Can your reptile bond with you?

Jill Fanslow

Reptiles are cold-blooded animals, but does that mean they also have cold hearts?

Experts aren’t so sure about reptiles’ ability to bond with humans: “Unlike domesticated dogs and cats, reptiles have retained some primitive characteristics,” says veterinarian Adam Denish of Rowanhurst Animal Hospital in Philadelphia. Elmwood Park Zoo In Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Dr Danish believes reptiles do display emotions, but in limited ways: “Most of a reptile’s life revolves around basic needs: drinking, eating, reproducing and surviving,” he says.

Two of the most obvious emotions are fear and aggression: Snakes, for example, hiss when they feel threatened, and bearded dragons inflate their whiskers, changing the color of their whiskers from light brown to black, when they’re angry or stressed, Dr Danish explains.

Snakes are also known to show excitement and curiosity: “At zoos, we see snakes that are interested in new forms of enrichment, whether that bedding, shelter, or new smells,” says Dr. Denish.

Some reptiles enjoy human contact. Iguanas love to be stroked on the head. Turtles, Reptile food is available.

But what about true human love? That’s harder to prove, says Dr. Danish.

But as long as you feel a connection with your pet, that’s all that matters. The more time you spend caring for your pet, the better it is for both pet and owner. You’ll feel comfortable with each other and the more likely a “bond” will form, whatever that may be.

“There’s no doubt that you can form an amazing bond with a reptile,” says Lorelei Tibbetts, LVT, VTF, a veterinary technician who specializes in exotic pet medicine and is also the hospital manager. Avian and Exotic Animal Medical Center In New York City, “It may not be the same relationship as having a dog or a cat or other types of pet, but it’s no less satisfying. It’s just a different bond.”

People who own reptiles don’t necessarily cuddle them, she explains, but there are other ways you can feel “bonded” with your pet. Try some of these examples:

1. Treat your pets.

Have you ever seen a pet snake let out of its cage? “It wraps itself around your arm. It seems to enjoy your warmth and prefers being outside rather than being confined to a tank,” she says.

Bearded dragons are another animal that loves to be held. According to Tibbets, bearded dragons are fun, easy to interact with, and love to sit on your shoulder.

And many turtles love to have their shells scratched or rubbed, she says — in fact, many turtles will actually squelch into your hand when you pet them — and they might also like having their head or chin stroked.

But remember, just like humans, every pet has its own unique personality. Be careful when handling and caring for reptiles. Watch out for behaviors that indicate aggression or fear. Also, wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling pet reptiles. Reptiles can be SalmonellaIt is a bacterium that can infect humans.

2. Create an interesting habitat.

Spending extra time on setup Reptile habitat“A tank with a bowl inside isn’t enough,” says Tibbetts. “You need to give them things to do: places to hide, places to climb, places to rest. Switch them up every now and then.”

That way, even if your reptile doesn’t like being held or handled, “you’ll enjoy watching them explore their environment and take pride in caring for the beautiful things in your home,” says Tibbetts, which is a special bond in itself.

3. Remove from cage.

You can also take your reptiles outside, but you’ll need to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t run away. “A lot of turtles and tortoises love to be outside. They like to dig.”