You may allow your pet reptiles to move around the house for enrichment. However, without careful monitoring, some unsuspecting items and areas in the home may do more harm than good. From cleaning agents to escaping through the window, many features and products in your house are detrimental to reptiles. In addition to chemicals and objects, pets and children can injure your cold-blooded companions, too.
To prevent disease, injuries, and irritations, this guide explores the 6 household hazards for pet reptiles.
1. Toxins, Such as Certain Cleaning Agents
Keeping your reptile’s enclosure neat and clean is important, but not all regular cleaning products are safe around these animals. Some of the most common disinfectants in your kitchen, such as bleach, release harsh fumes that cause severe respiratory irritation. Simply put, reptiles should not frequent areas in the home where certain cleaning agents are used. It places them at risk of exposure to chemicals that could cause a veterinary emergency.
Some of the most common products hazardous to reptiles include:
- Paint
- Bleach
- Mothballs
- Perfumes
- Aromatic air fresheners
- Cleaning agents, from floor polish to soap
Avoiding these chemicals will prevent exposing your pets to toxins responsible for respiratory, skin, and other problems.
2. Doors and Windows Offer Opportunities for Escape
Whether you’re relaxing with your ball python or taking it easy with your pet iguana, always keep an eye on their whereabouts. During “free roam” sessions, keep the doors and windows closed. Reptiles are excellent escape artists, and if they find a way to leave the property, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to find them.
Where you have low-hanging curtains, drapes, or shaggy carpets, keep a close eye on pet lizards. These creatures tend to get tangled in cords and threads because of their long and curved nails, resulting in injuries. If you have screens over the windows, keep them down and look for vulnerable spots where pets can get out. These steps could prevent your lizard or snake from escaping.
3. Furniture and Vents Could Cause Injury
Some household hazards for pet reptiles may not seem obvious until your cold-blooded friend is injured or missing. Many herps like to crawl into small and sheltered places because it makes them feel secure. This includes the base of your bed, underneath furniture, inside shoes (for smaller creatures), cupboards, and even the air ducts.
If reptiles go unseen, they can be stepped on, exposed to harsh chemicals, or simply go missing. Many don’t realize that their animals are stuck in a vent, the base of a chair, or inside a cupboard until it is too late. Some animals have escaped through the vent, never to be seen again. It is best to monitor your reptile friends when they’re out of their enclosures to prevent unnecessary injuries or losses.
4. Inherent Features of Bathrooms and Kitchens
In the kitchen, your cold-blooded companion can sustain serious injuries if they’re left to their own devices. They may sustain an injury such as a burn or cut and pass Salmonella onto surfaces and food. Many small lizards have fallen victim to drowning in the sink or pet water bowls, so it’s best to keep them away from these areas. You’ll also want to avoid exposing your reptile companions to foods they cannot digest, including coffee, salt, and sodas.
If your snake or lizard makes their way to the bathroom, they’re at a high risk of drowning. Falling into the toilet bowl or shallow water in the tub will be fatal. Reptiles may find medication in the bathroom or come across cleaning supplies that cause respiratory and skin irritation. As a reptile owner, avoid these mistakes by paying careful attention to your pet’s whereabouts.
5. Other Household Pets Can Harm Reptiles
If you have a cat or dog, never leave your lizard, snake, tortoise, or other herp alone with them. While some dogs appear friendly and tolerant of reptiles, most lizards and other small creatures will get hurt if not monitored.
(A note from the author: My own dogs were caught chewing the shell of a friend’s pet tortoise, but fortunately, they didn’t cause major damage.) Dogs have sharp teeth and nails that can injure the shells of tortoises or the soft skin of a tame lizard or snake. While it might be odd to think of your cat or dog as a household hazard for reptiles, without supervision, they can inflict damage.
6. Small Objects Can Cause Cuts
While walking around the house, your pet iguana or leopard gecko suddenly spots a shiny earring or small button. Before you know it, they’ve just consumed the object, and you’re at a loss as to what to do next. Reptiles don’t ordinarily eat buttons or small items lying about the house, but when they do, it can lead to significant problems, including choking and obstructions.
If you allow pet reptiles to move about the house, close the doors to the bedroom, bathroom, and areas you won’t be frequenting. Whether they are inside or outside your home, remove any small and foreign objects that would be considered choking hazards.
How to Keep Pet Reptiles Safe
Fortunately, you can protect against the six major household hazards for pet reptiles by monitoring them when they’re out of their enclosure. Don’t allow access to the kitchen and bathroom, and watch them as they move about the house.
Avoid using harsh cleaning agents and chemicals around reptiles because it increases the risk of respiratory and skin problems. Instead, you can use natural products such as vinegar and lemon to wipe surfaces. Vinegar can clean smudges on glass surfaces and has some antibacterial properties. Being mindful of these simple solutions to safeguard your pet lizards, snakes, and other herps can help you protect them from unwanted harm.
