Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • Payment Options
    • Resources
      • Veterinary Resources
      • Veterinary Topics
  • Services
    • Small Animals
    • Large Animals
    • Equine Medicine and Reproduction
  • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Gallery
  • Contact Us
  • New Client Form
  • FODLVC

(260) 463-2157

  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Exotics >
  • Reptiles

lizards on a log

People with limited living quarters may find that reptiles such as lizards or turtles fit perfectly into their lifestyles. Before deciding on a reptile, learn as much as possible about them and their needs. Poisonous snakes and certain reptiles should never be kept as pets. Ask your veterinarian about the suitability of a particular animal before you make your decision. There are many things to consider before committing to a reptile as a pet. 

Finding out if a Pet is Legal Where You Live
Many areas have enacted laws pertaining to keeping reptiles. Some are general and some are quite specific; in many places any reptiles that are considered dangerous (venomous snakes, alligators, etc.) are illegal but some places are even more restrictive (for example, in some states all constricting snakes including ball pythons are illegal).

Salmonella Risks and Prevention
All reptile owners need to be informed about Salmonella infections. While the risks shouldn't keep most people from keeping reptiles since with the proper management the risks are minimal. Still, owners should be aware of the risks, and the US Centers for Disease Control recommends that certain risk groups should be careful about contact with reptiles and amphibians.

The Importance of Light and Heat
Many problems with keeping reptiles can be traced back to not providing the proper environmental conditions, particularly heat. Proper lighting is also important for many reptiles. The equipment to provide the proper heat and light to captive reptiles is often quite expensive, but is absolutely essential to keeping pet reptiles healthy. It is important to find out exactly what conditions your reptile needs and never cut corners when it comes to meeting those conditions!

Why Choose Captive Bred Reptiles
There are numerous reasons why you should pick a captive bred reptile if at all possible, as explained here.

How to Pick a Healthy Reptile
It is important to keep in mind that depending on where you get a reptile, it may be very stressed, dehydrated, and prone to illness. Here are some items to look for when buying your reptile to increase the chances of picking out a healthy pet reptile.

While there are many types of reptiles that could be good pets, here we cover a few you could consider.

  • Small Dog Health Problems
    Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy

    Do you know which health problems are most likely to affect your small dog?

    Read more
  • Protect Your Hairless Pet's Sensitive Skin with These Tips
    Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners

    Want to protect your hairless pet's skin? Try these tips.

    Read more
  • Your Big Dog May Be More Likely to Develop These Health Problems
    Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy

    Big dogs can have equally big health problems. Find out what conditions and diseases typically affect larger dogs.

    Read more
  • Try These Tricks the Next Time You Have to Give Your Pet Medication
    Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners

    Would you rather do anything than give your pet medicine? These tips may make the process easier.

    Read more
  • From Dalmations to Siberian Huskies: How the Big (and Little) Screen Influences Pet Fads
    Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners

    Should you adopt the same type of pet as your favorite TV or movie character?

    Read more
  • Ehrlichiosis: What You Should Be Looking For
    Category: Newsletter Library, Fleas & Parasites

    Ticks may be tiny but that can cause bacterial infections that make your pet very sick.

    Read more
  • What is Taurine and Why do Cats Need It?
    Category: Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food

    Does your feline friend get enough taurine? Serious health problems can occur if this essential amino acid is in short supply.

    Read more
  • Should my pet get a summer haircut?
    Category: Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics

    Planning a haircut for your pet this summer? That might not be the best idea.

    Read more
  • Can My Pet Get Me Sick?
    Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners

    Feeling a little under the weather? You may have caught an illness from your pet.

    Read more
  • Why Do Pets Hide When They're Sick?
    Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness

    Do you know why pets shun wide open spaces when they're ill? Find out why sick dogs, cats and rabbits want to be alone.

    Read more
  • Reducing the Spread of Disease When You Have Multiple Pets
    Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy

    Do your pets do everything together, including sharing illnesses? These tips will help reduce the transmission of viruses and diseases.

    Read more
  • What Your Pet's Stools Say About Their Health
    Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy

    Want to know if your pet is healthy? Take a look at his or her stools.

    Read more
  • All About Shedding: Is My Pet Shedding Too Much?
    Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners

    Not sure why your pet is shedding more than usual. We explore a few reasons that your pet may be losing hair.

    Read more
  • How To Care For Your New Pet
    Category: Newsletter Library

    Wondering how to care for your new pet? Check out our recommendations!

    Read more
  • Does My Cat Love Me?
    Category: Newsletter Library

    Not sure how your cat feels about you? Learn how your pet shows affection.

    Read more
  • Medication Tips For Your Pet
    Category: Newsletter Library

    Do you have trouble giving your pets their medications? These tips may help.

    Read more
≪ First < Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
Next > Last ≫
  • ≪ First
  • < Prev
  • ...
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • ...
  • Next >
  • Last ≫
  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Rabbits
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Cats
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Appointments Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

Sunday:

Closed

Hours of operation

Monday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Saturday:

7:30 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

LaGrange Veterinary Clinic Logo

Call Us Today!

(260) 463-2157

Location
Request Appointment- Call or Text today
  • Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy