FAQ: Health for reptiles

A UVB meter shows how much UVB actually reaches the animal, which helps you decide when to replace a lamp and how high to hang it. It often comes in handy when keeping several reptiles or demanding species, while for one animal replacing the lamp as the manufacturer advises is usually enough.

To start with you usually need species-appropriate calcium and vitamin supplements, a hygrometer and thermometer, a water bowl, a sprayer, a safe disinfectant and scales. Before buying, ask a vet which supplements your particular animal needs.

A product being natural does not mean it is safe for a reptile: some plants and essential oils are harmful to reptiles. Use any herbal preparations or oils only on a vet's advice.

Yes, reptiles are sensitive to airborne substances, so cigarette smoke, aerosols, air fresheners, paint or insecticides in the same room can irritate the airways or poison them. Do such things elsewhere and air the room well.

In hot summer weather an enclosure can overheat, especially if it stands by a sunny window. Move it out of direct sunlight, track the temperature with a thermometer and switch off part of the heating if needed.

Without power an enclosure cools quickly, so insulate it with blankets, keep open-flame heaters away, and wrap any heat packs in cloth and place them so the animal cannot touch them directly. For a longer outage, move the animal somewhere warm.

Leave the sitter clear instructions on feeding, water, misting and supplements, along with your vet's contact details. Temperature and lighting should be run by timers and a thermostat, and check that everything works before you leave.

A reptile roaming the house can get cold, fall, swallow small objects, hide somewhere out of reach or meet other animals. If you let it out of the enclosure, do it under supervision in a safe, warm place.

Yes, cats and dogs can injure a reptile even in play, and if they bite, bacteria from their saliva cause serious infections. Keep the enclosure locked and, if another animal has scratched or bitten your reptile, see a vet even for a small wound.

Natural sunlight is a strong source of UVB, so some keepers take reptiles out to a secure outdoor enclosure on warm days. Shade, water and supervision are essential, because in a glass or plastic container in the sun a reptile overheats quickly.

No, reptiles have no routine vaccinations like dogs or cats. Their health is protected by proper husbandry, quarantine, hygiene and regular vet check-ups.

Yes, many reptiles can live for more than a decade in captivity, but only if their husbandry meets the species' needs. Most illnesses that cause reptiles to die early are linked to the wrong temperature, lighting, diet or hygiene.

White, soft urates are usually normal, while yellow, orange or very hard ones often point to a lack of fluids. Improve hydration and humidity, and if the changes persist or come with other signs, see a vet.

Gout is a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints or organs, often linked to dehydration, kidney problems or a diet too high in protein. Swollen, painful joints are a reason to see a vet, and water and a species-appropriate diet are key to prevention.

Yes, reptiles do get fungal skin infections, more often in enclosures that are too humid, poorly ventilated and dirty. Discoloured, flaky or blistered patches of skin must be examined by a vet, as they resemble the signs of other diseases.

Blister disease is skin damage in which blisters or red areas appear on the belly scales, often caused by constantly wet and dirty substrate. The snake should be shown to a vet, and the enclosure dried, cleaned and better ventilated.

Some mild antiseptics are used on reptiles, but not all are suitable, and strong or alcohol-based ones can damage tissue. Ask a vet which antiseptic to use and how, and always show them larger or deep wounds.

Vitamin and mineral supplements, especially those with vitamin D3, can be harmful in larger amounts to children and other animals too. Keep them closed, in the original labelled packaging and away from human medicines so they are not mixed up.

No, disinfectants meant for the enclosure are not used on the animal, as they can burn the skin, eyes and airways. On a reptile use only products whose label clearly says they are for use on the animal, or those prescribed by a vet.

In a small enclosure it is hard to create warm and cool zones, the animal moves little, dirt builds up faster and stress rises, which weakens immunity and encourages obesity. Choose the enclosure size by the adult animal's size and the species' needs.