Handling Stress in Exotic Pets
Being able to identify certain health problems in exotic pets is a necessary part of responsible ownership, but because they hide or mask signs of illness or injury, it can be very tricky to assess how they feel. Likewise, it isn’t always straightforward to gauge the effects of physical or mental stress in exotic pets. We can help provide clues about the subtle signs of illness.
The Keys to Basic Health
Since many problems stem from inadequate or improper husbandry, owners of exotic pets must pay close attention to every detail. Knowing the features of their personality and behavior can help you provide the right environment, nutrition, enrichment opportunities, humidity/lighting, and even special grooming techniques.
Captivity can create stress, anxiety, and depression, and can cause or exacerbate physical ailments. By creating a supportive habitat and providing personal enrichment opportunities, owners of exotic pets can influence both physical and mental health.
Lean Into Professional Support
A qualified exotic pet vet can help you find a balanced diet, nutritional supplements and vitamins, and habitat features that promote the overall wellness of your exotic pet. Plus, if your pet requires the protection from routine vaccinations and parasite treatments, you’re all set. covered.
Ideally, pet owners establish a relationship with an exotic pet vet before an urgent care appointment is needed, to establish a healthy baseline. If symptoms are caught during a routine exam, the outcome is generally much better. Early detection can lead to effective treatment, less pain, and reduced stress levels.
When You Know, You Know
Often, by the time symptoms of illness or injury become noticeable to a pet owner, the problem may be more advanced. This is explained by the difficulty in identifying pain or discomfort in exotic pets. Please jot down notes if you ever see the following symptoms with accompanying times, possible antecedents, and things that soothe the symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Changes to eating and drinking patterns
- Low energy levels
- Social withdrawal or hiding
- Different or uncharacteristic behaviors, like hiding low when they typically enjoy high perches, and vice-versa
- Breathing difficulty
- Discharge from the nose or eyes
- Skin sores or ulcers
- Swelling
- Dull skin quality
- Resistance to handling
Highly Sensitive
Knowing your pet is vital to supporting their health and longevity. If you have a social species, they may feel stress by being alone. Likewise, a solitary exotic pet may feel crowded or uneasy around or near other exotic pets.
Hiding places are of critical importance to many exotic pets, especially if they are prey to other larger predators. They must feel safe at all times, a feeling achieved by caves, holes, and burrowing into a soft substrate. Well-regulated heat, humidity, and light can minimize the potential for digestive problems, reduced nutrient absorption, disrupted shedding cycles, and heat stroke/dehydration.
Managing Exotic Pet Stress
If you need assistance recognizing the signs of stress in your exotic pet, feel free to call us at
(248) 646-5655. We’re always happy to assist you at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates.