Exotic Pets™
sponsored by Zoo Med
The show for people interested in pets that slither, hop, creep, fly or swim: from bunnies to iguanas, parrots to ferrets, snakes to tortoises. Information on the physical requirements of these exotic pets and how to manage the often challenging environment and correct diet essential to their welfare.
Co-hosted by Dr. Doug Mader, author of “The Vet at Noah’s Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital,”who is a world-renowned specialist on exotic animals, author of four major veterinary textbooks on reptile and amphibians, and a passionate educator.
Sponsored by:
Also Sponsored by Beaktivity.
Ball Pythons — America's Favorite Snake
#247: Dr. Doug Mader explains that Ball Pythons are such easy pets, especially as a first snake. For one thing, if they get scared they don't get aggressive — they roll up into a ball and tuck their head into the middle ("with the bitey parts out of the way," as Dr Doug puts it.)
How Sick is Your Bird? The Smaller the bird, the Quicker She'll Get Sick
#246: Avian specialist Dr. Jennifer Graham discusses how birds are prone to respiratory disease and are very sensitive to pollutants in the air — which is why they used to keep canaries in coal mines as a bellwether of air quality. If your bird seems "off," she says, Do not wait before going to the veterinarian if your bird shows signs of illness! She also says "the smaller the bird, the quicker they get sick."
Ferrets — the Obligate Hyper-Carnivore
#245: Dr Micah Kohles, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Compana Pet Brands, talks about the specific nutritional needs of rats and ferrets, which are considered "obligate hyper carnivores." They need meat — and lots of it!
Annual Exams for Exotics Are "An Ounce of Prevention"
#244: Dr. Doug Mader, the author of "The Vet at Noah's Ark," explain why an annual exam for exotic pets is so important to catch medical problems early, before they become too costly or life-threatening.
Protect Against RDHV — The Rabbit "Ebola Virus”
#243: Dr. Micah Kohles from Oxbow Animal health discusses how the deadly RDHV virus can have up to a 90% mortality rate in bunnies — therefore the truly life-saving importance of getting the RDHV vaccine for all pet rabbits.
Birds Are Perch Potatoes
#242: Avian veterinarian Dr Jennifer Graham discusses the stewardship of a pet bird and how the inherent problem is that they cannot do their normal behavior, which is to fly! Being sedentary can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems, which as their guardian you need to be aware of and try to mitigate.
Your First Vet Visit with Your Exotic Pet
#241: Dr Micah Kohles, Chief Veterinary Officer with Compana Pet Brands, talks about how to go about planning your first vet visit with an exotic pet to form the beginning of a partnership in its care. You can find a specialized vet at the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians [AEMV], the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) and the Association of Reptile Veterinarians (ARV).
Dr. Doug Dispels the Myth — You CAN be Allergic to Exotic Pets!
#240: Are exotics hypoallergenic? "No, that’s a myth!," Dr. Doug says. Proteins in saliva, urine and feces are what can trigger allergies. These proteins dry — become airborne — and cause reactions in some people with a tendency to allergic reactions.
Little Mammals Need to Forage
#239: Dr. Micah Kohles explains why foraging is a basic need that is essential to the wellbeing of all small mammals, who engage instinctually in this behavior. He describes how to support meaningful foraging activities to provide enrichment to guinea pigs, rats, gerbils and other little pets.
Decisions, Decisions. What Kind of Pet Snake to Get?
#238: Dr. Karen Rosenthal describes the characteristics of a variety of snakes to help people choose the right kind for themselves.