Why Exotic Pets Need to See the Vet

Do you have an exotic pet? Do you ever take your exotic pet to the vet? Although exotic pets are not uncommon, many pet owners do not take these unique animals to the vet as often as they should—or ever, in some cases. However, it is important to take your exotic pet to the vet for a variety of reasons.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the main reasons you should consider taking your pet to the exotic veterinarian. Read through this list and see which of these points might apply to you and your pet.

Prevention of Disease

The most important reason to keep up with regular vet visits for your exotic pet is the prevention of disease. Exotic animals are just as likely to come down with a disease or health condition as any other type of pet, and vet visits can help you prevent these problems as much as possible.

Additionally, regular vet checkups also make it easier to recognize signs of a health problem before it gets out of hand. This, in turn, means you can respond faster to your pet’s health needs and take care of the issue in a timely fashion.

Vaccinations as Needed

If your pet is eligible for vaccinations, the exotic vet will tell you which shots your pet needs and how often she needs them. By keeping up with regular vet visits, you’ll be able to get your exotic animal the shots she needs to keep her healthy in any situation.

Some exotic animals, however, cannot receive vaccinations. This may be because vaccinations haven’t been developed yet for that specific type of animal, or it could be because the animal doesn’t respond well to vaccinations. Your veterinarian can give you more information on this as well.

Spay and Neuter

Many types of exotic pets need to be spayed or neutered at the right time. Spaying or neutering can decrease the risk of several types of cancer in exotic animals and can also prevent accidental litters if you have both males and females in your household. It can also sometimes help mellow out exotic animals, although not always.

Not all exotic animals will be able to be spayed or neutered, and some may have more risks than benefits associated with these procedures. You can speak to the vet for more information about whether your pet needs these procedures.

Nail Trims and Grooming

When taking care of exotic pets, nail trims can be very difficult. Small animals such as rodents have very small nails that are fragile and hard to trim, but they require trimming as well. Additionally, these animals may wriggle and squirm so much when held that they are nearly impossible to groom or maintain.

The same is true of grooming needs of other types of animals. Reptiles, for example, may sometimes have a “stuck shed,” which means that their skin will not shed the way it’s supposed to. The vet can help you gently remove this skin and help your reptile get back to normal in no time.

Nutrition Guidance

Exotic vets can be an excellent resource when it comes to managing your pet’s nutrition. Nutrition may sometimes end up as one of the most challenging parts of owning an exotic pet, so it’s important to learn everything you can about the right balance and types of nutrition to provide your pet.

At your pet’s regular checkups, the vet will examine her for any signs of nutrient deficiency. The vet will then let you know if you need to change anything about what you’ve been feeding your pet or how often you feed her.

Breeding Needs

Many exotic pet owners also breed their pets. This is especially common practice in the reptile community, but it isn’t unheard of with rodents and other exotic pets as well. If you’re thinking about breeding your pet now or in the future, you’ll need to work with a trusted and experienced exotic vet to monitor the process.

The vet can also answer any questions you might have about your pet’s health and wellness before, during, and after the breeding process, and can check on the babies after birth too.

Book an Exotic Vet Appointment

As you can see, exotic pets need to visit the vet just as much as dogs and cats do. By keeping up with your exotic pet’s health care, you can provide a long and happy life for your pet no matter what type you might have.

To book an appointment with the exotic vets at Boston Veterinary Clinic, simply fill out our online form!

Want to know more about Fear Free exotic pet care? Listen to this Tails from the City podcast with Dr. Brian Bourquin and Dr. Jessica Clay!