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When thinking of reptiles, the image that comes to the minds of most people can vary from a garter snake slithering through the grass to lizards of Jurassic proportions roaming the earth. The idea of bonding with such creatures may seem creepy, or even impossible, yet some people insist that their reptiles know them and enjoy being with them. Can reptiles feel or portray emotions?

Generally, reptiles do demonstrate basic emotions. According to Dr. Sharman Hoppes, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the main two are fear and aggression, but they may also demonstrate pleasure when stroked or when offered food.

“A snake that is feeling aggressive may warn you with a hiss,” states Dr. Hoppes. “This can occur when you are forcing your attention on the snake, and if you persist, they may strike out. Typically snakes hiss or coil when they are feeling hostile, but most pet snakes are not aggressive animals unless threatened.”

A reptile that is feeling fear may simply try to get away, but it can also exhibit actions similar to aggression. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep handling sessions with a new reptile to a minimum until it gets used to you. Otherwise, you may scare it into striking at you, a perceived threat. It is better to have a good session without upsetting the animal that lasts two minutes than a longer session trying to force a reptile to accept you.

A more controversial emotion in reptiles is the concept of pleasure, or even love.  Many feel that they have not developed this emotion, as it does not naturally benefit them. However, most reptiles do seem to recognize people who frequently handle and feed them.

“I don’t know if it is love,” says Dr. Hoppes, “but lizards and tortoises appear to like some people more than others. They also seem to show the most emotions, as many lizards do appear to show pleasure when being stroked.”

Another interesting fact is that while many reptiles lay their eggs and then leave their young to fend for themselves, some, such as prehensile-tailed skinks, form family groups and protect their young. Female alligators also stay with their young and will guard them for up to six months, teaching them survival skills and vocalizing with them through a series of grunts. Whether this is due to a survival instinct or concern for their individual offspring is unknown.

When it comes to interactions with humans, some reptiles do seem to enjoy their company. A tortoise that enjoys being petted might stick its neck out or close it eyes and become still and calm during the interaction. The same is true of lizards.

“Some reptiles do appear to enjoy human contact,” adds Dr. Hoppes, “especially when food is offered. Many will respond to feeding times, coming to certain people they associate with food. And certainly most iguanas prefer certain people over others.”

Iguanas have individual personalities that can vary from tranquil and laid-back to aggressive and dominating. The latter can be very difficult to live with and care for. The more calm iguanas, however, tend to bond with their person but may only endure handling by that individual. It is the rare iguana who is social with strangers.

Many reptile owners believe that their personal reptiles do recognize the good intentions they have towards them. Others deem that their cold-blooded dependents only tolerate them when they have to and would prefer to be left alone. By careful observation and handling of your reptiles, you can determine which are more social and which may not be quite so impressed with having a human as a best friend.

ABOUT PET TALK

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

Suggestions for future topics may be directed to cvmtoday@cvm.tamu.edu.

In the good old summertime ….. it’s just plain old hot!  For equestrian riding enthusiasts this may necessitate paying extra attention to your horse’s physical needs and changing your riding habits.

“Heat related illness such as heat stress can quickly become heat exhaustion if preventive measures are not taken,” notes Dr. Glennon Mays, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Hot humid weather combined with over exertion and fluid loss can lead to heat stress.  Signs of heat stress include dehydration, elevated body temperature, excessive sweating or no sweating, accelerated heart and respiratory rates, and sluggishness, says Mays.

“To check for dehydration, use your forefinger and thumb to pinch and pull the skin on the side of your horse’s neck; it should snap back in place when released.  If the skin is slow to form to the neck again your horse is dehydrated,” explains Mays.

A horse’s normal body temperature range is 99 to 101 degrees F; body temperature above 103 F is cause for concern since 104 F and greater generally require medical attention.  Additionally, you should be aware of your horse’s pulse and respiration rates.  Normal equine resting pulse rate is 32-44 beats per minute and respiration rate is usually 8-16 breaths per minute, notes Mays.

In addition to checking vital signs, you can help your horse avoid heat stress this summer by providing clean fresh water, good ventilation and shade.  Also, ride in the early morning or late evening when outdoor temperatures are cooler, suggests Mays.

“Adequate water intake is critical.  An average size horse needs about 10 gallons of fresh water per day. In the summertime, a physically active adult horse may consume more than 20 gallons of water daily,” notes Mays. “Water loss from sweating also means that electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium) are lost and these need to be replaced after exercising.  Free access to minerals and salt will help your horse maintain its electrolyte balance.  Your veterinarian can advise you with instructions on ways to mix electrolytes into your horse’s water or feed.”

