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Power Loss

Losing electrical power is perhaps the greatest threat to a captive reptile or amphibian's health. Without heat and proper lighting for an extended period, your pet will suffer. If you live in a hurricane or tornado-prone area or another environment where a prolonged power outage is a real possibility, consider investing in a gas-powered generator. You'll sleep better at night.

Injury or Trauma

If your pet somehow sustains an abrasion or laceration, thoroughly clean the wound with povidone iodine or chlohexidine, which you should keep on hand. Then apply some antibiotic cream, which you should also keep on hand, to prevent infection. If the laceration is deep or a skin break becomes infected, take your pet to the veterinarian for care.

If someone grabs your lizard's tail improperly it may fall off. This will leave an open wound. Clean it as you would any other wound. The tail will grow back, but will look different than the original.

Keep an eye on carnivores, which are often bitten or scratched as they prey on live animals. Treat any skin breaks to prevent infection.

A note on heat sources: Many reptiles and amphibians have died as a result of injuries sustained from their heat sources. Heat sources should always be kept outside the terrarium and extreme caution should be exercised when utilizing heat rocks.