Happy New Year! This is traditionally a day for people to set goals for themselves for the coming year. Growth and change are always important, no matter how old you are or where you are in life. This is something that is also very relevant to pet owners. In order to keep your animal companion happy and healthy, it’s important for you 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 snakes, lizards, and turtles below.

Do More Research

Reptiles are truly fascinating. In fact, the more you learn about them, the more interesting they get! Even if you’ve had pet reptiles all your life, there’s still going to be more to learn. Invest in a few good source books or magazines, or just go on an online reading binge. If you only end up learning just a few new things, it will still be time well spent!

Check Your Equipment

Many of our reptilian buddies require specific environmental conditions, as far as temperature, lighting, and/or humidity. This requires special equipment for both creating and monitoring said conditions. If your pet’s gear is old or sub-par, it may not be accurate. If it’s time for an upgrade, put that on your to-do list this year.

Replace Bulbs

Many of those specialized light bulbs get weaker long before they burn out. You may not notice this, as the bulbs may appear fine to the naked eye. Be sure to replace these regularly!

Watch For Warning Signs

Although reptiles can be both charming and personable, they usually aren’t as charismatic as dogs, cats, and other animals. That can make it harder to spot behavioral changes that could be indicative of illness or stress. Research is helpful here, but it’s also important just to observe your pet. This should actually be something you enjoy. Reptiles are both beautiful and captivating to watch!

Share The Love

Reptiles suffer from some pretty bad PR, which really is unfortunate. They not only play crucial roles in our natural environment, they are also pretty darned cute. Snap some photos of your reptilian pet, and use them to help spread the word about reptiles and the importance of protecting their welfare. Who knows? You may just change someone’s mind about these fascinating creatures! Do you have questions about reptile care? Contact us, your animal clinic, today!