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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Itching Pets
Category:
Video Newsroom, Health Topics
It's a common occurrence: Pet owners expressing feelings of frustration, helplessness and even despair from a single symptom. Their pets itch and scratch, itch and scratch — and it is not a flea problem! Although this may not seem like a big deal, these owners suffer through sleepless nights as their
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High Blood Pressure in Dogs
Category:
Video Newsroom, Health Topics
Most dog owners would admit a lack of knowledge or perhaps even a lack of concern about canine hypertension, or high blood pressure in dogs. After all, since they don't have the same vices as we do, they shouldn't be at risk, right? Well, the answer may be a little more complex than just life style choices.
One
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Generic Flea Products
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Video Newsroom, Health Topics
For almost two decades, safe, effective flea medications from your veterinarian have helped pet owners battle these blood-sucking parasites. Now, several "generic" flea medications are flooding the market, showing up in big box stores and grocery stores across the country. Will these cheaper medications
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Feline Retro Viruses
Category:
Video Newsroom, Health Topics
Retro is a word usually bringing warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia. But for the more than 80 million cats living in North America, the word retro is anything but warm and fuzzy. Retroviruses like Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can be devastating to your cat. More
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Down & Dirty on Fleas
Category:
Video Newsroom, Health Topics
Many of us enjoy snuggling close to our pets and despite misguided news reports detailing health risks, most of us will continue to do so.
But, there is a risk of sleeping with pets and it has to do with diseases carried by our old enemy, the flea. So, what's the best way to shut down this annual pest?
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Dental Care For Pets
Category:
Video Newsroom, Health Topics
Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. Approximately 80% of all dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the time they are only two years old. Dental disease affects much more than fresh breath. It frequently leads to more serious health problems
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Controlling Ticks
Category:
Video Newsroom, Health Topics
To most pet owners, the return of spring is a joyous occasion. The opportunity to spend quality time with your pet outdoors can be an exhilarating experience. Just be sure to watch out for some sneaky critters waiting to feast on your pet's blood!
Everyone is well aware of the irritation that
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Understanding Pet Behavior
Category:
Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Because our pets can not raise their paws and tell us when something is wrong, we as owners need to know what to watch for to know when our pet is ill.
The Dog Scoot Boogie
A dog dragging his hind end across the floor is his way of telling you his anal glands are full and need emptying. Anal glands
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Three Keys to Successful Potty Training for Your Dog
Category:
Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Potty training your dog can be easy or difficult...the difference is in how much time and dedication you are willing to put into training. Follow these simple tips to get your puppy on the right path to accident-free living.
Set a schedule:
Decide on a schedule and stick to it. In a family situation
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Printable Games & Puzzles
Category:
Pets4Kids
Mac's Pet Word Search
Pets in Space Scramble
Cosmic Pets Crossword Puzzle
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Heart Disease in Cats
Category:
Newsletter Library, Cats
Cats are wonderful pets. In fact, they outnumber dogs as pets in the United States. It is estimated that 60.2 to 62 Million cats are kept as pets; one-third of all households have at least one feline friend. It is important for cat owners to be aware of a stealthy disease that may affect as much as 15
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