Reptiles & Amphibians

Due to the unique needs of reptiles and amphibians, it is important that you’re working closely with a veterinarian who truly understands how best to support you and your exotic pet. Between our exotic animal specialists and primary care veterinarians with expanded knowledge in the field, receive personalized, experienced exotic pet care from your Thrive Pet Healthcare team.

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Essential Care Tips for Your Reptilian or Amphibious Pet:

Do Your Research!

Before welcoming a reptile or amphibian into your home, it is important to have a solid understanding of their unique needs, gathered from a reliable source. No matter how similar some animals may seem, every exotic species has varying requirements for maintaining optimal health and well-being.

Find a veterinarian near you with experience in exotic care and ask them any/all questions needed to adequately prepare you for your new pet.

Provide an Appropriate Shelter/Enclosure

Depending on the species of your exotic pet, their shelter needs will vary significantly. Some important characteristics you should research include:

What is the optimal size & shape enclosure (vertical verses horizontal)?
Should they be solitary or housed with others?
What sort of surfaces do they typically live on (sand, grass, rock, tree branches, mud, leaves)?
Do they need a canopy or a cave?
Which live plants are recommended to house with them?
Are there additional enrichment objects that help them stay stimulated?

Use Specialized Lighting

When reptiles and amphibians are domesticated, most species will require special UVB lights within their enclosure to make up for a lack of access to direct sunlight.

UVB (Ultraviolet B) is a type of light emitted by the sun that helps animals produce vitamin D3. (If you have ever heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder in humans, this is caused by a vitamin D3 deficiency due to lack of UVB sunlight!)

Each species of reptile and amphibian benefits from differing UVB light levels, spaced at varying distances from their basking area. Nocturnal species will need this light during the night and vice-versa for those awake during the day. Consult your veterinarian about the optimal delivery of light for your exotic pet.

Supplement Their Diet as Needed

Many reptiles and amphibians require dusting (supplements) of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium, on top of their regular diet. It is important to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs with your veterinarian to prevent any health issues related to deficiencies.

Regularly Check Temperature & Humidity Levels

Maintaining optimal humidity and temperature levels is vital to the health and wellbeing of reptiles and amphibians. Each species has a unique range within which they thrive, so it is important that you monitor the levels of your pet’s enclosure regularly.

Additionally, many reptiles and amphibians require separate areas for basking and shade, each with their own ideal temperature ranges. We recommend having two thermometers to monitor temperature in each area.

Stay Up to Date with Routine Exams

Every species of pet benefits from regular wellness checks, providing their vet the chance to catch any underlying conditions early. Unless you are very experienced at handling exotics, health problems can go unnoticed for some time, giving less time and options for treatment.