Lizard Care 101: The Basics About Lizard Pet Care

Having an exotic pet is one thing, but having a lizard for a pet is another. Lizards are complex creatures and certain procedures must be observed. It's not like other reptiles that you can just leave and feed for another week, lizards are far more than that. These are sensitive and delicate creatures and they need special attention. If properly cared for, they make excellent pets.

Take note that there are different types of lizards; hence each lizard has specific needs. For amateur pet owners, you can start with common species such as Blue Tongued skinks, Barded dragon, Anoles and Leopard Geckos. Here are a few tips that might help you develop your lizard pet care skills.

1. Lizard's Quarters

Having a comfortable and clean cage is important for lizards. You must consider security, heating, space, humidity and lighting. Make sure that the area is big enough for it to move around and stretch its legs. Of course, make sure that it is also escape proof, lizards are notoriously fast and slick runner, catching them might be a challenge. For your sake, make sure it's easy enough to open and clean. Cleaning should be made more often and ensure your pet's lifespan. Healthy living starts with living clean. After all, who would want to live in a filthy place? Keeping your pet's quarters clean can assure you that he will live longer as one would expect.

2. Nutrition

Take note that in lizard pet care, different species have different needs. There are lizards that only eat vegetables while there are those who eat insects like crickets and mealworms. It is advised to feed them with calcium or vitamin coated insects to ensure their dietary needs. For vegetarian lizards, you can feed them feed them with green leafy vegetables, green beans, snap peas, and fruits. Make sure what you serve them is fresh or else they wouldn't eat it at all. Never keep your lizard hungry since it has no other source of food.

3. Keep an eye on your lizard

This is where lizard pet care gets serious. Maintenance is the key in keeping your lizard healthy. Make sure that your pet lizard is kept hydrated by serving hit enough water and checking its food bowl from time to time. It must never be empty. Change the water in the water bowl and make sure that it's always fresh. Clean your pet's cage twice a week. It is not advisable to hold your pet by the tail or else it will easily fall off.

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Pet Health Care Basics - The 3 Best and Proven Methods For Getting Pets to Take Pills

Have you ever tried to give your pet a pill?

Sure can be tricky...and scary too!

But when your pet is sick, it often has to be done. That's all part of pet heath care.

Next time you have to give your pet a pill, here are the 3 best, proven methods and some tips and tricks for each to make the job easier - for both you and your pet!

Method 1. Encapsulate the pill in food. If the medication can be taken with food, this is generally your best bet. The best foods for dogs are butter, cheese, cream cheese, peanut butter, lunchmeat, liverwurst, bread, and bacon. For cats, butter, tuna, cream cheese, baby food, and canned cat food work well. Liverwurst works for cats too.

Experiment with different foods until you find something your pet likes and always praise them when you give it to them. With the right combination, your pet may actually look forward to pill time.

Use a small bite-size amount of food. Don't bury the pill in your pet's full meal portion because if he doesn't finish it, he may not get the medication.

It's often a good idea to occasionally give your pet the food without the pill, so he gets used to eating it quickly. What you want is for your pet to gulp it down without a second thought.

Method 2. Grind up the pill and blend it into some moist food. Again, ensure that the medication can be taken with food. Also, check with your vet to make sure crushing is OK. The crushed pill will dissolve much faster in your pet's stomach and some medications are intended to be digested slowly.

The best foods are those that are a little sticky and have a strong flavor of their own. These include cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, liverwurst, and honey. Again, use only a small portion size.

You can have your pet lick the food containing the ground medication off of your finger, or you can put it in their food dish, or spread it on a treat you already know they like.

Again, experiment until you find something your pet really likes and occasionally give them some of the food between pills. Praise them lavishly whenever you give them the food, making it seem like they are getting a special treat.

Method 3. Feed the pill to your pet directly. Use this approach if the pill must be given on an empty stomach or if the pet won't accept the pill hidden in their food. Be careful though, as some pets can react badly to having the pill force-fed to them. With cats, it is generally a good idea to wrap them in a towel to protect against getting scratched.

First, tilt your pet's head back slightly, then carefully open their mouth and place the pill in the back part of their mouth. Gently hold their mouth closed and slowly stroke them on their throat or blow on their nose until they swallow the pill. With cats, it is a good idea to follow the pill with a small amount of water given from an eyedropper or syringe (no needle please). This helps them to swallow the pill and protects against the pill abrading their esophagus. Always be calm and gentle. This will help your pet remain calm.

Whatever method you use to administer the pill, always check to make sure your pet has swallowed it. Pets can be pretty clever in disposing of the pill when you aren't looking, so never just assume it went down.

Important: Learning how to administer pills is an important part of pet health care. Find a method that works for your pet and always make sure your pet gets his or her meds on time every time. As a pet owner, that is your responsibility.

The health of you pet is important. They are members of your family too! All natural, holistic pet health care products and supplements are an excellent way to keep your pet happy and healthy at all stages of their lives. Check out some of the great all natural pet health care products available at http://www.PetHealthEtcetera.com.