We see a great number of exotic animals at our hospital. These range from the common chicken to bearded dragons, ferrets, pocket pets like gerbils, hamsters, rats, and all varieties of exotic birds. Each of these pets require a specific diet and proper housing and environment. If you are contemplating the purchase of one of these special animals, please spend some time to determine the best way to provide food and a good place to house these animals. They are not good presents for the holidays. It requires time to properly welcome and provide for these unique pets. You should also know what to expect as these animals mature.
A simple pet like a mouse is a good example. If you get two mice, remember they should not be a male and female, or very shortly you will have dozens of little mice. You say, “OK I will get two males.” Know that males can be aggressive and hurt each other. “Well, let’s get a bearded dragon to live alone.” Remember the proper full spectrum light and feed only the gut fed crickets and know the change in diet from the young dragon to the more mature dragon. And remember to never leave a sick dragon alone with a healthy cricket, because the cricket can eat a nasty hole in the dragon.
These are only a few examples of the hundreds of things you must know about your new pets. This is why we recommend that you never give pets, including dogs and cats, for holiday presents. Take your time to know all you can about the pet you are doing to bring into your family. Set aside a good amount of time to acclimate your new pet to your family. This will pay great dividends as your new pet matures, has good, expected habits, and is healthy for its whole life.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Doctors at your Bay Road Animal Hospitals!
David J. Smith, VMD
Veterinary Technicians
Missy
H
Head CVT
Missy first started at Bay Road Animal Hospital in 2003. She took the last few years off to pursue an interest in a specialty practice but rejoined the Bay Road team in early 2022. Missy received her AS Degree in veterinary technology from Penn Foster in 2013. With her many years of experience and advanced skill set she effortlessly moved up into our Head CVT position in August. When Missy is not working, she loves spending her time training her horses, participating in rodeos and spending time with her family.
Lela began working at Bay Road Animal Hospital in 1984 after she graduated from The University of Florida with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Forest Resource Conservation. While working at Bay Road, Lela received her AS degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. She is a Florida native and lives in Myakka City with her husband, two boys, and many animals.
Daniella joined the Bay Road team in 2018. She started as a veterinary assistant, then moved into a scribe position and is now a veterinary technician assistant. She is currently enrolled in school and working towards being a certified veterinary technician. She loves to provide the customers and patients with the best care and support she can.
Gabby joined the Bay Road team in early 2022 as a veterinary assistant. She recently enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program at Penn Foster and is now working more as a technician assistant to help further her education. Gabby lives on a small farm east of Sarasota and has a variety of pets ranging from dogs, cats and guinea pigs to sheep and goats to even a gecko named Chip. When Gabby is not working or completing schoolwork, she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Missy HHead CVT
Lela WCVT
Daniella L,CVT
Gabby R,CVT
