Is your child crazy for dinosaurs? As children, many of us were fascinated by gigantic lizards. If your child is also interested in having a pet, you may be able to merge the two passions. Reptiles can actually be terrific companions for children! In this article, a local Treasure Coast, FL vet discusses the pros and cons of getting your youngster a reptile.
What Are The Advantages Of Getting Reptiles For Children?
Reptiles are definitely not for everyone! They do, however, have some really unusual qualities.
Let’s look at a few of them:
They Do Not Need Entertainment. To be fair, you should make your pet’s habitat enjoyable and intriguing for them. This usually entails providing rocks and plants to explore. You won’t have to pick up balls or catnip mice on a regular basis, though.
No Smells: Reptiles are easy on the nose. You should not have to cope with any scents as long as you (or your child) keep your reptile companion’s habitat clean.
Minimal Daily Maintenance: Reptiles require very little daily care. You won’t have to go on walks or play with them. They mostly spend their time sunbathing and lounging around. Some of them don’t need to eat every day!
No Mess: Another advantage of selecting a reptile? You won’t arrive home to find a mess on the floor, or to discover that your pet ate your shoes or left a hairball on the carpet.
They’re Adorable: To be fair, in this case, beauty is subjective. We may be a bit biased. However, we think many reptiles are pretty cute!
They Don’t Make Noise: While we adore Fluffy and Fido, they can be rather loud. Dogs, in particular, can be noisy enough to cause problems with neighbors. You would not have to be concerned about this with reptiles!
No Educational Needs: Dogs are wonderful, but they do require a considerable amount of training to understand the do’s and don’ts of being a good pet. Reptiles don’t actually need to learn anything; they’re just fine doing what comes naturally.
Gorgeous Habitats: A well-decorated reptile home can be rather appealing and interesting.
Easy for Allergies: While no animal is totally hypoallergenic, reptiles might be an excellent alternative for a youngster who has allergies.
What Are The Inconveniences Of Getting A Reptile?
It’s always fascinating to see how different people respond to different kinds of pets. What is great for one individual may be negative for another. Reptiles simply frighten or repel some people instinctively. If the idea of having a lizard or a snake in your home makes you nervous, this may not be the ideal option for your family.
Here are other things that might not be as appealing:
Size: Reptiles don’t all grow to be particularly large. Green anoles, for example, grow to only a few inches in length. There are also a lot of little frogs and turtles. On the other end of the range, several reptiles grow to be extremely large. Some grow big enough to require enclosures large enough to function as a room.
Habitat Requirements: Reptiles are cold-blooded animals. They can’t sweat to cool off or put on a sweater when it’s cold; instead, they must regulate their body temperature by traveling between warm and cold places. Precise temperature readings can vary depending on the animal, but most need two separate temperature zones, one hotter than the other. This calls for special equipment.
You’ll also need to monitor these conditions to guarantee that your youngster learns correctly when they’re old enough.
Of course, a lot will depend on your child’s age. If your child is still young, you will need to oversee the animal’s care and ensure that it always has fresh water, a clean cage, and is well fed. If your child is old and responsible enough to handle things, all you have to do is keep a watch on them.
Diets: This is most likely the primary reason why more people do not own reptiles. Many consume bugs, worms, or mice. If you’re squeamish or simply don’t want to cope with the possibility that your pet’s food is still moving when you offer it, think twice.
This does not completely exclude reptiles. Many lizards, such as iguanas, are vegetarian. Herbivorous turtles exist as well. However, they are not without their own ups and downs. Iguanas, for example, can grow up to six feet in length, which could definitely be a dealbreaker.
Power: Another factor to consider is how much electricity the habitat needs. That is a cost issue, but it is also something to consider in the event of a power failure. Purchasing a generator isn’t a bad idea.
Salmonella/Germs: Salmonella is a bacteria that can be found in several reptiles. You and your child will need to be extremely rigorous about fully cleaning your hands before and after handling the reptile. This is obviously more of a problem for a five-year-old than for an older kid.
How Do You Select A Reptile for a Child?
Once you’ve determined that a reptile is a good choice, there are a few things to think about. Consider things like longevity, size, habitat, food, and disposition. Do plenty of research, and ask your Treasure Coast, FL vet for advice.
What Are Good Reptiles for Kids?
Each reptile is unique in some way. They all have distinct demands and charms. There are many options, but here are our recommendations.
- Leopard Gecko
- Bearded Dragon
- Corn Snake
- Crested Gecko
- Ball Pythons
- Milk Snake
- King Snake
- Blue Tongued Skink
- White’s Tree Frog
Make sure to select a great veterinarian that specializes in reptiles. You should also make sure to deal with a reliable retailer or breeder.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Treasure Coast, FL Veterinary Clinic
Do you have any inquiries about reptile health or care?. Contact us at any moment. As your Treasure Coast, FL pet hospital, we’re here to help!
