5 Exotic Pet Emergencies You Need to Know About

People who are enthusiastic about nature and animals rarely stop after adopting common pets such as cats and dogs and introduce more unusual animals to their families, reptiles, birds, or small mammals. 

As a matter of fact, in the US, people own around 17.6 million exotic pets, and many of them find these animals interesting and intriguing. However, just the fact that you’re passionate about animals doesn’t mean you should consider adopting them. The thing is that taking care of exotic animals is accompanied by plenty of issues, especially regarding emergent care and midwifery. 

In this article, we’ll discuss 5 emergency conditions often associated with exotic pets and some tips that can be helpful when it comes to paying for exotic pet emergencies.

Paying for Exotic Pet Emergencies

As taking care of exotic pets is rarely an option at home, even for the most experienced animal lovers, emergency services for them often require specialized veterinary care. That’s why it’s essential that people in charge of these pets realize when such disasters are likely to occur and how they can handle them..

After all, paying for exotic pet emergencies is usually related to a lot of expenses. In order to simplify the process, one of the most effective options is to consider applying for loans for pet emergencies. That way, you can prepare for unexpected situations and seek medical care without any stress, in case your exotic pet gets sick.

1. Respiratory Distress

Respiratory ailments can become an emergency for exotic pets, particularly birds and reptiles. Signs that indicate an animal is affected may include slow or choking breathing, noisy breathing sounds, nasal drips, and general tiredness. And if your pet shows any signs of these, it’s the right time to get concerned and take it to the veterinarian as fast as possible. The reason is that respiratory infections are very dangerous and can rapidly become fatal.

The central theme of these narratives revolves around costs, specifically the high costs incurred in emergency veterinary treatments. In such situations, other sources, such as loans for pet medical needs, can be helpful, as these can give your pet the care it needs without a lot of worry about the cost.

2. Trauma and Injuries

Some exotic pets get injured through falls, fights, or mishandling. As a result, it’s natural that they may traumatize themselves and get various types of issues. Some of the specific symptoms include the injured area looking red, swollen, or inflamed, appearing to be painful, and if an animal is limping or has problems using its limbs. Triage may also include splinting and controlling bleeding, which can be important priorities for saving lives.

Either way, remember that once you notice your pet getting a trauma or an injury, you should hurry to take it to a veterinarian, which is crucial to determining its internal injuries or bone fractures and getting the right treatment.

3. Gastrointestinal Issues

Some symptoms of exotic pet illness include stomach-related illnesses that can be prevalent in exotic pets, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Animals may experience variations in bowel movement that might be caused by some simple mistakes in diet, sickness, or other issues related to the body. 

Signs that could indicate the animal’s end is near include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. This is important as such complications worsen easily and a kid may end up being severely dehydrated or developing other complications.

4. Seizures and Neurological Problems

Seizures or other neurological symptoms in exotic pets, such as tremors, disorientation, or paralysis, indicate serious health and neurological problems. This, in turn, means that there are plenty of other signs that make you worry when shown by the animal, including seizures, trembling, disorientation, or paralysis. Some of the reasons for these symptoms may be infectious causes, toxic states, metabolic disorders, or trauma.

If your pet happens to have a seizure, please make sure it is secure from anything that can harm it, such as sharp edges. Then, rush the pet to the vet to diagnose the situation and get recommendations for an appropriate course of action.

5. Heat Stress and Dehydration

Perhaps not surprisingly, exotic pets are sensitive to temperature changes. Therefore, heat and non-unnatural temperatures in their bodies cause a lot of health issues, especially stress. This may end very badly. Some of these include morbid sleeping, dull pupils, dry coats, and open-mouthed breathing. 

Ensure your pet is placed in the right surroundings and feed it, or give it water in case it is dehydrated. In severe conditions, seeking vet assistance is the only way to restore your pet’s health.

Bottom Line

Due to the rarity of exotic pets and checkups, which must be done by professional specialists only, fast and appropriate actions should be taken with exotic pet emergencies. Thus, by being aware of typical emergencies and preparing a schedule ahead of time, pet owners will be able to react properly.