A cat enclosure offers the perfect way for your favorite feline to enjoy a little outdoor time without being subjected to the dangers of the real world. Before you make the decision about adding an enclosure to your property, consider these facts. Free Access to the Outdoors Can Decrease a Cat's Lifespan Free
Read more
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.
-
Is a Cat Enclosure Right for Your Cat?
-
Diabetes in Cats: Prevention and Treatment
Diabetes in cats, also known as feline diabetes mellitus, is an increasingly common disease affecting 1 out of every 400 cats. Obesity is the leading risk factor for diabetes. "Overweight or obese cats are two to four times more likely to develop diabetes than cats with a healthy body weight," says board-certified
Read more -
Cat Backpacks: The New Trend in Feline Transportation
Wearing your cat is all the rage these days. Find out why more cat lovers are making the switch to cat backpacks.
Read more -
Should You Declaw Your Cat?
Do you know what really happens when cats are declawed?
Read more -
Can My Dog Give Me a Blood Infection?
Can a few affectionate licks from your dog make you sick?
Read more -
Homemade vs. Store Bought Pet Food
Not sure if homemade or store-bought food is best for your pet? Consider these important factors.
Read more -
Pet Health Insurance
Worried about paying for veterinary care? Pet health insurance can help cover your costs.
Read more -
Nail Trimming Do's and Don'ts
Is pet nail trimming a hectic experience at your house? These tips can make the process a little easier.
Read more -
The Benefits of Pet Massage
Want to ease your pet's aches and pains? Try massage!
Read more -
Small Dog Health Problems
Do you know which health problems are most likely to affect your small dog?
Read more -
Pet Blood Donors: Helping Other Animals in Need
Could a selfless act by your pet save another animal's life?
Read more -
Protect Your Hairless Pet's Sensitive Skin with These Tips
Want to protect your hairless pet's skin? Try these tips.
Read more -
Your Big Dog May Be More Likely to Develop These Health Problems
Big dogs can have equally big health problems. Find out what conditions and diseases typically affect larger dogs.
Read more -
Try These Tricks the Next Time You Have to Give Your Pet Medication
Would you rather do anything than give your pet medicine? These tips may make the process easier.
Read more -
From Dalmations to Siberian Huskies: How the Big (and Little) Screen Influences Pet Fads
Should you adopt the same type of pet as your favorite TV or movie character?
Read more -
Ehrlichiosis: What You Should Be Looking For
Ticks may be tiny but that can cause bacterial infections that make your pet very sick.
Read more