bad PR. They play crucial roles in our natural environment, and they are also pretty darned cute. Take some photos of your reptilian pet, and use them to help let others know about reptiles and the importance of protecting their welfare. You never know …you may just change someone’s mind about these fascinating beings!
Do you have questions about reptile care? Contact us, your animal clinic, today!
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