The Exotic Pet Vet Blog

Where do your exotic pets go when you go on vacation?

You plan an exotic, or perhaps not so exotic, getaway for you and your family. Tickets are booked, hotel plans are made, then you are stuck with the question – what do I do with my beloved exotic pet? Some owners bring in a pet sitter who will come twice a day to visit, feed and clean their pet in their home. While there are benefits to having someone come to your house when you’re away, a lot can happen to your pet during the hours the sitter is not there. Another option is to bring your pet to the…

How to Keep Your Exotic Pet Safe When a Hurricane Hits

Thinkstock Hurricanes are phenomena no one can be completely prepared for, as demonstrated by the devastation to people and property caused by some of the powerful storms that have hit…

Hedgehogs as Pets: What You Need to Know

A recent story on Good Morning America looked at the rise in popularity of hedgehogs as pets; the story included a video of a cat playing with — and sitting on —…

Why birds and exotic pets need to see the veterinarian

“He’s never been sick before, so I’ve never had to bring him to a vet.” This is the answer I commonly hear from bird and exotic pet owners when I…

Holiday travel is here: boarding birds and exotic pets when you’re away

It’s holiday time, and you have planned an exotic, or perhaps not so exotic, getaway for you and your family. Tickets are booked, hotel plans are made, then you are…

Omega-3 fatty acids: for everyone feathered, furred, or scaly

Do you take an omega fatty acid supplement in your diet? Omega-3 fatty acids – alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) – are the buzz words…

New thoughts on reptile care

Attention reptile owners! It’s that time of year again – time to check your cage set up – now that the weather is getting cooler and drier. As winter approaches,…

Snake Veterinary Hospital in New York

Dr. Laurie Hess is a veterinarian who cares exclusively  for Snakes and other reptiles in NY.   

Traveling With Your Exotic Pet

Planning Your Travel with Your Exotic Pet   Are you planning to travel with your exotic pet this summer? If so, plan ahead! If you are taking your bird or…

Dr. Google May Be In, But Not Everything You Read Is True

Just because it’s written doesn’t mean it’s true! That goes for what’s written on websites, on Facebook, in magazines, even in literature created by people claiming to be experts about…

Behavior enrichment for rodents: how to have a happier, healthier pet

Enrichment is a big buzz word in the field of animal behavior. According to the Encarta Dictionary,” enrichment” is defined as “to enhance or improve the quality of something usually…