Keeping Clean with Pet Reptiles
Keeping Clean with Pet Reptiles
Many pet owners are choosing reptiles such as snakes, lizards and turtles as exotic pets. While reptiles provide many benefits for pet owners, such as being quiet and easy to care for, they also come with various risks. Due to those risks, some states limit the sale and keeping of reptiles as pets. Check with your local laws before choosing reptiles as pets. Most reptiles naturally carry bacteria, such as Salmonella, and require pet owners to use proper cleaning methods to prevent infection. Safe handling practices can limit spread of disease and ensure that exotic pets not only live healthy, happy lives, but also pose little threat to those they contact. Pet reptile habitats must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and hand washing is essential before and after handling reptiles. When cared for properly, pet reptiles can be a safe and wonderful addition to the home.
Snakes
Though snakes aren’t the cuddliest pet choice, there are many who find this reptile the perfect pet to bring into the home. Snakes are quiet, interesting pets and maintenance is low cost. The wide array of snake breeds ensures that pet owners may choose the most suitable snake for their individual situation. As with any pet, education is vital for choosing the best type for your individual or family needs. Snakes living in captivity need regular cleaning and pet owners must ensure their cages are well maintained. There are reptile-safe cleaning solutions that help ensure habitats are cleaned and sanitized.
- A Guide to the Care and Feeding of Pet Snakes: Learn the proper way to care for snakes with this guide from the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
- How to Take Care of Garter Snakes: Use this instructional PDF to learn how to care for pet Garter snakes.
- Ball Python Care Sheets: Discover the best methods for caring for snakes and keeping cages clean with this guide from the New England Herpetological Society.
- Caring for Snakes: The American Association for Laboratory Animals shares this PDF guide that provides tips for snake owners.
- Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes: The Long Island Herpetological Society provides this reference for owning tow of the most popular snake breeds.
Lizards
Chameleons, iguanas, geckos and bearded dragons are just a few lizards that are popular pet choices. While having a pet lizard is fun and exciting, certain health risks are associated with all reptiles. Lizards carry Salmonella, a disease that can have life-threatening consequences in some individuals. Most lizards become anxious with frequent handling and those who choose lizards for pets must educate themselves on safe handling methods, lizard care, and steps for maintaining a clean, safe and healthy habitat. When cared for properly, lizards can be a fine addition to any home.
- Wanna Iguana? Do your Reptile Research First: Illinois State looks at the risks and benefits of keeping lizards as pets.
- Bearded Dragon Lizards Infect 132 with Salmonella: NBC News examines a multi-state Salmonella outbreak that originated with bearded dragons.
- Iguanas and Salmonella: The Green Iguana Society looks at the association between reptiles and Salmonella.
- Before you Acquire a Reptile: The City of Bloomington addresses problems pet owners might face when owning reptiles.
- Prevent Human Salmonella Infections: Learn how to care for pet lizards and other reptiles so to prevent salmonella infections.
Turtles
Aquatic turtles are popular exotic pets. Rules vary regarding keeping turtles in captivity, so make sure to check with applicable laws before selecting these water-loving reptiles. Unlike dogs and cats, reptiles don’t require physical human interaction to become happy, healthy pets. Turtles do not need to be picked up, handled or touched to receive affection. Wash your hands before and after handling turtles and never touch your face, eyes or mouth after touching a turtle. Use proper cleaning methods for turtle habitats to help prevent the growth and spread of Salmonella. Turtles make great pets for many owners. Use the best care and maintenance methods to ensure their well-being as well as yours.
- If you Touch a Turtle, Wash your Hands: Learn how to care for a pet turtle safely with these expert tips.
- Pet Turtles: Cute but Contaminated with Salmonella: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examines the risks associated with owning pet turtles.
- Thinking of Getting a Pet Turtle: The Humane Society discusses the potential health consequences turtle owners face.
- Will that Pet Turtle Make You Sick? The Washington Post looks at potential health risks associated with pet turtles.
- Turtles as Pets: Canada’s Pet Information Center looks at the growing trend of keeping turtles as pets.
Other Resources
- Zoonatic Disease Precautions: Use the tips in this PDF guide written for reptile owners to help prevent Salmonella outbreaks.
- Diseases from Reptiles: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) examines diseases associated with reptiles in captivity.
- Pet Reptiles: Handle with Care: County brochure for ensuring reptile owners use safety when handling and caring for pets.
- Amphibians and Reptiles as Pets: The Smithsonian Institute offers practical advice regarding keeping amphibians and reptiles as pets.
- Reptile Rules: General rules in PDF format for those who keep amphibians as pets.
- The Importance of Wellness Exams for your Exotic Pet: Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides this PDF that shares tips for exotic pet owners.
- Reptiles and Salmonella: The Minnesota Herpetological Society examines reptiles as pets and looks at the diseases they often carry.
- Reptiles and the Risk of Infectious Diseases: The Health Protection Surveillance Centre looks at the risks associated with owning reptiles and amphibians.
- What Is a Healthy Reptile: The Washington State University campus veterinarian discusses reptiles and health.
- Reducing the Risk of Salmonella Infection from Reptiles: The Health Protection Agency shares tips for reptile pet owners concerning safety.