Scales and Tails: Why Snakes are the Ultimate Pet

You see them slither on the floor. You see them curl around tree branches and arms. You may even seem them stare back with an exotic confidence only reserve for nature’s most elusive creatures.

Now, imagine having this intricate animal as one of your new companions.

Snakes are more than just Indiana Jones’ biggest fear. They are reptiles that have often been misunderstood over the years among casual pet enthusiasts, but they do possess many traits that make them rival even man’s best friend. Such as…

1. Snakes Can Live for a Long Time
One of the most difficult parts about having a pet is the realization that one day they will leave this Earth. As a result, many people become hesitant about getting an animal companion. When you get a snake, those fears are assuaged, as they can live for many years. Corn snakes can live as long as ten years, while the ball python can last for up to three decades. This means that your snake can be more than just your pet, it can be part of your family.

2. Snakes are Low-Maintenance Pets
Much like cats, snakes are relatively independent in personality and therefore need little personal comfort while you take care of them. That is not to say that they are completely self-reliant since you will most likely be keeping them indoors, but they are low-maintenance in terms of housing and feeding. As long as you provide clean water, food, and a heated habitat with plenty of space to navigate in, they will be more than happy.

3. Snakes are Solitary Creatures
We all need our own space from time to time. Sometimes you just want to relax by yourself but your dog or cat may hop on your lap when you need to be alone. As mentioned earlier, snakes are independent in terms of their care, but this independence also carries over to their lifestyle. They prefer solitude, sometimes being shy when faced with new visitors. For those days when you want some “you time,” your snakes can have their own without recourse.

4. Snakes Groom Themselves
As much as we love our furry friends, cleaning up hair from the furniture or floor can be annoying and time-consuming. When you have a pet snake, you have one less thing to clean. Instead of fur, snakes have a scaly skin that undergoes shedding between two to four times a year where they leave their old skin behind as they grow a new layer. Clean-up becomes as easy as tossing the old skin in the trash.

5. Snakes Can Be Mesmerizing to Watch
Snakes have a smooth motion about them when they slither from place-to-place. Their slow pace during normal movement is a sight to behold, like watching a live piece of artwork. Having a snake can provide you with entertainment as you see it travel, wrap around its habitat, or even eat. For some people, it can be a soothing experience akin to watching rain roll down a window. While snakes should not be owned solely for personal gratification, they do give you something wonderful to witness.

If you’re ready to add a sleek, independent, and low-maintenance member to your family, consider getting a snake. With all due respect to the wonderful cats and dogs that roam the world, sometimes scales and tails beats fur and purrs.

Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/reptile/care/evr_rp_first_snake
https://www.petmd.com/reptile/care/evr_rp_snake_facts?page=2

Forget dogs or cats – Here’s why snakes make the best pets


https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-do-snakes-shed-their-skin
https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/why-snakes-make-great-pets.html

The First-Time Buyers Guide to Getting a Tortoise

Going to a pet store for the first time may seem a bit intimidating. After all, you’re looking to get a new companion to play with and care for, and you want one that fits you. Will you get the peppy dog in the window? Would you rather have the sleek cat curled up in the corner?

Maybe you want something a little more unique. Perhaps you might be interested in one of nature’s most fascinating creatures: the tortoise.

Tortoises can make a fine addition to your family, but there are key things you need to know about them before making your first purchase. Such as…

1. Tortoises and Turtles are Not The Same
Despite popular misconceptions, the word “turtle” and “tortoise” are not used interchangeably. All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. If this seems confusing, here’s just a few quick differences between the two:
Tortoises are land creatures, while there are turtles who prefer water-based environments
Tortoises are vegetarian, while turtles are omnivores
Tortoises have a heavier shell than turtles
These may seem like irrelevant differences, but they do come into play when you consider how to take care of your tortoise, such as food, shelter, and climate. Make sure that you are intent on buying a tortoise that you receive a tortoise, not a turtle.

2. Tortoises Have a Specific Plant-Based Diet
As mentioned earlier, tortoises are vegetarians, meaning that what you purchase for your new friend will be strictly plant-based. With that said, they should be eating fresh vegetables like kale, collard greens, or peppers. You can also include apples and grapes, though it would be best to keep it on the lower side compared to vegetables. For an added calcium boost for their shells, include grinded calcium into their meals. Stick with this diet and your tortoise will be thanking you later!

