Vet Care for Pocket Pets: Habitats for Amphibians & Reptiles

One of the most important things that you can do to take care of your amphibians and reptiles is to create a proper habitat. Because most of these animals come from an environment where the temperature, humidity and substrate are very specific, it is a good idea to try and replicate that environment as much as possible. Ensuring that your pets have the right amount of heat, sunlight, moisture, water and ground cover to support the way that they live is key to a long and healthy life.

Winter care for reptiles, particularly in the northeastern states, can be very difficult to maintain if you do not have the right equipment. Making sure that you have a warm side and a cool side will help amphibians and reptiles regulate their body temperatures. Learning how to create this type of set-up or habitat for your exotic pet is essential not just for their health and well-being, but for their survival. If you have any questions about vet care for pocket pets, reptiles or amphibians, contact your local veterinary clinic in Dartmouth for tips.

Types of Habitats for Pets
When it comes to creating a habitat for your pets, it is important to understand that there are four basic types of habitat environments. Choosing the right one for your pet can sometimes be a challenge, but with a little research and understanding about what your pet needs, you will do just fine. The four basic types include: tropical, semi-aquatic, temperate and desert. The difference between these environments has a great deal to do with temperature and humidity levels as opposed to decorative elements. Substrate also plays a part in the type of habitat or environment that you create for your pet.

• DESERT – Animals that come from a desert region typically thrive in climates that are warm and dry. Temperatures range between 65-85 degrees for nighttime and daytime with a basking area temperature of 90-110 degrees. Humidity can be between 10-30 percent, depending on the type of pet that you are keeping.
• TROPICAL – Animals that come from a tropical region will thrive best in a climate that is more humid and moderate than other types of environments. Temperatures range between 70-85 for nighttime and daytime temperatures, with a basking area range of 85-85 degrees. The average humidity level should be around 50-80 percent, much higher than temperate conditions.
• TEMPERATE – Animals that come from this type of region have a more even temperature range and humidity level. The temperatures can range between 65-80 degrees for nighttime and daytime temps, with a basking area that has a temperature between 90-100 degrees. The average humidity level should be between 30-50 percent.
• SEMI-AQUATIC – Another more temperate type of environment, this habitat should be kept between 60-75 degrees for nighttime and daytime temps, with a basking area of 80-95 degrees. The average humidity should be between 50-80 percent and, as you might imagine, the environment should be part land and part water, beyond just a bowl for drinking.

To create all of these environments for amphibians and reptiles, make sure to consider the habits of the creatures in the wild. For example, some of these pets like to climb on vines or rocks and should have access to decor that suits this purpose. A combination of heating elements, lighting, substrates, type of enclosure and specific decor can all be used to create the perfect environment for your pets. Even winter care for reptiles and amphibians can be achieved effectively when you know what temperatures and humidity levels your pets require.

Vet Care for Your Pets
It is important to find a veterinary clinic in Dartmouth that can help you keep your new pet healthy and happy. While most vet hospitals offer services for dogs and cats, you might have to look a little harder to find a clinic that can provide vet care for pocket pets, amphibians and reptiles. Anchor Animal Hospital provides care for a variety of small mammals and pets in addition to cats and dogs. Contact our office by calling 508-996-3731 to learn more about the specialty services that we provide or to get a referral to a specialty veterinary clinic in the South Coast region. We also provide a wide variety of services that you won’t find at a typical vet clinic, including on-site veterinary dentistry, surgery and pain management, labs, x-rays and ultrasound, plus alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and emergency care.