WAYNE, Pa., June 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radnor Veterinary Hospital is educating pet owners by providing tips and information as it relates to caring for exotic pets such as birds, reptiles and pocket pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. Veterinary clinics treating dogs and cats seem to dot the U.S. landscape; however, not every vet clinic has the expertise and experience to advise owners of exotic pets or treat these less-common household members properly, according to a Wayne, Pennsylvania veterinarian Dr. Leonard Donato.
"Exotic animals have specific pet care needs, including ideal temperature and dietary requirements," says Dr. Leonard Donato of Radnor Veterinary Hospital. "Owners of such pets must not only educate themselves on how to provide proper care, but they must also make sure their veterinarian can provide treatment as well."
Dr. Donato came to Radnor Veterinary Hospital following previous work at the University of Pennsylvania and Rothman Animal Hospital. "I gained a great deal of experience in treating both traditional pets and the more exotic varieties," he says. "Here at Radnor Veterinary Hospital, I've worked with a wide range of animals including sugar gliders, birds, reptiles, and 'pocket pets' such as mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets. In addition to my experience as a small animal vet, I also work with traditional pets like cats and dogs."
Dr. Donato adds that many people who purchase exotic animals don't necessarily know what they're getting into. "We've been conditioned to assume that most pets are easy to care for, because we understand what dogs and cats need," he explains. "So someone who gets a turtle or a rabbit may think that this little creature may need next to no care at all apart from water and some lettuce. However, there are very specific dietary needs that need to be followed, as well as proactive preventative care."
Dr. Donato also points out that some creatures face health threats peculiar to their body type. "For example, snakes usually shed their skin on a regular basis," he says, "but occasionally a skin might refuse to shed completely, and this unshed layer can cut off the blood flow. Canaries and other tiny songbirds are unusually susceptible to airborne chemicals or pollutants."
The vet urges pet owners to learn all they can about an exotic animal before adopting it as a pet. "You should also rely on a vet clinic experienced in dealing with these types of animals," he says. "We not only provide the right kind of pet care -- we can also help you become a better exotic pet owner."
Radnor Veterinary Hospital, a vet clinic in Wayne, Pennsylvania's The Pet Village of Wayne, welcomes both traditional and non-traditional pets for checkups, treatment and pet care advice to owners. The veterinarians offer services including pet dentistry, vaccinations, boarding and dog daycare, pet surgery and emergency care. Their website can be found at http://www.radnorvet.com.