How to Care For Exotic Pets

Pets come in all shapes and sizes! Whether your pet has feathers, scales, or fur, the Southpaw Animal Health team is here to provide them with the best care possible. Exotic animals can be fun and rewarding to have as pets, but they also require special veterinary care. Our team is experienced in caring for a wide variety of pets, and we’re here to help you care for yours!

What Is Considered an Exotic Pet?

Exotic pets are animals that are not commonly found as pets. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Birds (parrots, cockatiels, and finches)
• Reptiles (snakes, turtles, and lizards)
• Small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, and ferrets)
• Amphibians (frogs, newts, and salamanders)
• Fish
• Invertebrates (tarantulas, hermit crabs, etc.)

Each of these animals has specific needs when it comes to nutrition, habitat, and overall health. This is why seeing an exotic veterinarian is super important!

Exotic Pet Care Services

At Southpaw Animal Health, we offer a full range of services for non-traditional pets, including:

Routine Check-ups

Regular vet visits are key to keeping exotic pets healthy. During these visits, we check for signs of illness, make sure your pet is getting the proper diet, and provide habitat care tips. Many exotic pets, like birds and reptiles, are good at hiding signs of illness, so these check-ups can help catch issues early.

Diagnostics

If your exotic pet is acting weird or seems sick, our hospital can run various diagnostic tests. We may perform blood work, imaging (such as X-rays), or fecal exams to get to the root of any underlying health issue. Diagnosing a problem early can be key to a successful treatment for your pet.

Nutrition Advice

Feeding exotic pets the proper diet can be tricky. Each species has different dietary needs, and the wrong diet can lead to serious health problems. Whether your pet is a bird that needs a balanced pellet diet or a turtle that requires a mix of proteins and veggies, we'll help you make sure their nutritional needs are met.

Surgery and Emergency Care

Exotic pets may sometimes need surgery or emergency care. When they do, we’re here to help. Our veterinary team is trained in exotic pet surgeries, from tumor removals to fixing broken bones.

Dental Care

Dental health is often overlooked in exotic pets, but it's vital for their well-being. Pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets can develop dental problems if their teeth aren’t properly cared for. We offer dental exams and treatments to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy.

When to Bring Your Exotic Pet in for a Visit

Knowing when you might need to bring your pet in to see a reptile vet, small-mammal vet, or bird vet is important. Some signs that your pet may need to see a veterinarian include:

• Loss of appetite
• Changes in behavior or energy levels
• Unusual breathing or sounds
• Discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth
• Weight loss or changes in body condition
• Difficulty moving or abnormal posture

Because many exotic animals hide signs of illness, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If something doesn’t seem right with your pet, please call us.

Exotic Pet Care Near You

At Southpaw Animal Health, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for all pets, whether furry, scaly, or feathered. If you need a compassionate and skilled team for your exotic bird, reptile, small mammal, or amphibian, call us at (813) 968-4025. You can also book an appointment online below!