Keep Your Pet Safe and Happy This Holiday Season

For most of our reptile friends, every single day is the same—and they like it that way. From bearded dragons to geckos, reptiles can easily become stressed when their routine changes. They need consistency in their environment in order to be comfortable.

Enter the holidays and everything they bring: unfamiliar people, sights, and sounds. How can you keep your pet reptile safe and comfortable during the holiday season? We have some do’s and don’ts to make the holidays a positive experience.

Do control the noise level in your home. 

Are you hosting a family holiday gathering or a New Year’s Eve party? Consider the noise level in your home and how it might affect your reptile. Find safe ways to buffer the sound or potentially keep the group in an area separate from where your pet’s enclosure is located.

Don’t let your reptile be handled without your supervision. 

Your pet can be easily stressed by unfamiliar faces peering into their tank, let alone hands reaching in to lift them out and handle them. Make sure your guests understand the rules when it concerns interacting with your reptile.

Do make your travel arrangements in advance. 

Whether you plan to take your beardie with you or leave them in the care of a friend, reference this holiday travel guide for our advice. Make your plans early so you can carefully consider every detail when it comes to your reptile’s care.

Don’t let your pet near the holiday decorations. 

From holiday light wires to ribbons and decorative tree branches, there are many potential risks to your pet. Closely monitor your reptile whenever they are out of their enclosure.

Do keep your pet’s diet the same. 

We may enjoy all the holiday treats, but your pet should not. It is not worth allowing your pet to nibble on a cookie if there is even a small chance they could become sick. Stick to your pet’s normal diet of delicious and nutritious feeder insects.

Don’t give a reptile as a gift.  

This should go without saying, but it’s worth the reminder: Introducing a new reptile to your home—or someone else’s—is a significant decision. It should never be done as a surprise, as it requires adequate research and planning. If you want to give a gift to a reptile lover or someone interested in purchasing a reptile pet for their child, consider selecting a book about reptiles or shopping for some of their needed supplies, like decor for the enclosure or cleaning products.

We hope these tips help you and your pet reptile have a safe and happy holiday season.

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