Atlanta Veterinarian Clinic

The Dangers of Keeping Reptiles

This Christmas your son might ask you for a snake and your daughter might really want a turtle. Children love reptiles as pets because they are so foreign to them; however, there can be many risks when owning reptiles. If you decide that the time is right to grant your child his or her wish, then there are a few safety procedures that you should teach your child:

• Wash your hands or use disinfectant after each contact with reptiles
• Avoid eating food around reptiles
• If you have open sores or wounds, avoid physical contact
• Keep animals out of the kitchen and other eating areas
• Keep animals away from infants and elderly people

The reason why these safety measures are imperative is because there is a high risk of Salmonella when dealing with reptiles. Many reptiles live, eat, and defecate in the water, creating a perfect environment for the deadly bacteria to grow. The main symptom of Salmonella is diarrhea, but could result in septicemia or spontaneous abortion as well. For this reason, it is extremely important that you help your children how to learn to keep clean habits, not only in their pet’s cages, but in washing their hands and keeping reptiles away from food.

Keeping pets is a great way for children to learn about animals. No one should be discouraged from keeping pets just because of the risks.

Speak with an Atlanta Veterinarian

If you would like more information contact Atlanta Veterinarian Clinic today.