3. Tortoises Need Space- A Lot of It
Ideally, your tortoises habitat should match its natural environment as much as possible. It is generally considered the best approach to have them as outdoor pets. However, there are indoor solutions you can use if keeping them outside is not an option. The most common indoor approach is to use a wooden tortoise table that is 30 in. x 18 in. x 6 in. for those under five years old and 4 ft. x 2 ft. x 8 in. for older tortoises. This should give them plenty of space to roam around and not be stressed over habitat size.

4. Tortoises Need UVA/UVB Light and Heat
In addition to a tortoise table, you need to be sure that your land-dweller has plenty of light. Direct sunlight (especially during the summertime) is not advised, so you can make do with a UVA/UVB bulb to simulate the light. In addition, their natural environment involves a lot of heat, as many come from deserts and tropical rainforests. You can mimic this heat with heat bulbs on one side of the enclosure. Keeping it to one side will give them a hot spot around 95°F and a cool spot near 75°F with a nighttime temperature around 60°F.

5. Tortoises are Docile Creatures with Longevity
When you purchase a tortoise, you can be rest assured that it will not be an overly aggressive pet. In fact, they are relatively shy and withdrawn but they can be more social when presented with a playmate. There is a catch to this: pairing two males together can result in competition with both hurting each other. If you do intend on getting multiple tortoises or having someone bring theirs to your place, it may be best to have two females together or a male and female in the same space.

If you’re ready to come out of your shell as a pet owner, consider purchasing a tortoise as your new friend. By keeping their habitat, climate, and temperament in mind, you’ll be rewarded with a low-maintenance pet that may surprise you with its personality.

Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-a-turtle-and-a-tortoise
https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/reptile-care/what-do-i-feed-my-new-turtle-or-tortoise/A0082.html
https://www.thetortoiseshop.com/tortoise-accommodation
https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/reptile-care/your-turtle-or-tortoises-new-home/A0094.html
https://www.thesprucepets.com/tortoises-as-pets-1237258

National Safety Month – Pet Safety

-With pets being a part of the family, National Safety Month is a good reminder to keep pets’ safety top of mind too –

(Stamford, CT) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is encouraging pet owners to study up on pet safety, especially during National Safety Month which is observed annually in June and focuses on promoting safety at work, on the road and in homes and communities. One can never be too prepared when it comes to the safety of family and that includes furry, scaly and winged family members. Staying informed and having the appropriate products available to keep pets safe is the first step to helping prevent accidents from happening and minimize risk. Below is a round-up of products manufactured by APPA members to help keep pets safe throughout the year.

The Reflective Kitty Holster Safety Vest by Crazy K Farm takes an extra step to keep cats safe during walks. For cats who are trained on a leash, they can now feel safe and secure with the harness even at night. The added reflective feature helps cats be seen from far away at night.
Price: $28.95
www.crazykfarm.com

Dogs love car rides and now they can safely enjoy them with the Deluxe Pet Safety Seat by PetSafe®. It uses Safe-T-Core™ technology, a rigid internal structure that integrates with the vehicle seat belt to provide added security, and installs securely in one minute in the front or back seat.
Price: $79.99
www.petsafe.com

Before hitting the great outdoors, grab PAWZ Dog Boots to protect dogs’ paws all-year long from dangerous surfaces. These booties maximize their time out outdoors and easily slip on without zippers or straps. Made from natural rubber, they are 100 percent biodegradable and can be reused.
Price: $14.00 – $20.00
www.pawzdogboots.com

The Bike Tow Leash offers a safe alternative to biking with a dog. The flexibility of the leash absorbs harsh jerks and allows dogs to avoid obstacles. Owners can have a smooth ride without a leash getting tangled or interfering with pedaling.
Price: $146.00
www.biketowleash.com

Have everything you need all in one kit for paws, noses and minor scratches. The Pura Naturals Healing Kit includes their Nose Rescue, Paw Rescue and Healing Aid. This perfect on-hand kit gives pet owners a fast solution in case of an accident. All products are certified USDA organic, chemical-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free.
Price: $35.99
www.puranaturalspet.com

Additional information, product samples, images and interview opportunities available upon request.

