How Can I Tell If My Pet Snake Is Healthy?
Reptiles can be highly rewarding pets to keep, but as the owner of a pet snake, it's important to monitor their health to ensure your snake remains happy, healthy, and thriving. Unlike more traditional pets, snakes can be more difficult for owners to determine when they are not feeling well, so it's important for owners to be educated on potential signs of illness and to keep an eye on their behavior, appearance, and environment. Here are some key signs that your pet snake is healthy:
1. Clear, Bright Eyes
Healthy snakes usually have clear, bright eyes. If your snake's eyes appear dull, cloudy, or either bulging or sunken in, it could indicate an underlying issue like an infection, mites, or even a sign of previous poor shedding cycles or impending shedding. While snakes will go
“In blue” before shedding, a process where their eyes will appear cloudy and blue hued, persistent cloudy eyes can be a sign of health concerns.
2. Smooth, Shiny Skin
A healthy snake will have tight skin and uniform scales free from wounds, cuts, or patches of missing scales. A good complete shed cycle (every few weeks to a few months, depending on the species) is a sign of a healthy snake. If your snake has difficulty shedding, this could indicate husbandry issues, nutritional deficiencies, or health problems.
3. Active and Alert Behavior
Snakes are naturally more solitary and less active than mammals, but a healthy snake will still exhibit varying levels of activity depending on their species. If your snake is lethargic or constantly hiding or soaking in their water dish, it could be a sign of mites, stress, illness, or poor husbandry conditions. Monitor for any unusual behavior like excessive hiding, soaking, or refusal to eat.
4. Regular Eating Habits
A healthy snake should eat regularly according to its species' dietary needs and body condition. If your snake refuses food consistently, it may be a sign of health issues, especially when accompanied by weight loss. However, occasional fasting (especially before shedding or after a meal) is normal.
5. Properly Regulated Weight
A healthy snake should have an appropriate body weight for its species and age. You should be able to feel its ribs and spine without them being overly prominent, but the body should not feel excessively bloated or skinny either. Rapid weight loss or gain may indicate a health problem, such as parasites or an underlying infection. Since weight loss can be the first sign of a health issue, it is recommended to weigh your adult snake at least bi weekly to monthly to keep record of their weight so you can catch any potential illness before your snake starts showing symptoms.
6. Properly Formed Droppings and Urate
Healthy snake droppings should be firm, dark brown in color, and not overly watery, with clearly separated urate which should appear clear to white - not yellow and crumbly. If you notice very loose stools, excessively smelly waste, blood in the stool, or a complete lack of stool, it's time to consult a vet. Abnormal droppings can signal digestive issues, infections, impaction, or parasites.
7. Stable Environment
A snake's environment plays a key role in its health. Ensure your snake's enclosure has proper temperature gradients, humidity gradients, and plenty of safe hiding places. If your snake is frequently stressed, excessively active, or suddenly more inactive than usual, it might be a sign of improper habitat conditions.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If you notice any concerning symptoms such as lack of appetite accompanied by weight loss, labored breathing, dull rough looking scales, loss of scales, or sores on the skin, it’s time to consult a reptile vet. Regular check-ups are also a good idea to ensure your snake’s health is on track and to develop a health baseline for your pet
By staying observant and keeping your snake’s habitat clean and comfortable, you can help ensure a long, healthy life for your scaly friend!
