5 Signs You Can Use To Determine The Health Of Your Pet Iguana
Iguanas may be a popular pet to have because of their friendly demeanor and social tendencies, but they can be a little more difficult to diagnose as being unhealthy by the untrained pet owner. If you are the first-time owner of an iguana, there are five signs you can use to make sure your pet is thriving and healthy:
1. Appetite – The healthy iguana will eat often, especially when he is young and still growing. Be sure to offer him food several times throughout the day and keep fresh water readily available in his enclosure. Your iguana may not drink a lot of water, as they get a lot of the hydration they need from the green leafy veggies and fruits in their diet.
If you notice that your iguana is not eating, it is definitely time for a visit to the vet.
2. Growth – It is easy to be ill-informed about how big your iguana should be because of the common misconceptions circulated by other iguana owners. You should keep a close eye on your iguana's growth, keeping measurements and recording them. Make sure your iguana is growing according to the appropriate age and expected growth chart. If he is not, it could be signs of health issues.
3. Demeanor – Even a simple change in personality could be an indicator that your iguana is not feeling well. Iguanas typically enjoy their owner's attention and will be eager for caresses and shoulder rides. If your iguana suddenly loses interest in your affection and attention, it could be because he is not feeling well.
4. Color – The healthy iguana will be bright and colorful, unless he is shedding. Keep in mind that younger iguanas are usually brighter and some color change will just come with age. However, if your iguana starts to look dark brown or grayish in color, it could be due to a vitamin deficiency or lack of appropriate lighting.
5. Digestion – Your iguana should be digesting his food typically by the time 48 hours has passed since they have eaten. If your iguana stops defecating for an extended period, it could be related to an intestinal blockage and should be treated right away at an emergency animal hospital.
If you notice issues in any of these five areas, it is crucial that you take your iguana to a veterinarian for attention and an immediate diagnosis, or even the emergency animal hospital for help. In many cases, small symptoms can be treated with the appropriate vitamins or medications, but timing is everything. Therefore, immediate attention is always best when you suspect that there could be something wrong.
To learn more, contact a company like Northside Emergency Pet Clinic with any questions or concerns you have.
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