6 Signs Your Exotic Pet May Be Sick

Just like cats and dogs, exotic pets are experts at hiding any signs of illness or discomfort and often show symptoms when it’s too late. This makes it challenging for owners to know when something is wrong with them. 

Any small change in their physical appearance, behavior, or eating habits might indicate signs of illness. So, whether you’re an experienced or new exotic pet owner, understanding these signs is important for timely veterinary care. 

Common Signs Your Exotic Pet May Be Sick

While signs vary across different species, below are signs of illness that are common in most exotic pets. If you notice any of these signs, contact your exotic pet veterinarian. 

#Sign 1: Change in Eating Habits

A sudden change in your pet’s eating habits is one of the common signs that your exotic pet may be sick. If your pet refuses to eat, has a reduced appetite, or has difficulty swallowing for a day or more, it signals a problem in their health. 

A change in appetite can be a sign of a range of health issues, such as dental issues, metabolic disorders, or digestive blockages. 

#Sign 2: Change in Stool or Urine

Changes in consistency, frequency, or color of your pet’s stool can be a sign of an underlying health issue. For example, abnormal urates in reptiles can be a sign of kidney issues, while in birds it could be a sign of bacterial enteritis. 

#Sign 3: Reduced Activity (Lethargy)

If your exotic pet is less active, hides a lot than usual, or has trouble moving, this is a sign your pet may be sick. For example, a tortoise that is not basking as usual or a parrot that stops vacalizing should be a concern. 

Lethargy can be a sign of pain or infection. If your pet happens to be less active for more than 48 hours, contact us for emergency care. Our veterinarians will diagnose and treat any health issues. 

#Sign 4: Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues can manifest as open-mouth breathing, wheezing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing. For example, birds like parrots may show tail-bobbing when struggling to breathe, and snakes may make clicking sounds. 

Respiratory infections are common in exotic pets and are often caused by temperature fluctuations or improper humidity. In reptiles, it can escalate to chronic respiratory diseases while in birds, it can escalate to pneumonia if not treated imemedietely. 

#Sign 5: Change in Physical Appearance

Physical changes in your exotic pet’s appearance in their skin, feathers, and fur can be a serious health issue. Feather plucking in birds can be a sign of stress or allergy, skin issues in reptiles may be due to fungal infections, while shell abnormalities in tortoises can be due to insufficient calcium. 

#Sign 6: Change in Behavior

If you notice changes in your pet’s behavior, such as aggression, unusual vocalization, or excessive hiding, this is a sign that your exotic pet may be sick. Shift in behavior if often a sign of pain, stress, nuerogical problems. For example, a parrot screaming excessively could be a sign of stress or infection. 

How to Prevent Illness in Exotic Pets

Prevention is always better than a cure. Here are tips to help keep your exotic pets healthy and happy. 

Maintain Proper Husbandry

Exotic pets often require specific environment to thrive, which means a cage or enclosure alone is not enough. They need an environment that mimics their natural habitat, from temperatures, humidity and light exposure, as poor conditions can cause illnesses. 

You can use a hygrometer and thermometer to maintain proper humidity and temperature. Additionally, install lighting like UVB lamps, as many reptiles need lighting for calcium absorption. 

Feed Them a Balanced Diet

Diet is essential in keeping your exotic pet healthy and happy. Remember, nutritional deficiency can cause serious health issues in exotic pets, like Vitamin A deficiency in birds. Other pets like cats and dogs can feed on commercial foods, but exotic pets need a specialized diet.

Understanding species-specific diet is important, and besides, you can consult us if you’re unsure of what to feed your exotic pet. 

Regular Vet Check-Ups

Regular veterinary checkups are important in keeping your pet’s health in check. Many exotic pets hide signs of illness until they are very sick, and that’s why regular veterinary check-ups are important to help catch illnesses early. 

Not all veterinary clinics offer exotic veterinary care, but The Noble Veterinary Surgeons specializes in exotic animals such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals. 

Practice Good Hygiene

Good hygiene helps prevent illnesses in exotic pets. A dirty cage or enclosure can harbour fungi, bacteria, and even parasites that lead to illness. Pet owners should deep clean the enclosures at least once per week. 

Droppings and uneaten food should be removed daily. Food dishes, water bowls, and toys need regular cleaning. 

Reduce Stress

Stress weakens the immune system of your pet, making them more vulnerable to illnesses. You can help reduce stress by providing them with toys to encourage play and natural behaviors. Also, ensure you handle them gently, especially when they are new or during shedding periods. 

Most exotic animals need social interaction for mental stimulation, so interacting with them regularly or providing them with companions can help. 

Why The Noble Veterinary Surgeons is the Best Exotic Animal Veterinary Clinic

We understand that exotic pets and animals need specialized care, and that is exactly what we offer here at The Noble Veterinary Clinic. Thanks to our team of experienced veterinarians who have extensive knowledge to provide your pets with the best care. 

We offer exotic veterinary care to different pets, including birds, reptiles, small mammals, primates, and more in Nairobi, Kiambu and it’s surrounding areas. Our exotic veterinary services range from emergency care, exotic animal surgery to preventive care. 

Final Takeaway

Being an exotic pet owner is both rewarding and fascinating, but it comes with great responsibility, as they depend on you to notice when they’re sick. 

Always pay attention to their change in eating habits, physical appearance, or toileting as this helps you know their overall health. At The Noble Veterinary Clinic, we recommend routine vet checck-ups to help identify and treat any diseases before they escalate. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Exotic Pets Hide Signs of Illness?

Exotic animals like birds, reptiles, and small mammals are prey species in the wild, and that’s why they hide any signs of illness or weakness to avoid attracting predators. This natural behavior makes it difficult for owners to detect illness, and the conditions worsen. 

However, regular vet check-ups and close observation by the owners can help catch illnesses early before they’re severe. 

What Does a Sick Reptile Look Like?

A sick reptile might show signs of illness such as refusal to eat or bask, swollen eyes, stuck shed common in snakes, soft shell spots in tortoises, change in stool, lumps and bumps, difficulty shedding, lethargy, and mouth rot. 

How Often Should I Take My Exotic Pet to the Vet?

Most veterinarians recommend you take your exotic pet to the vet at least twice per year. However, we recommend regular vet visits depending on the condition of your animals. 

Can Changes in Droppings Indicate Illness?

Yes. Changes in color, foul odor, very small or large droppings, or diarrhea can indicate your exotic pet has digestive issues, infection, or internal parasites.