Caring for an Iguana

Are you considering adopting a reptile? If so, an iguana may be a great option for you. These guys can make fascinating and beautiful pets. Read on as a Las Vegas, NV vet discusses iguana care.

One thing to consider before adopting an iguana is the fact that Iggy will get quite large. Adult iguanas can grow up to seven feet long! Baby iguanas can live in tanks, but your pet will outgrow this sort of home quickly. You may need to build an enclosure or perhaps dedicate a specific room to your scaled pal. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll need to make sure your pet’s habitat has suitable flooring. Linoleum works well. Iggy will also need a hidey-hole, climbing branches, and dishes. The dishes should be fairly heavy, so your little dinosaur can’t tip them over. You’ll also need to provide your iguana with both UVA and UVB lights. Last but not least, your iguana’s habitat will have to stay between 80 and 90F during the day, and around 75F at night, with different temperature ‘zones.’ This will require special equipment. Ask your vet for more information.

Iguanas are vegetarians, so you’ll need to provide your reptilian buddy with fresh produce daily. The bulk of Iggy’s diet should consist of leafy greens. You’ll need to supplement this with colorful veggies and some fresh fruit. Your vet may advise you to mist your pet’s food with water, which will help keep him hydrated. Ask your vet for specific nutritional advice.

In order to stay healthy and happy, iguanas need regular baths. You can bathe Iggy in your tub if you like. Fill the tub with a few inches of lukewarm water, and let him soak for a while. In summer, you can offer your iguana a kiddie pool. Just be sure to supervise your pet’s swim sessions closely. Ask your vet for more information.

Just like any other pet, iguanas can be afflicted by illness or disease. Make sure you have a good veterinarian that is familiar with treating iguanas. This is very important!

Iguanas need quite a bit of care, and are not the most inexpensive pets to keep. Do plenty of research before adopting one!

Please call us, your Las Vegas, NV vet clinic, for all of your iguana’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!