Safety Tips for Reptile and Amphibian Pet Owners
For those of you who are not familiar with amphibians or reptiles, here is short list of which is which.
Amphibians include frogs and salamanders. Learn more about amphibians - click here.
Reptiles include crocodiles, alligators, lizards, snakes and turtles. Learn more about reptiles - click here.
Simple, easy and common sense ways to avoid salmonella are as follows:
* Soap and Water - you hear it all the time regarding colds and the flu, but washing your hands can help prevent the spread of salmonella as well. When you come in contact with any reptile or amphibian, their housing, food or feces, you must wash your hands thoroughly. Teach children the importance of hand washing and constantly remind them to wash their hands for safety. It is never too early to teach kids safety tips for these and other pets.
* Be on the lookout for such things as diarrhea, stomach cramps or fever. If a child develops any of those symptoms after handling a reptile or amphibian, call your doctor and inform him that the child had contact with a reptile or amphibian, which ever the case may be.
* Be especially careful with children under the age of 5, as they are more susceptible to salmonella than older children.
* On the opposite end of the spectrum, elderly people should be extremely careful around reptiles or amphibians as well. Many elderly people have a weakened immune system and could easy get salmonella.
We throw around the words 'common sense' a lot, but it applies to so many aspects of life that it fits in many situations. Common sense should always be used when it comes to safety issues of any kind. If you feel you are prepared to own a reptile or amphibian, learn as much as you can about the proper care and handling of them to avoid any health problems for your family, or anyone who comes in contact with them.
Whether your pets include lizards, snakes or frogs, learn and follow proper safety procedures and you will enjoy them for a long time to come.
Source:
Wikipedia.org
Published by Abby Greenhill
Abby is a retired Administrative Assistant. She is a pet lover who has many years experience as a dog owner. She loves to take road trips anywhere up and down the East Coast and tries to stay current on ne... View profile
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24 Comments
Post a CommentI never thought about certain pets spreading salmonella.
As a kid, I kissed reptiles and amphibians and somehow I survived. But I won't do that when I'm a senior citizen. Nice tips!
I try to keep in mind the possibility of salmonella when I help a turtle across the road. Of course, I put the turtle down facing in the same direction in which it was walking. Although I'm not certain of it, I've heard (and it seems reasonable) that if you change the turtle's direction, such as by putting the turtle back on the original side of the road it left, it will try to cross the road again.
Never did have of these around, but good advice for anyone that does.
I never knew one could get salmonella from reptiles, but then again, I try to avoid them. Very interesting article and good information to know!
Nice article for those who love reptiles & such!
Reptiles and amphibian for pets...not for this girlie, girl. :)
Helpful info. What a cute photo.
Good advice!
I like seeing & learning about these creatures but enjoy them most outside....not inside my home! Good advice, Abby. :)