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Reptile Awareness Day

October 15, 2021
October 21st is Reptile Awareness Day! Reptiles could definitely use some good PR! While some are of course venomous, the majority of them are harmless or even beneficial. However, they are still often seen as pests. A Pickerington, OH veterinarian discusses reptiles in this article.

Raising Awareness

Reptiles may have a bad rap, but they serve a crucial role in the environment. Snakes are great at eating mice and rats, while lizards often nibble on harmful bugs. Unfortunately, like many other animals, wild reptiles are facing some major threats, including loss of habitats, pollution, climate change, and illegal capture and sale. Taking small steps to help conserve and protect both wild reptiles and fragile ecosystems can help. Buy sustainable, eco-friendly products, and try to limit waste. Even just sharing articles about wild reptiles and their benefits can make a difference. Every little bit counts!

Benefits

There are some great benefits to getting a pet reptile. For one thing, they’re very pretty and fascinating to watch. They also don’t make noise, won’t require training, and won’t chew your shoes or cause foul odors. Many reptiles have quite minimal care needs, and don’t even eat every day: this makes them great options for people who are away from home for long hours. Reptiles are also very cute in their own way. And, while they aren’t as cuddly or affectionate as dogs and cats, many of them do seem to enjoy being held or petted. You may also find it very relaxing to just sit and watch your pet in their enclosure.

Choosing One

Are you considering getting a reptile? Choose carefully! If you’ve had reptiles before, you may be up to trying to rehabilitate a sick pet. However, for beginners, it’s best to choose something that’s healthy, gentle, and easy to care for. Some good options are the ball python, bearded dragon, crested gecko, and rosy boa. Do plenty of research before buying, though: reptile sizes, life expectancy, and care and habitat needs vary widely.

Celebrating Reptiles

If you have kids, this is a perfect time to incorporate reptiles into a family movie night. There are plenty of good films to choose from. The Jurassic Park and Godzilla franchises alone can make for some great autumn movie viewing. As your local Pickerington, OH animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering great veterinary care to reptiles. Please contact us anytime!