People with limited living quarters may find that reptiles such as lizards or turtles fit perfectly into their lifestyles. Before deciding on a reptile, learn as much as possible about them and their needs. Poisonous snakes and certain reptiles should never be kept as pets. Ask your veterinarian about the suitability of a particular animal before you make your decision. There are many things to consider before committing to a reptile as a pet.
Finding out if a Pet is Legal Where You Live
Many areas have enacted laws pertaining to keeping reptiles. Some are general and some are quite specific; in many places any reptiles that are considered dangerous (venomous snakes, alligators, etc.) are illegal but some places are even more restrictive (for example, in some states all constricting snakes including ball pythons are illegal).
Salmonella Risks and Prevention
All reptile owners need to be informed about Salmonella infections. While the risks shouldn't keep most people from keeping reptiles since with the proper management the risks are minimal. Still, owners should be aware of the risks, and the US Centers for Disease Control recommends that certain risk groups should be careful about contact with reptiles and amphibians.
The Importance of Light and Heat
Many problems with keeping reptiles can be traced back to not providing the proper environmental conditions, particularly heat. Proper lighting is also important for many reptiles. The equipment to provide the proper heat and light to captive reptiles is often quite expensive, but is absolutely essential to keeping pet reptiles healthy. It is important to find out exactly what conditions your reptile needs and never cut corners when it comes to meeting those conditions!
Why Choose Captive Bred Reptiles
There are numerous reasons why you should pick a captive bred reptile if at all possible, as explained here.
How to Pick a Healthy Reptile
It is important to keep in mind that depending on where you get a reptile, it may be very stressed, dehydrated, and prone to illness. Here are some items to look for when buying your reptile to increase the chances of picking out a healthy pet reptile.
While there are many types of reptiles that could be good pets, here we cover a few you could consider.
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Keep Your Pets Calm During the Holiday Season with These Tips
Category:
Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Although the holidays may be an exciting time of the year for you, your pets may find the festivities a little overwhelming. Even normally well-behaved pets can experience a little anxiety when their usual routines are disrupted. These tips will help you ensure that your furry friends truly enjoy the
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Pet Hearing Loss
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Many of the same health problems that affect us, including hearing loss, also affect our pets. Fortunately, most pets adapt very well to the disability with a little help from their owners.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Pets?
Some pets are born deaf or hard of hearing, while others develop hearing loss
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5 Common Myths About Pets
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Do cats really have nine lives? Find out if these and other pet myths are true.
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3 Reasons Why Your Pet Could Be Coughing
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Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Wondering why your pet is coughing? Check out three common reasons.
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How Safe is Your Dog’s Food?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Over the last several years, numerous dog food brands and treats have been recalled for chemical contamination or Salmonella. This last summer many dog food brands were recalled due to Salmonella; all were manufactured in a Diamond Pet Foods plant in Gaston, South Carolina, USA. This plant makes many
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Wellness Coloring Book
Category:
Pets4Kids
Picking the Right Pet, Welcome Your New Pet Home, Pets Need Proper Grooming, Feed Your Pet a Good Diet, Training Your Pet, Pets Love to Play!, and Pets Can Get Sick Just Like You.
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Caring for Dogs with Wrinkles
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Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Regular skin care is the key to helping your wrinkled dog avoid painful infections.
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Can My Pet Get Depressed?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Has your pet been a little moody lately? Find out if depression may be to blame.
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