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The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes more than 1,300 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Pets and Vets Program, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), The Pet Leadership Council (PLC), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK), and the Pet Care Trust. Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.

Source:
www.americanpetproducts.org/press_releasedetail.asp?id=197

Scales Beat Fur: Why Exotic Reptiles Rule as Pets

Pet owners, what do you feel is the hardest part about having an animal companion? Is it the feeding, lifestyle, or training? Does cleaning up after it make you groan and sigh? What if you had a pet that was not just a good pet, but a fantastic pet?

Welcome to the wild world of exotic reptiles! Many may say that having lizards and snakes as pets are not for the faint of heart, but maybe these seven reasons will show you that your heart is bigger than you thought.

Take Your Pet Anywhere

Reptiles, especially exotic ones, need a very particular place to sleep, eat, and move around. For the most part, they are better left in an enclosure suited for their size. This may seem like a negative to those who prefer having pets free and out in the open. However, having a reptile in a portable enclosure or small habitat can mean taking them anywhere you want without risk of them running away or having negative interactions with others. Rather than worrying about your dog running away from its leash, your exotic pet is now safely in your hands.

Customize Your Habitat

Connecting to the previous point, exotic reptiles need a place that has specific heating and lighting needs due to their cold-blooded nature. They also need places to hide in and around, as constant exposure can cause stress. What this means is a fully-customizable habitat where you can let your creativity shine for your reptile. From rocks and boulders to realistic vegetation in the enclosure, it’s more ambitious and fun than simply finding holiday sweaters for your cat.

No Fur? No Problem

Unlike traditional pets like dogs and cats, reptiles do not have fur, which makes it much easier to clean up after. You can say goodbye to stray hairs on your furniture or your clothing before big events. This is perfect for those who are allergic to fur or pet dander but still want something to love. Plus, think of how much money you’ll be saving on grooming products and constant vacuuming!

Small Diet for Small Price

The diet for an exotic reptile is going to depend on the specific species you would have. Some, like geckos, can eat small crickets. Others, like pythons, may be a bit more carnivorous and need creatures such as mice for feeding. Pet owners who prefer the former can save money on food for their exotic creature instead of constantly going to the grocery store for pounds of dry food. Not to mention, you’ll also have a pet who is eating something more natural than pre-made artificial kibbles and bits.

Spend More Time With Your Friend

Getting attached to a pet can be bittersweet. While knowing that you’ll have many years with your animal companion, it can be sad knowing that they will pass on. With exotic reptiles, it can be more sweet than bitter, as their life expectancy far exceeds normal pets. Snakes can live for at least fifteen years, geckos and iguanas into their late teens to early twenties, and turtles can survive for a staggering forty years! Not only will you have an exotic acquaintance for over a decade, but you can pass it on to a family member who is looking to share in the experience, too.

Mellow Moods, But Plenty of Love

Some people like the hustle and energy of dogs, and that is perfectly fine. However, some people may need something more mellow to watch over, whether it is due to age or simply having a calmer personality. No matter what the case may be, owning an exotic reptile can be very low-energy provided that you raise it healthy and safe. This does not mean that they are without personality; on the contrary, they may show more of an affectionate personality given that they are not so expressive with movement.

No Need for Training

You may think that owning a lizard, turtle, snake, or any reptile requires a lot of training, much like you would with dogs or cats. With exotic reptiles, this isn’t always the case, as they do not require obedience commands or potty-training. Not only does this make it less stressful to own a pet, but it can time and money that would’ve been spent with trainers. Your pet reptile will truly be a reflection of you if you treat it kindly and with respect.

From green iguanas to baby leopard turtles and everything in between, owning an exotic reptile can be an experience that other pet owners will miss out on. Stand out from the rest, show your stripes and own an exotic reptile today!

Sources:
www.texvetpets.org/article/reptiles-as-pets
www.reptiles.swelluk.com/blog/advantages-to-having-a-pet-reptile
www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/life-expectancy-of-reptiles
www.petmd.com/reptile/care/can-your-reptile-bond-with-you
alohavegasvets.com/2016/05/15/southwest-las-vegas-nv-vet-benefits-pet-reptile