Is your child preoccupied with dinosaurs? Many of us were captivated by huge lizards as children. However, if your child is also interested in pets, and has perhaps been asking for an animal companion of their own, you may be able to combine the two. Reptiles can actually make excellent friends for children! This article includes advice from a local Wichita, KS veterinarian on obtaining your child their first pet.
What Are the Advantages of Getting Reptiles For Children?
Reptiles are obviously not for everyone, and that’s fine! They do, however, have some particular qualities … including some you may not have thought of!
Easy To Entertain: To be fair, make your pet’s environment enjoyable and intriguing for them. This usually entails providing reptiles with objects to examine, such as rocks and plants. However, you will not need to pick up balls or catnip mice on a regular basis.
They Don’t Smell: We adore our kitty companions. While the fact that cats use litterboxes to perform their business makes caring for them easier, we could definitely manage without them. You should not have to deal with any odors as long as you (or your child) keep your reptile companion’s habitat clean.
Many Reptiles Need Very Minimal Daily Care: Reptiles are relatively low-maintenance. You do not need to walk or play with them … though some lizards do like taking strolls!
Most reptiles spend their time sunbathing and lounging about. Some of them do not even need to eat every day. For many, on many days you would only need to worry about spot cleaning the cage and removing waste and uneaten food.
No Mess: Another advantage of choosing a reptile? You will not return home to find a mess on the floor or to discover that your pet has eaten your shoes or left a hairball on the carpet.
They Actually Are Cute: Okay, to be fair, beauty is subjective. However, many reptiles are really cute!
They’re Quiet: We adore our canine and feline companions, but they can be loud. Dogs, in particular, can be loud enough to cause problems with neighbors. This is not something you will need to be concerned about with reptiles!
They Don’t Need Training: Cats are known to train humans. Dogs require a significant amount of training to understand the dos and don’ts of being a good pet. Reptiles don’t need to learn anything; they’re perfectly pleased with doing what comes naturally.
Beautiful Habitats: This may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but a well-designed reptile home may be very appealing and interesting to look at.
Fascinating To Watch: Reptiles really can be very interesting to watch! You may find it quite relaxing to just observe your unique buddy.
Easy On Allergies: Children often develop allergies. While no animal is totally hypoallergenic, reptiles can be an excellent alternative for children with allergies. They have no fur and no dander, and they are housed in a habitat.
What Are the Drawbacks of Owning a Reptile?
It’s always interesting to see how different people respond to different types of pets. It’s important to do lots of research, no matter what type of animal you’re adopting. What is positive to one person may be negative to another.
With reptiles, one thing to definitely consider would be the “Squick Factor.” Some folks are just naturally afraid of or disgusted by reptiles. If the mere concept of having a lizard or a snake in your home makes you uncomfortable, this may not be the best option for your family.
Here are some other things to think about:
Habitat Needs: Reptiles are cold blooded. They can’t sweat to cool down or put on a sweater when it’s cold; instead, they must regulate their body temperature by traveling between warm and cold locations. They need very specialized habitats, which will require equipment and monitoring. While some reptiles are more fragile in this area than others, they all have specific needs. You will also need to monitor conditions.
Your Child’s Age. If your child is still very young, you will need to monitor the animal’s care and ensure that it has fresh water, a clean cage, and adequate nutrition. If your child is mature enough and responsible enough to manage the situation, you may not need to do as much, but you will still need to keep an eye on things.
Power Requirements: Another factor to consider is how much electricity this habitat uses. This is a monetary consideration, but it is also something to consider in the event of a power outage. Buying a modest generator is not a bad idea.
Dietary Needs: Many reptiles consume bugs, worms, and mice. If you’re uncomfortable with these critters, or uneasy with the possibility that your pet’s food is still moving when you deliver it, you may want to reconsider.
Expected Size: Some reptiles will never get very big at all. Green anoles, for example, grow to only a few inches long. There are also a lot of smaller frogs and turtles. On the other end of the spectrum, there are several reptiles that grow extremely large. Both Burmese and reticulated pythons can grow to be very huge. The Savannah monitor, Nile monitor, Black throat monitor, and Asian monitor are all large lizards. Tegus and green iguanas also get huge.
Germs: Many reptiles carry bacteria and disease. Salmonella is one concern here. You and your child will need to be extremely careful to fully wash your hands before and after handling your reptiles. This, of course, will be a greater concern for a five-year-old than an older youngster.
Specific Care Needs: Every reptile is a little different. They all have various requirements and charms.
Here are a few that would be suitable for children:
- Ball Python
- Milk Snake
- King Snakes
- Blue-Tongued Skink
- Leopard Gecko
- Bearded Dragons
- Corn Snakes
- Crested Gecko
- White’s Treefrog
Make sure you locate a great Wichita, KS veterinarian who works with reptiles. You should also make sure to buy from a trustworthy source or breeder.
Make An Appointment At Our Wichita, KS Veterinary Clinic
Do you have any inquiries about reptile health or care? Please contact your pet clinic at any time. As your Wichita, KS animal hospital, we are here for you!