Salmonella and handling bearded dragons

Salmonella and handling bearded dragons

Is salmonella possible to get from a lizard?

While the possibilities of you being infected with salmonella from your very own pet bearded dragon is extremely slight.  The bearded dragon’s owner really needs to be following a couple guidelines while handling the bearded dragon, to make certain you and the pet dragon remain safe and secure.  Salmonella is a bacteria which is found in the bearded dragon’s fecal matter. When infected feces is not properly cleaned up and is allowed to spread by contact, the salmonella bacteria is occasionally transferred to humans. But on the other hand, a person is more likely to contract salmonella by tainted foods instead of acquiring it from the bearded dragon.  Most human getting salmonella from bearded dragons happens because of a lack of housekeeping within the vivarium and certainly not using proper husbandry abilities.  We will discuss a few typical approaches for safeguarding you as well as your family from salmonella.

Always Keep the vivarium or tank Clean

bearded dragons and salmonella

It is quite crucial for you to keep your bearded dragon’s tank or vivarium as clean as possible. Getting into an once a week cleaning routine.  Clean the glass and any decor components of the terrarium or tank. Use special cleaners which have been designed for cleaning reptile housing as well as disinfecting decor items. On good brand is ZOO MED WIPE OUT 1 TERRARIUM DISINFECTANT.   Zoo Med Wipe-Out 1 is a terrarium and small reptile cage disinfectant, cleaner and deodorizer.  Replace the substrate as it needs it, but always after 30 days. Make sure you get rid of all fecal matter and also leftover greens as well as uneaten crickets as soon as you discover it. Allowing these to sit in your terrarium or tank for lengthy periods can cause bacteria fungus infestations.  Avoid touching the fecal matter you can use a specialized scooper created removing it from any substrate. Paper towels and magazines work well also because can simply be disposed of right away, and are very inexpensive.

Keep your bearded dragon clean!

Give your bearded dragon consistent baths. I use a large Tupperware which he fits in well through a few inches of warm water about once or twice weekly. The greatest time to do this is while you’re cleaning their vivarium. You don’t want to leave your bearded dragon in the vivarium while cleaning, the smells as well as emotional tension could be too much stress for him.  It’s also great for hydrating your bearded dragon.

Washing Your Hands Is Key After Handling the bearded dragon

Wash you hands soon after you have handled your bearded dragon, or perhaps any of his items in its vivarium, using a good anti-bacterial soap.  This definitely will kill any kind of salmonella bacteria that you possibly unknowingly acquired.  Wash the hands, arms, face, as well as any other parts of the body which could have come in contact with the reptile.  Always refrain from touching your face or mouth after holding your bearded dragon and the items in his tank or vivarium!  Using good sanitary tactics when handling the beardie will help greatly in regards to salmonella safety and additionally shelter.

Find a vet if you suspect illness

Remember to bring your bearded dragon to see a skilled reptile veterinarian for routine checkups, much more important if you think he is ill. The vet will check for salmonella presence by performing excrement sample and possibly blood tests.  Salmonella can be associated with sick healthy bearded dragons; however a lizard that is sick may have a higher focus from the bacteria in its gastrointestinal system.  A veterinarian will be able to diagnose the proceedings and additionally prescribe drugs that will help prevent any possible salmonella factors.  It is extremely important to the wellbeing of the bearded dragon, as well as your own health to have this checked if you think he isn’t acting right.

Common sense ideas for Protecting Yourself from Salmonella

Salmonella is certainly not generally contracted via reptiles, but it is important to play it safe to ensure you do not obtain illness. Never permit anyone with lowered immune system functions from a long illness handle a bearded dragon which is thought to have salmonella.  Now I know that bearded dragons are very cute as well as good pets, but I would try to refrain from kissing them if illness is expected. This could be a very quick way to contract salmonella if your dragon has it.  Keeping the bearded dragon clear of the face, especially around the mouth, nose and eyes is probably best also.  Following good husbandry rules and simple housekeeping is definitely an important practice for your wellbeing as well as the wellness and also happiness of the bearded dragon!

the forum for Salmonella and bearded dragons is http://www.petsnparents.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=1334