PetLvr.com - [The Blog]

There has been much discussion about the health concern with regard to owning exotic pets. The Associated Press (AP) sent out a warning in an article stating, “young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets-or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards and turtles, for that matter-because of risks for disease.” This warning originated from the American Academy of Pediatrics who published a report on the adverse health affects from owning exotic pets. While exotic pets have the potential to carry disease and other germs, people should not abandon or become fearful of the exotic pets they already own or would like to own.

It is obvious that every pet owner runs the risk of bringing disease and germs into their home with any animal that they purchase or adopt. Some pets have worms or fleas, but these issues as well as others can be taken care of properly if pet owners take immediate action and see a veterinarian for treatment. It is also important to groom the pet on a regular basis by cleaning their claws and fur and by disinfecting their food and bathroom area. Counters, especially kitchen counters, should be disinfected too.

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Slimy, slithering, wriggly creatures can make interesting pets, and there are so many different ones to choose from. Veiled chameleons are lime green and fit on your finger when they are babies. Geckos, Dragons, Monitor and Jeweled Lacerta are some common lizards. Or you can choose various colored snakes that wouldn’t mind wrapping their bodies around you.

The Tucson Reptile and Amphibian Show and Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday, Sept. 28 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Tucson Expo Center in Arizona. At this event, you can simply view or go a step further and purchase these reptiles and amphibians.

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This fall make sure to check out the various pet shows that will be happening in the U.S. and Canada. Not only will your pets appreciate a snout full of fresh air, they will enjoy being a part of the pack.

The 250^th Halifax Kennel Club Dog Show will be held at Exhibition Park in Halifax from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. The show will include obedience trials and drill team performances. Also pet supply vendors will be there so you can stock up on of your doggy needs.

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Over the last few years, I have noticed the trend of purchasing pets from pet stores has gradually shifted to purchasing pets from breeders. More and more pet stores have moved away from selling larger pets, namely dogs and cats and have focused on small mammals, reptiles and fish.

I personally have always purchased small animals from pet stores. It never crossed my mind to look elsewhere for any small pet and I seemed inclined to suffer through the short life spans of several caged animals.

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Babies and pets can be a delightful combination. But sometimes they only mix well if a few precautions are observed. Tragically, in other cases, they don’t go well together at all. A few simple guidelines can help bring harmony in any case.

The first, and one obvious to anyone, is to ensure everyone’s safety. That means both baby and pet. Newborns are the most precious thing in the world to parents, and rightfully so. But the family pet is beloved as well. Keeping them both safe is imperative.

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By Dr. Robert Sprackland

If you are about to obtain your first pet lizard, congratulations. Lizards are, in my view, the most wonderful, fascinating and beautiful creatures on Earth. Part of their appeal is their incredible diversity; there are more species of lizards than all the mammals or amphibians, and they range from three-inch legless burrowers to the mighty 200-pound Komodo dragon. Some are coloured with somber tans and ochre, and others rival the most ostentatious of butterflies with gaudy green, red, and yellow markings. Some glide on fragile wings, some run across the water, and some can stick to ceilings. With my sincere apology to Samuel Johnson, it is my opinion that “when a man gets tired of lizards, he is tired of life”!

That said, here are ten valuable guidelines to help you and your lizard get off to a good start, and stay on a safe and happy course. I speak with a wee bit of experience, having kept lizards since 1961, and going on to spending over 30 years as a professional herpetologist. These tips are just a starting point, but they cover ten really important points!

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