Tag Archives: oral piercing

Rare Pets: Axolotls

Usually in the Rare Pets column I cover animals that are uncommon pets, but still species of which most readers of heard. Today I’m going to look at a truly rare pet, one some of you might not have known existed until today: the axolotl. The axolotl is a type of salamander, native to Mexico, so in that it’s not an unheard-of pet. It certainly looks like a strange kind of salamander, however, which prompts its common nickname: water dragon. Despite its odd appearance and perhaps off-putting (or for some, encouraging) moniker, however, axolotls can make good pets. Here are … Continue reading →

Why Are Amphibians in Trouble (and What Can You Do?)

Starting on Leap Day, people around the world are celebrating the International Year of the Frog. Experts fear that approximately two thousand species of frog, toad, and salamander are in danger of extinction — many within the next five years if we don’t take action. Why are amphibians in trouble? One main factor is a fungus that comes from South Africa. Here’s how the chytrid fungus became a problem: In the 1930s, scientists discovered that the African clawed frog could be used as a human pregnancy test. Inject the frog with female urine. Within a day, if the frog produced … Continue reading →

Oral Piercings and Oral Health

A piercing in your lip, tongue, or check can come with some health risks. An oral piercing can take as long as two months to heal, so be sure you care for it properly. Here are a few basic care tips: Avoid alcohol while healing. Avoid spicy foods while healing. Avoid hard and/or sticky foods while healing. Don’t smoke or use tobacco products while healing. Brush your teeth after every meal. Rinse with a mouthwash after every meal. Rinse your mouth frequently with warm salt water. Talk to your body piercer and/or dentist if you have any problems. Caring for … Continue reading →

Fire Bellied Newts

Easy to find and easy to care for, fire bellied newts are a great choice for a first amphibian pet. There are two types of fire bellied newts that you may encounter in your local pet shop: Chinese fire bellied newts (Cynops orientalis) and Japanese fire bellied newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster). Both types are dark brown or black on most of the body, with bright orange and red markings on the stomach — hence the name! The Japanese variety has an average length between three and a half and five inches; the Chinese variety is slightly smaller with an average size … Continue reading →

Tank Care For Newts and Salamanders

Salamanders and newts have very porous skin — it makes them very sensitive to changes in environment (just like frogs and other amphibians). If you aren’t careful in your tank care, your pets can become seriously ill or injured. First things first — all tanks need water. Even terrestrial tanks have water trapped in the mossy substrate and/or in shallow pools. Don’t use distilled water to fill your tanks. You can use tap water or rainwater — but either one may need to be treated or left standing to allow chemicals to dissipate. Tap water should be treated with dechlorinating … Continue reading →

Three Types of Tank For Salamanders and Newts

There are three different kinds of environments for your pet salamanders and newts. Like other amphibians, salamanders and newts have sensitive and very porous skin that can make them very sensitive to changes in the environment. Land dwelling salamanders will need a terrestrial style tank. That doesn’t mean your salamander doesn’t need water! The moss used for the tank substrate will provide most of the moisture your salamanders will need. You should also provide a shallow container of water to help maintain humidity — just don’t make the water too deep. Terrestrial salamanders are poor swimmers. Place sticks or stones … Continue reading →

Frogs As Pets

Interested in an amphibian for a pet? Don’t cross frogs off your list just yet. A frog can be a long-lived and interesting pet for your family! Things to consider: Lifespan. With proper care a pet frog can live anywhere from four to fifteen years — and some have lived even longer! You may be taking care of your pet frog for a long time to come; this is not a commitment to take lightly. Habitats. Different types of frog need different types of habitat. Many frogs need semi-aquatic tanks (half land and half water) that are difficult to set … Continue reading →