Whether you have a conventional pet like a dog or cat, or an exotic pet like a chinchilla or hedgehog, you don’t want to see it in pain. It’s heartbreaking to watch your pet suffer, so you may be wondering about the potential health issues of exotic animals.
Like any other pet, exotic animals are prone to health issues. They are not all at risk for the same issues, though, and can have different levels of risk.
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Are Some Exotic Animals More Prone to Health Issues Than Others?
Genetics play a large part in why some exotic pets are less prone to health issues. Some exotic animals may have a higher health risk because they were raised in a less than ideal situation or because their species tends to be more fragile. Even within a species, you may find that some pets show more health issues because of how they were raised.
When it comes to finding an exotic pet that may be less prone to health issues, you’ll need to research what diseases each species can get, as well as ask your breeder what they do to screen for potential ones. this issue.
Some Common Exotic Pet Health Issues
Here are some unusual pets and their common health issues.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are adorable, but they are prone to a number of health issues, including external parasites, cancer, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease, and obesity.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell if there is an issue with your pet hedgehog, so if you ever notice a change in behavior, take your pet to the vet. You can’t always tell how serious the issue is by determining whether the change is big or small. Common signs to look for include loss of appetite or dizziness and fatigue.
Parrots
Parrots come from different parts of the world and need to pay special attention to proper food and care. When these are not correct, your pet parrot can develop various nutritional and metabolic diseases.
Common health risks for parrots include respiratory infections, liver disease, heart disease, egg binding and feather-destructive behavior.
Parrots can show signs of health issues through changes in appetite, decreased stool production, unusual posture, lethargy and withdrawal. If you notice anything unusual, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Potbellied Pig
Pigs are susceptible to many different issues, varying from ear infections to cancer. They may also have breathing issues and constipation. Arthritis can also occur in pigs that are obese or don’t get enough exercise, but it can also be an issue in their breeding.
To find out if your pig has health issues, watch their appetite and activity. They may also have a cough or nasal discharge, strange colored urine or stool, or trouble moving.
Pot-bellied pigs can also have skin problems that develop due to their environment. Signs of a skin issue include patchy hair loss, itching, and hairs standing on end.
Conclusion
This is not a complete list of exotic animals with health risks. Each unique breed of animal is at risk of developing health issues, but these issues are different and will manifest themselves in different ways.
The best way to protect your pet from health risks is to monitor them closely and take them to your local vet for their annual exam.
