Pets are the perfect addition to any household and make great companions for people of all ages, but not everyone is content with traditional dogs and cats. For some, the perfect pet is a chinchilla or a showy chameleon that likes to perch on high.
When it comes to exotic animals, you need to make sure you give them the care they need. Like dogs and cats, exotic pets require a lot of attention and special care.
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How Different is Exotic Animal Care from Traditional Animal Care?
Despite what you might think, the basics of exotic animal care are generally the same as for traditional pets. However, the details look different, and you need to pay attention to the specific needs of your unique pet.
A Suitable Environment
Depending on your pet, you will need to provide specific enclosure conditions for them to be happy and comfortable. Reptiles and lizards will need heat and UVB lamps. Sugar gliders love to jump. Whatever your pet is, make sure you have all the right things to accommodate them.
Even if you plan to let your pet run around the house, you’ll still need to make sure it’s warm enough. Many exotic animals have very specific temperature requirements, including chinchillas and hedgehogs, and exposure to temperatures that are too cold or too hot can kill them. Since not everyone wants to keep their entire home warm, having a cage is always a good idea.
Nutrition
Exotic animals will require a variety of foods from kibble alone. It is important that you look into their dietary needs to ensure that your pet remains healthy. If you can’t or won’t buy them proper food, you put their lives in danger.
Every animal has different nutritional needs, so talk to our vet about how you should feed your unique pet to keep them healthy.
Enrichment
If you put your pet in a cage with nothing to do, it will naturally become very boring. Like dogs and cats, exotic pets need enrichment. They need something to play with, run around, and explore. For some pets, this may mean small dens or huts to hide in. For others, small plastic balls are fun for them to roll around.
No matter what type of animal you get, it’s important to keep it entertained and happy. They don’t want to spend every day sitting in an empty cage, and if they do, their lifespan will be shorter with a lower quality of life.
Habits and habits
Before you get your exotic pet, do some research on their behaviors. Some pets do better with company, while others will do well alone. If you know this in advance, it can help you give your pet a better, less stressful life.
Another thing to know is if your pet is nocturnal. Hedgehogs are most active at night, while parrots are active during the day. Chinchillas prefer dawn, and snakes will vary depending on the species.
Knowing your pet’s natural habits and behaviors will help you adapt to caring for it. If your pet likes to stay up at night, you shouldn’t force it out of its cage during the day to play with you. It will be stressful and may break its natural behavior.
Conclusion
Exotic animals will require special care, but the basics are not too different from caring for traditional pets. As long as you know what your pet needs in advance, you can take good care of it and give it a good home. Call us today and see our vets if you need any specific advice on how to care for your unique pet.
