First things first, just how do you choose a good veterinarian for your reptile bearded dragon lizard friend? The decision of who to choose could be tough yet when a good bearded dragon lizard vet is found, you can rest assured that your reptile will have a healthy life ahead of him.
Although the best person who will determine the vet that is good for your bearded dragon is ultimately you, it is advisable that you know how to appropriately handle and care for your pet so that you yourself will know the veterinarian who will give as much ? if not more ? care for your reptile pet.
The following are clues that could help you know which vet to choose.
See if the doctor is in and talk to the vet
It is best to go to the vet and see for yourself how they practice taking care of your particular reptile. Be aware that not all veterinarians may have seen your bearded dragon lizard. Be aware though if your vet claims to be an expert in such a reptile. There was an actual instance where a vet?s wife blew the her husband?s cover when she casually remarked that she has not seen an iguana for years. Though her husband includes in his advertisement that he is a vet for reptiles. She works as his receptionist.
What training has the vet undergone?
It is always best to find out the kind of training and education your reptile doctor has been through. Are they continuous subscribers to the Journal of Small Exotic Animal Medicine, or at least, do they have copies? How often do they attend conferences on reptile veterinary?
How comfortable are they in handling your bearded dragon lizard?
The first time you meet the vet for your bearded dragon lizard, check to see how comfortable they are in the examination of your pet. How nervous are they? Do they immediately jerk away when the lizard suddenly move?
How good a listener are they? Does the vet take their appropriate time in responding your problems or issues? Are they quick to lead you to the door?
An investment good for your bearded dragon lizard?s life
A trip to the vet is always an investment that will benefit your pet as much as you would. Since most reptiles are considered as animals that belong to the wild, they usually appear as healthy as they possibly could in order to avoid the possibility that they are to be some other animal?s dinner. However, to an untrained eye, a bearded dragon lizard?s state may appear okay when actually it is not.
The state of the lizard called ?crash and burn? is when the reptile seem to appear brightly green and its tail actively whippy. However, the bearded dragon lizard may have already been suffering from the advanced stage of bone metabolic disease.
Believe it or not, when bearded dragon lizards are appropriately cared for, they could actually live for as long as fifteen years up to two decades. Similar to how a dog becomes a member of the family, a bearded dragon lizard ? when appropriately socialized and tamed ? are intelligent and just as domesticated as dogs (though not as cuddly of course).
All in all, a combined awareness as well as a constant checking of the vet you are eyeing to treat your bearded dragon lizard ? and do not forget your gut feel ? results in a choice you and your bearded dragon lizard will definitely be happy.
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