In October of 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a study entitled Exposure to Nontraditional Pets at Home and to Animals in Public Settings: Risks to Children (by Larry K. Pickering, MD, Nina Marano, DVM, MPH, Joseph A. Bocchini, MD, Frederick J. Angulo, DVM, PhD and the Committee on Infectious Diseases).

This study, and the focus of subsequent news coverage, could be a bit scary for exotic pet owners with kids, but it is important to have some perspective about the risks.

Related Reading:

• Are Exotic Pets Good for Kids?
• Top 7 Exotic Pets for Kids

Photo: Ventura, Loki and Ace - Pet Rats © by Lianne McLeod DVM

The fennec fox is the world's smallest wild canine, with adults usually weighing in under four pounds, although they have amazingly large ears.

They make good pets, although they are quite active and curious, and in some ways are like a very small dog. Find out more about fennec foxes in this profile.

Also See: Fennec Fox Photos

The decision to adopt a pet - any pet - requires consideration and thought. How long is the expected lifespan? What are expected veterinary costs per year? How much will this pet eat, and what type of food? Where will this pet be housed and exercised? The answers help shape decisions to find the best pet for your lifestyle.

The decision to adopt or purchase an exotic pet involves asking all of the above questions and quite a few more. Two top considerations, according to author Lianne McLeod DVM, question the motivation to own an exotic pet and to make sure that the pet is legal to have where you live.

Read more about choosing the right exotic pet for you.

Photo: Giant African Millepede by Lianne McLeod DVM

From Lianne McLeod DVM: Did you know that most rabbits take pretty well to litter training? Litter training not only helps keep the cage cleaner but makes it possible to have them out and about with less mess.

My rabbit Specky had a decent track record with litter training, though I didn't work as hard at it as I could have (that's him on the right sitting in his empty box at cleaning time).

In general, it's best not to expect perfection from your bunny in this department, but if you put in the effort, you and your bunny should be able to get close. Big exception: if your rabbit isn't spayed or neutered , retaining litter training beyond puberty will be much more difficult. The process of litter training does take a bit of patience as explained in "Litter Training Rabbits."

More: Top Ten Alternatives to Cedar and Pine Shavings - this list provides some ideas for what to use in your rabbit's litter box.

Photo © Lianne McLeod DVM

Many reptiles have very specific need when it comes to heat and light. Meeting these needs is essential to keeping these pets healthy, so it is important to understand why heat and light are so important.

Heat: Being ectothermic ("cold-blooded" - although they need warm temperatures) they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperature.

Light: Ultraviolet light (UV) is important in the production of vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium metabolism. Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin with exposure to UV light (from sunlight).

While vitamin D3 can be supplemented in the diet, it appears some reptiles, such as iguanas, make better use of vitamin D3 produced within their bodies than that provided in vitamin supplements.

Learn more: heat and light needs for reptiles

Photo: Veiled Chameleon by Lianne McLeod DVM

From the About.com Veterinary Medicine site: A news station in Hastings, Nebraska (KHAS) has reported that Stormy the ferret, one of four ferrets in a family of humans sick with the flu, has died from the H1N1 virus.
Read full post

This is Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM, the Guide to Veterinary Medicine at About.com. I am guest blogging on this site as we search for a new Exotic Pets Guide.

Are you a veterinary professional who has what it takes? Please see our Be A Guide Page under "exotic pets" to see if you qualify.

Photo: Burt the Ferret by GenGlo on Flickr. Used with permission.

Fireflies (lightning bugs) are such neat insects. However, feeding them to reptiles and amphibians is not recommended -- they are known to be very toxic to bearded dragons and toxicity has been seen in other reptiles and amphibians, too.

Also avoid feeding the larval forms (sometimes called glow worms). The chemical that gives these bugs the ability to glow so wonderfully is apparently what makes them toxic. Read more...

Many cages marketed for guinea pigs are really much too small, especially considering guinea pigs are social and do best if kept in pairs or groups. The proper cage size and other items you'll need to house guinea pigs are covered in "Cages for Guinea Pigs."

The great thing about guinea pigs is that they are not escape artists, so it is easy to make a homemade cage that is safe and very roomy.

Also see: Guinea Pig Care Guide

Photo: Guinea Pig by Lianne McLeod DVM

There is a wide variety of lizards available in the pet trade, but it is very important to know what you are getting into. Sadly, many people end up with pet lizards without being given proper instructions about their care, or an idea of how complicated and expensive the proper care can be. Read more...

Hello from the About.com Veterinary Medicine Guide. My name is Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM and I will be helping out on the Exotic Pets blog until we find a new person for the job.

Are you a veterinary professional with expertise in exotic pets? Please visit our Be A Guide page, find Exotic Pets in the list, and check out the Guide qualifications for the Exotic Pets site and information about applying.

Ferrets in the News
The first case of H1N1 infection, formerly called swine flu, in a ferret has been reported by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).

Read the full post on this story and see related news articles about ferrets and other species susceptible to the H1N1 flu.

Photo: Burt the Ferret © Julianne at FURSrescue