Around sixty percent of Canadian households had a dog or a cat in 2022. However, those aren't the only pets you can have. Many households have different, more exotic members.
What are the differences when it comes to taking care of traditional versus exotic pets?
Let's go through what you need to know about traditional pet care versus exotic pet care.
What Is Traditional Pet Care?
Traditional pet care refers to the care and management of domesticated animals that have been bred for living as household pets. Examples of traditional pets include dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other common pets.
Some of the key aspects of traditional pet care include providing proper nutrition, shelter, exercise, and medical care. This includes regular visits to a veterinarian for check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment of any health issues.
Additionally, traditional pet care involves socializing and training pets to behave appropriately in a household setting. This could include things like obedience training.
Traditional pet care involves providing a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for pets to thrive in. It is important for pet owners to understand the needs and requirements of their specific pets. That way, they'll be able to provide proper care and ensure their well-being.
What Is Exotic Pet Care?
The care requirements of traditional pets are well-known. In contrast, exotic animals can come from a wide variety of species with unique care needs. So, it's important to do thorough research on the specific animal's care requirements.
Exotic animals often require specialized diets. This may include live prey, fruits, or other specific types of food. Traditional pets, on the other hand, typically have a more straightforward diet, such as kibble or canned food.
Exotic animals may require specialized housing, such as a specific temperature or humidity range or even an aquatic environment. Traditional pets usually have more straightforward housing requirements, such as a bed or crate.
Types of Exotic Pets
Depending on the type of exotic pet you have, it might have vastly different care needs.
Reptiles are one of the more common types of exotic pets. These include snakes, lizards, turtles, and tortoises. They are popular pets due to their unique appearance and low maintenance requirements.
You might also have birds. Common options include parrots, macaws, and cockatiels.
Small pets are also an option. This group includes hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets, and chinchillas.
They are often kept in cages and require regular attention and care. You should check in about the legality of the specific pets depending on where you live. It can differ based on what city you live in.
Veterinary Care For Exotic Pets
Exotic animals may require specialized veterinary care from a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals, while traditional pets can be seen by a general veterinarian.
Veterinarians who provide medical care for exotic animals must have specialized training and expertise in the unique health and care needs of these animals.
Like traditional pets, exotic animals require regular check-ups and preventive care.
Exotic animals may require specialized diagnostic testing. This includes things like blood work or imaging to diagnose and treat health issues.
The treatment options for exotic animals may differ from those used for traditional pets. This may include specialized medications, surgical procedures, or alternative therapies.
Exotic animals may be prone to certain health emergencies, such as egg binding in birds or respiratory infections in reptiles. In such cases, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care from an exotic pet veterinarian.
Choose the Right Type of Pet Care Today
There's a lot to know about the differences between traditional and exotic pet care. Hopefully, you now have the information you need to keep your pet healthy.
Are you looking for pet care in the Scarborough area? Contact Amherst Veterinary Hospital today.