Is your little one totally into dinosaurs? This happens more often than you might think! As kids, a lot of us found ourselves completely captivated by those enormous lizards! If your child is also keen on having a pet, why not mix these two passions together? Reptiles can be fantastic buddies for kids!
In this article, a local Las Vegas, NV vet shares some tips on how to help your child care for their very first scaly friend.
What Are the Perks of Having Reptiles for Kids?
Reptiles might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s perfectly fine! But they definitely have some quirky little charms!
Let’s take a look at some of them.
They’re Adorable: Alright, let’s be honest, beauty really is all about perspective! Lots of reptiles have a certain charm.
They’re Quiet: We adore our furry friends, but sometimes they can get a little noisy. Dogs can really crank up the volume sometimes, leading to a bit of a ruckus. No need to worry about this when it comes to reptiles.
No Training Needed: Cats have a funny way of turning the tables and training us instead! Dogs, on the other hand, require a fair bit of training to grasp the ins and outs of being a great companion. Reptiles are pretty chill; they’re totally happy just going with the flow and doing what feels right!
They Don’t Need Entertainment: It’s important to create a lively and engaging space for your pet. When it comes to reptiles, this often involves tossing in some rocks and plants for them to explore and enjoy. As a bonus, you won’t have to be chasing after balls or catnip mice all the time.
No Odors: Even though it’s super convenient that some of our furry friends use a litterbox for their business, I think we could all agree that life would be a bit simpler without it! As long as you (or your little one) keep your scaly friend’s home nice and tidy, you won’t have to worry about any funky odors!
Simple Daily TLC: Reptiles are surprisingly easy to care for. No need to take them for a stroll or join in on their games. They typically enjoy soaking up the sun (or heat lamp) and just chilling out. Some of them can even skip meals and still be just fine. Having a pet that’s a breeze to care for is definitely something to appreciate!
Good Vibes Only: Another cool thing about picking a reptile is that there’s no need to worry about stepping into a surprise mess or discovering that your furry friend has taken a bite out of your favorite shoes or left a little gift on the carpet.
Lovely Spaces: It might not be the first thought that pops up, but a well-decorated reptile habitat can be surprisingly eye-catching and fun to explore.
Gentle on Allergies: Allergies are pretty common among kids. While no animal is entirely hypoallergenic, reptiles can be a fantastic option for kids with allergies. They lack fur and don’t create dander, and they’re happily settled in their own little habitat.
What Are the Downsides of Owning a Reptile?
It’s always interesting to observe how some people are drawn to their unique furry (or scaly!) companions, and how others simply are not.
Here are a few of things about reptiles that might not win you over:
The Ick Factor: Some folks just have that gut reaction of fear or disgust when it comes to reptiles. If the idea of having a lizard or snake in home gives you the heebie-jeebies, this might not be the right fit for you.
Their Eating Habits: This might just be the main reason why many people shy away from having reptiles. Some critters munch on bugs, worms, or even mice… not exactly everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to snacks! If you’re a bit sensitive or uncomfortable about the thought of your pet’s meal still wriggling when you serve it, you might want to reconsider.
This doesn’t completely dismiss reptiles. Did you know that many lizards, including Iguanas, eat plants? They’re all about that vegetarian lifestyle! There are also many species of turtles that are herbivores as well.
Their Size: Some reptiles stay small their entire lives. Green anoles, for example, only reach a length of just a few inches. You’ll find a bunch of tiny frogs and turtles as well. On the flip side, there are plenty of reptiles that grow to be absolutely massive.
Burmese pythons and reticulated pythons grow to be huge. In terms of lizards, the Savannah monitor, Nile monitor, Black throat monitor, and Asian monitor are all large species. They can Tegus and green iguanas can really grow to impressive sizes as well, with some reaching lengths of up to six feet.
Make sure to do some research and speak with your Las Vegas, NV vet before picking a new scaly friend to bring home.
Their Cozy Crib Requirements: Reptiles can’t just sweat it out or throw on a cozy sweater when they feel cold; instead, they have to shimmy between warm and cool spots to keep their body temperature in check.
Getting the right temp for your reptilian friends can vary depending on the species, but generally, you’ll want to set up two zones—one a bit toasty and the other a tad cooler. This requires some special gear. Great quality items are meant to last, but you’ll still need to swap out things like bulbs and filters for your amphibian pals from time to time.
Care Requirements: A big part of this is going to hinge on your child’s age. If your tot is still quite tiny, you’ll want to help them with their pet’s care, making sure there’s always fresh water, a tidy cage, and proper meals. If your child is mature enough to take care of these things on their own, you’ll just want to keep a watchful eye on the situation.
Electricity Usage: One more thing to think about is how much energy the habitat equipment will require. That’s something to keep in mind, especially when considering the costs and what might happen during a power outage. A small generator could be a wise investment.
Bacteria: Some reptiles can spread Salmonella. Make sure you and your little one are super careful about washing your hands really well before and after spending time with your reptile buddy! This will probably be a bigger deal for a five-year-old than for an older kid, but it’s worth mentioning, nonetheless.
What’s the Best Way to Pick a Reptile for Your Kiddo?
Reptiles are surprisingly interesting to observe. Some, like bearded dragons, can even be quite snuggly.
But there’s more to consider than just adorable vibes. Don’t forget to consider how long they’ll live, their size, where they hang out, what they eat, and their personality quirks as well.
If you’re unsure, your Las Vegas, NV veterinarian should be able to provide some personalized advice.
Which Reptiles Make Great Pets for Kids?
Each species of reptile has its own unique flair and requirements. There are definitely plenty of options out there, but here are our top picks:
- Leopard gecko
- Bearded Dragon
- Corn snakes
- Crested gecko
- Ball pythons
- Milk Snake
- King snakes
- Blue-tongued skinks
- White’s Tree Frog
Whichever species you choose, it’s important to find a trustworthy store or breeder, and also a Las Vegas, NV vet who knows their stuff when it comes to reptiles.
Schedule Your Visit to Our Las Vegas, NV Animal Clinic
Have questions or concerns about keeping your scaly friends healthy and happy? Feel free to reach out to your trusted Las Vegas, NV pet clinic. Where here whenever you need us!
!Social Media Icons