Reptiles have specific health and husbandry needs, and even small changes in their environment can affect their well-being. Reliable guidance from your vet is an important part of caring for snakes, lizards, turtles and other reptiles. We help reptile owners understand their pet reptile’s needs and recognise signs early when they may need veterinary care.
Please note: In Victoria, some reptiles require a permit to keep; you can check current requirements through the state’s permit guidelines.
New reptile pet exams
Reptile health concerns can present as subtle changes or not at all, showing up later in life as chronic illness. Health problems are commonly attributed to or exacerbated by husbandry and environmental factors. Bringing your new pet in for a consult early on is an important step to establish a baseline for normal and to discuss how best to keep your pet healthy and happy.
This initial consult will consist of a general health exam and an in-depth discussion of your pet’s needs. Our exotic vets will provide you with professional advice on setting up your new pet’s home, providing the ideal diet for the age and species and any preventative steps you can take to ensure your new pet remains healthy.
This is a great time for you to ask all your questions and raise any concerns you might have about your new pet ownership.
Why regular reptile health checks are important
Reptiles often hide signs of illness until a condition becomes advanced. Regular health checks with a reptile vet help ensure your pet’s habitat, diet, and environment are supporting their needs.
Preventing illness before it becomes serious
Many reptile illnesses develop gradually, and early signs can be easy to miss. Subtle changes such as reduced appetite, quieter behaviour, altered movement or problems with shedding are often the first indicators of health issues in snakes and lizards. A reptile veterinarian can assess these signs, identify underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment so they can thrive.
If you suspect your pet reptile is sick or their condition worsens quickly, it’s important to seek advice as soon as you can. Our team can guide you through what to do next and arrange an urgent assessment with a reptile vet, if required.
The role of nutrition and habitat in reptile health
Nutrition, temperature, humidity and lighting all play a major role in reptile wellbeing. Incorrect husbandry is one of the most common causes of illness in exotic pets. During your visit, our exotic pet vet will talk through how you have set up your pet’s enclosure, diet, and environmental needs to support their long-term health. These are key aspects of responsible exotic pet care.
For owners wanting to deepen their understanding of reptile husbandry and species‑specific needs, the Australian Herpetological Society offers reliable educational resources. Our vets are also happy to speak to you before you decide on a reptile pet to help you work out which species will be the best suited to your lifestyle.
What happens during a reptile health check?
A reptile health check with our team will be tailored to your species of pet and their needs, which may include:
- A full physical examination
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Review of habitat, heating, UVB lighting and humidity
- Nutrition and feeding advice
- Discussion of behaviour, shedding and handling
- Diagnostic tests, if needed
When to see a reptile vet
We generally recommend a check-up with the vet every 6-12 months for reptiles, as they can be masters at disguising illnesses. If you notice changes in your reptile’s behaviour, appetite or appearance, it’s a good idea to arrange a check‑up with a reptile vet. Reptiles often show only subtle signs when something is wrong, so early intervention is an important part of responsible reptile pet care and exotic pet care.
For general husbandry advice and species‑specific care information, you can also explore our resource: Guide to reptile pet care.
Common reptile illnesses and symptoms
Reptiles can experience a range of health issues, and our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions that commonly affect snakes, turtles and lizards, such as:
- Respiratory infections
- Parasites
- Shedding difficulties
- Shell rot
- Mouth infections
- Nutritional problems
- Burns or injuries
- Reproductive concerns
Signs of illness may include wheezing, open-mouth breathing, swelling, weight loss, retained shed, or changes in posture or movement. If you have a reptile pet such as a snake, turtle or lizard, an exotic pet vet can help assess these symptoms and recommend appropriate care.
Warning signs that require urgent care
Contact a vet immediately if your reptile shows:
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Sudden collapse or extreme lethargy
- Significant wounds or burns
- Rapid weight loss
- Neurological signs (tremors, loss of balance)
These may indicate a serious condition requiring urgent assessment by a reptile veterinarian.
Finding a qualified reptile or exotic pet vet
Reptiles benefit from veterinary care that recognises their unique biology and environmental needs. A vet experienced with exotic species can assess subtle symptoms, review habitat setup and provide treatment tailored to snakes, lizards and turtles.
Lort Smith offers this level of care through our Exotic and Unusual Pet department at our North Melbourne hospital, where our clinicians regularly work with a wide range of reptile species.
Why choose Lort Smith for reptile and exotic pet care
Lort Smith Animal Hospital in North Melbourne has a dedicated Exotic and Unusual Pet department, designed specifically for reptiles and other non‑traditional pets. Here, we have a team of vets and vet nurses with experience in reptile medicine. This purpose‑built space allows our vets to examine and treat snakes, lizards and turtles away from other animals, in an environment that supports their unique needs.
You can learn more about our Exotic and Unusual Pet department and the services we provide here.
Our reptile and exotic pet services
We offer a wide range of services for reptiles and exotic pets, including:
- Health checks and consultations
- Diagnostics and imaging
- Standard and complex surgeries
- Treatment for illness and injury
- Nutrition and husbandry advice
- Support for snakes, lizards, turtles, birds, wildlife, pocket pets and more
Our veterinarians work closely with our broader clinical team to ensure your pet receives high‑quality, coordinated care.
Book a reptile vet consultation today
If you’re looking for support and advice for your pet reptile, we are here to help. Book a consultation with our exotic and unusual pet vet today.