Providing a complete and balanced diet is important when you are raising any pet. When it comes to reptiles, a complete and balanced diet is essential to their health, as they can quickly decline when the right nutrients are not offered daily. Failure to do so may result in irreversible health consequences. Calcium is the most important nutrient for your reptile. When your reptile is deficient in calcium, their bones weaken over time which can lead to fractures and severe weakness.
How do I know if my reptile is getting enough calcium every day?
Taking your reptile for regular exams to your veterinarian is the best way to know if your reptile is healthy. Your vet can run standard diagnostics on your pet to make sure they are healthy and not at risk of diseases. Taking your pet in for regular exams gives your vet a chance to catch any underlying diseases early enough to treat.
What are the signs of deficiency in my reptile?
- Swollen legs
- Softening of the jaw
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- General weakness
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Partial paralysis
If your reptile shows any of the symptoms listed, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not attempt to self-treat your pet at home as this may risk further injury or death. At the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics, we always recommend that you contact us if you think your pet is having an emergency. By being available 24/7/365 for phone consultations, our staff can help you decide if your pet needs to be examined by a doctor right away or if it’s okay for you to make a scheduled appointment. Do not try to self-treat your pet at home or “Google” treatment. Doing so may cause more harm than good for your pet. If you think your pet is having an emergency, keep them in a safe, quiet environment to avoid any further stress, and call us right away.
For more information on how to meet your reptile’s needs, call us to make an appointment!