Your horse’s stall should be well ventilated with good air circulation.  Regular fans help circulate air inside the building.  Be sure that fans and electrical cords are out of your horse’s reach and safely distanced from water sources, cautions Mays.  For pastured horses, provide shade via trees or loafing sheds.

During and after physical activity, your horse moves warm interior blood through veins and into capillaries at the skin’s surface, explains Mays.  When the skin of your horse is cooled this surface blood is cooled also and thus the body temperature of your horse decreases.  A cool water bath will help your overheated horse dissipate excess heat faster.  The water conducts the heat from the surface of the horse and water evaporation from the skin cools your horse’s body.  Standing the horse in cool water also helps to dissipate heat through the hooves.

Heat related illness can be a very serious condition for your horse and should not be taken casually, cautions Mays.  A well-informed horse owner is capable of preventing overheating from occurring when he/she knows the signs of heat stress and what care to provide..

In the good old summertime continue to ride your horse, but be aware of the signs of heat stress.  Tailor you riding time to humidity and temperature conditions.  Provide ample fresh clean water and additional sources of electrolytes.  Set up fans to help circulate air around your horse.  Also, remember the rider exposes him/herself to potential heat-related issues.  Take appropriate precautions for yourself as well!

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Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.  Suggestions for future topics may be directed to cvmtoday@cvm.tamu.edu.

Minutes can mean the difference between life and death when an emergency arises, and a walk around the block or a hike through the woods may be dangerous or even prove fatal if you lack the right knowledge to care for a pet in an emergency situation.

Dr. Sonya Gordon, associate professor at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences gives pet owners some helpful tips on taking care of an animal when time is limited.

There are many every day activities that can be hazardous for pets if the right action is not quickly taken. One of the most common emergency situations is when an animal is involved in a car accident. Any time an animal collides with a motorized vehicle, it should be taken immediately to a veterinarian, even for what appears to be minor bumps and bruises.

“Dogs and cats do not have the ability to tell us where it hurts and there may be internal problems that cannot be noticed by the owner,” said Gordon.

When the damage caused by an accident leaves the pet immobile, Gordon suggests using a large towel or heavy blanket held tightly to simulate a stretcher to carry the animal. Never pick up an injured animal and hold it unless it is very small and can be sufficiently restrained.

It is important to be careful when working around injured animals that are in pain because they may accidentally bite or become aggressive even toward their owner.

Remember to keep the pet warm and use clean fabric like a towel, a bandage, or a T-shirt to cover any open wounds. This will help keep the wound clean and allow the blood to clot to help limit bleeding.

If there is profuse bleeding from a wound, firmly apply a clean towel or some other fabric to the area and apply continuous pressure.

“It is best not to use a tourniquet, but if one is applied, release it every ten minutes,” Gordon added.

Danger can also occur on routine hiking and camping trips and immediate veterinary care may not be available. If a pet receives an open wound during the journey, use clean tepid water to cleanse the area. Dishwashing liquid, detergents, astringents, and alcohol are too abrasive for use on open wounds and can actually cause additional damage to the tissue.

A veterinarian should treat any infections that arise. Gordon advises against administering any human pain relievers or other medications to an animal unless directed by a veterinarian because many human drugs are not safe for animals and can lead to severe complications such as ulcers, liver failure or even death.

While exploring the great outdoors, be wary of snakes. If an owner suspects a pet has been bitten by a venomous snake, examine the animal closely and try to identify the location of the bite, and if possible, the type of snake (take a picture with your phone if possible). This information is extremely helpful to the veterinarian when deciding how to care for the pet.

Face and neck bites are by far the most serious, and require immediate veterinary care because severe swelling in this area can cause difficulty breathing.

“Ice packs will help control the swelling and blood vessel dilation that allows the venom to spread,” said Gordon.

Lakes and the ocean can present problems if a pet falls in and is not a strong swimmer. It is best to purchase a lifejacket for your animal to wear when participating in water activities such as boating.

“Most lifejackets come with a handle on the back allowing the owner to pick up the animal safely and easily from the water if it falls in,” Gordon noted.

If traveling to a natural setting, especially during the summer months, it is best to bring a lot of water as well as a leash even if the pet is well trained to verbal commands.

“Pets and humans both require a lot of water and leashes provide important restraint in case an owner needs to control their pet in a dangerous situation,” said Gordon.

Gordon explained that dangerous situations can arise outdoors but also inside a house. Hazardous chemicals and all medications should be kept out of reach at all times.

“Pets are like young children and the same precautions should be taken with both,” advised Gordon.

Being aware of potential dangerous situations and keeping man’s best friend in mind when emergency strikes is an important part of being a pet owner, and a special way of reciprocating the love that they provide every day.

About Pet Talk

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu