Chat with Our Chapel Hill and Durham Veterinarian Before Bringing Home a Reptile

Reptiles can fascinate a family for years, but they have very different living requirements from those of furry pets. Our Durham and Chapel Hill exotic pet veterinarian, Dr. Kay Bishop uses this blog to share some critical preparations families need to make before bringing home a scaly new family member.

Our Animal Clinic Will Answer Questions
About Reptile Care

We love reptiles here in our animal clinic, and encourage pet owners to call us with questions about any of the following reptile living requirements.

Housing—The reptile’s terrarium must be escape-proof and mimic his natural habitat. It also needs to allow for growth and natural movement, and may have to be custom designed. Iguanas, for example, can grow up to 6 feet long and need tree-like structures for climbing. Turtles, however, enjoy low, wide enclosures.

Heating and Light—Reptiles cannot control their body temperature, so research the temperature gradient your species needs and provide areas in the terrarium that span that range, with some areas on the cooler end, some on the warmer end.

Substrates—Each species needs different flooring materials. Moss, newspaper or rocks may be appropriate, but what works well for one reptile may be dangerous for another. For example, if a gecko ingests any sand or gravel, it could die from an intestinal blockage. Call us here at our veterinary hospital for tips on the proper substrate for each species.

Diet—Every species is different. Ball pythons enjoy rodents, but leopard geckos want live crickets. Research and follow the species’ dietary requirements exactly to avoid problems.

Handling—Not all reptiles tolerate handling very well. Taking a reptile out of his temperature-controlled environment too often can endanger him and make him sick or aggressive, so be sure to understand this before you bring home a reptile.

Again, please call our animal hospital if you have any questions about caring for a pet reptile.

And for families out there who have a lizard, snake or turtle: What suggestions do you have for a rewarding reptile experience? How has your reptile surprised you?

Pet Periodontal Disease Affects Durham
and Chapel Hill Pets

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases occurring in dogs and cats. We wouldn’t dream of letting our children suffer with poor oral health, but many pet owners unknowingly allow their pets to experience a great amount of pain and discomfort. Without proper dental care, pets’ teeth may become loose, gums could become sore, and teeth may fall out leading to problems chewing and swallowing. Bacteria in the mouth and gums can also travel through your pet’s blood stream, leading to possible kidney, liver and heart damage.

Our pets’ teeth are similar to ours in many ways. When food particles mix with bacteria in the mouth and aren’t removed, they can lead to plaque. Plaque combines with minerals in the pet’s saliva to form tartar which can build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and lead to infection. This initial inflammation is called gingivitis and is treatable. If the gums start to separate from the teeth, more bacteria can accumulate, leading to periodontal disease. This can be quite serious for your pet and may require animal surgery at our clinic.

Animal Dentistry Services at our Animal Clinic

Our Chapel Hill and Durham veterinarians advise pet owners to practice pet oral hygiene at home and bring pets to our animal clinic for regular cleanings and dental check-ups. Signs to look for that might indicate your pet is experiencing some type of oral pain or discomfort include pus, persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, mouth sensitivity, diminished appetite, drooling, and mood changes. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pets, bring them to our Durham facility as soon as possible. We will examine your pet’s mouth, assess the amount of damage, and advise you on what animal dentistry services might be needed. If the damage is minimal, we may be able to gently remove the plaque. More advanced cases may require debridement, gingivectomy, surgery and possibly extraction.

What do you do to prevent periodontal disease in your pet? Leave us a comment below or visit New Hope and discover what we can do for YOU and YOUR PET.