I know it is probably hard to picture using oils on reptiles, especially on snakes, but it is something that can be done. My husband and I have recently started using certain oils to help with our snakes, bearded dragon and with cleaning all our reptile tanks and cages (which consist of hognose snakes, bearded dragon, box turtle, gargoyles, peacock days and mourning geckos, frogs and sugar gliders).
My husband and I first off use Fractionated Coconut Oil on our 4 snakes and our bearded dragon when they begin their shedding process. When my husband knows our snakes will about to go into their shedding phase, he will take a small amount of Fractionated Coconut Oil on his hands and then hold the snakes and rubs the oil on their “skin” to help them shed easier. With our bearded dragon, once she starts shedding, we will again place the Fractionated Coconut Oil on our hands and rug her down. The Fractionated Coconut Oil helps their scales to come off easier and helps the snakes and bearded dragon not have any hang ups in the shedding process and prevents any wounds that may be caused due to the hang ups on the skin.
Another oil we use occasionally is Digestive Blend with our bearded dragon in particular. Digestive Blend is good to use when the reptile is having issues with normal bowel movements. When our bearded dragon hasn’t had a bowel movement for a few days, we mix a couple drops of Digestive Blend into a tub of water and place the bearded dragon in the tub to soak. It helps her move what is in her system so she can then release what she needs to.
Other oils that can be helpful with skin imperfections or wounds are Frankincense and Helichrysum. All you do is place the oil on your finger and apply to the skin imperfection or wound. It is recommended to mix both oils with Fractionated Coconut oil to get a better outcome to the skin imperfection or wound.
Also, if you have a reptile that is usually easily irritated or agitated, consider placing Lavender in a diffuser to help calming them. You can also place Lavender on your hands before handling them to give them a more direct contact with the calming oil.
Another thing to consider is mixing Lemon and Wild Orange in your existing cleaning solution that you use for cleaning the reptiles’ tanks and cages. Not only are they fresh and clean oils, they are also natural oils that will not affect the reptile’s senses.
Oils to avoid:
Birch / Black Pepper / Cedarwood / Cinnamon / Clove / Coriander / Eucalyptus / Jasmine / Juniper / Melaleuca / White Fir
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*These claims have not be evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have serious health concerns, consult a doctor- and bring your oils with you! You never know which doctors will be willing to help you take a more natural approach to health care!
