When we think about having a pet, the first thing that comes to mind is a picture of a furry animal with soft paws and a fluffy nose. You don't exactly picture a scaly green lizard as your pet, do you? But contrary to popular belief, reptiles can make lovable pets like cats or dogs. You may just have the time of your life if you adopt a reptile from the likes of Bearded Dragon. However, it is not all rainbows and sunshine, as there are both pros and cons when having a reptile as your pet; let's take a look at them:
The Pros Of Having A Pet Reptile
A pet reptile has many pros, all of which point out why getting a pet reptile is a good idea.
Unique Animals
As discussed earlier, pet reptiles can be some of the most unique animals out there. Many people have cats and dogs as their pets, so getting reptiles can be a refreshing change. If you want a unique experience, you should get a pet reptile. The options are endless! Having a lizard or other reptile as a pet will get you a lot of attention. It comes as an element of surprise when you see someone with a snake draped around their neck or slithering down someone's shoulders.
There are several videos of people having fun with their reptile pets. These pets can be quite interesting to observe as they are unlike pets you commonly see. Their scaly skin makes them unique to touch and feel. They might even be a quirky addition to your family.
Well-Mannered Guests
Dogs and cats can be quite a handful. You might have heard your friends and family members complaining about how their dog chewed up their favorite shoe or how their cat scratched their new sofa. Such pets can be hard to have around the house as they can cause a lot of damage. You cannot keep them in a box, and they are free to roam around, which means that nothing in your home is ever safe.
If you don't want pets damaging your lovely home, then consider being a parent to a reptile. Reptiles will not chew at your shoes or scratch your curtains or sofas. Most of the time, they hang out in their terrarium and observe their surroundings. They are more than happy to stay in their respective home and relax. If you adopt a reptile, you won't have to worry about your pets causing a ruckus while you're away.
No Allergic Reactions
Sure, furry animals are super cute, but if you end up sneezing and wheezing all day long, that cuteness holds no merit. Having allergic reactions to your pets can be a problem for you and the pet, as you eventually will have to give them up, which is definitely not ideal for them.
On the other hand, if you parent a reptile, you will not have to spend your days with a stuffy nose or horrible rashes, as these pets are known not to cause any sorts of allergies. Their scaly skin is not something you can be allergic to.
Low Maintenance Pets
Being a pet parent is like being a parent to a human child. Besides all the love and affection, you also have to spend large sums of money and energy on their upkeep. If you are not that dedicated to parenting or simply don't have the time or energy to be a full-time parent, then you must consider adopting a reptile.
Reptiles are very low-maintenance. You will not have to fret yourself when taking care of them. They don't need any sort of training (unlike dogs!) to ensure they are doing well. In most cases, reptiles enjoy human attention and basking alone. They rarely display troublesome behavior and love to stick with you.
If we have managed to sell you the idea of getting a pet reptile, then you know you'll have us to count on for boarding when you need to get away for work or vacation. We are happy to provide all the help you need with your reptile or other exotic pets.
The Cons Of Having A Pet Reptile
Before you get yourself a pet reptile, here are some cons that you must consider.
Habitat Maintenance
You must do certain things to ensure your pet reptile is as comfortable as possible. Since reptiles are cold-blooded, you cannot be too careful about the temperature they live in. Reptiles require a consistent temperature to survive. To ensure they are comfortable and sustain a long and healthy life, you must ensure they are kept warm in their habitat.
You can use a special heat lamp to keep them warm through and through. Besides keeping an optimal temperature, you must also ensure their habitat is as clean as possible. Make sure that you take time to clean their environment to have the ideal living conditions and stay healthy.
Live Food
There are two kinds of reptile pets that you can opt for. If you are lucky, you can get the herbivore variety that can easily eat fresh produce. If not, you will have to arrange live food options for your reptile pet to feast on. It may be uncomfortable to feed your reptile live food, but if you want to adopt a reptile, you might have to stomach it!
Inactivity
When you get a reptile as your pet, remember that they will not play catch with you or play around with a toy. Reptiles are not as active as other pets and rarely participate in any activities. They would rather sit in the same spot for eons and continue to look at you with their beautiful, beady eyes. If you are looking for a pet that can keep you entertained or active for hours on end, a reptile may not be the best choice for you.
Thinking about getting an exotic pet?
It is pretty evident that the pros far outweigh the cons, so if you're on the fence, we think you should consider adopting a pet reptile! A small lizard, a bearded dragon, or a beautiful snake can be excellent options for you. And if you can't handle the upkeep on your own, you can always give us a call, and we will be sure to come to your assistance with our professional exotic pet care services.