How To Prepare Exotic Mammals And Reptiles For Winter

Winter is here, and you are doing your best to stay cozy. But, what keeps you comfortable often isn’t enough for your indoor exotic pets. If you own birds, reptiles, fish, or small mammals like ferrets and guinea pigs, you also have to watch out for big swings in temperature. For instance, you might heat your home at night but will turn down the dial once you leave for work during the day. Or maybe your pet’s tank is close to a window, which is prone to let in both drafts of air, and warm beams of sunshine. In extremely cold weather, the temperature in your home can fluctuate by as much as 15 degrees F. These kinds of swings can lead to everything from respiratory diseases to a weaker immune system.

There’s no need to call in the HVAC commandoes. In lieu of a very expensive heating and air overhaul, we recommend that you invest in thermometers, heat lamps and heating pads. If you take care to monitor the temperatures in your pet’s enclosure, you can help mitigate the effects of extreme temperature change in the environment by using small external heat sources.

If your pet is behaving abnormally; coughing, sneezing, lethargic or not eating as much as it used to, it’s important to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. Often small pets do not show signs of disease until they are already very sick; so quick response to signs of disease is very important. At CEDARCREST Animal Clinic, we see every kind of small companion animal, so don’t be afraid to give us a call if you have any questions about your pet’s health or care.

If you have questions about keeping your pet cozy all winter, call CEDARCREST Animal Clinic at 540-943-7577 to schedule a consultation.

CEDARCREST Animal Clinic provides medical and surgical care for every stage of your pet's life including preventive wellness care exams and vaccines, spays/neuters, and a variety of specialized care for your dog, cat, avian, or exotic. We are home to the only veterinarian practitioner in Virginia to be double Boarded in Avian and Canine/Feline care and provide care for birds, small mammals, and reptiles of all sorts! Plus, we are home to Virginia's most exclusive dog boarding resort that includes heated floors, an expansive play area, and even webcams so you can watch your pet while you're away. We're located in Fishersville, Virginia, and serve Augusta County and surrounding areas including Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Charlottesville. 

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