How to Groom a Pet Snake

A healthy snake is clean and odorless, so observing the pet's general appearance and behavior while keeping its environment clean may actually be all the grooming that is needed. You may also need to assist when the snake sheds its skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antibacterial cleaner (from a pet store)
• Large extra water dish
• Soft terry cloth towel

Cleaning the Cage

1. Clean the cage once a week. Remove fecal matter by changing the paper or cleaning whatever is being used as a floor covering. Inspect and clean any items in the cage that have become soiled.

2. Wash the water dish carefully and add fresh water. Since snakes may choose to soak in the water dish, keep an eye on the water to see whether it needs to be changed even between weekly cage cleanings.

3. Inspect the cage carefully to be sure no insects or debris remain from the snake's feedings.

4. Give the snake a close visual inspection to be sure there are no spider mites, ticks or possible injuries.

Care During Shedding

5. Observe carefully for signs that shedding is about to begin. Healthy adult snakes shed their skins about once every three months, or about eight times a year. In the days before shedding, the snake's skin begins to appear dull. Its eyes take one a bluish-white tint.

6. Place an extra water dish in the cage to allow the snake an opportunity to soak. Keep it clean, and make sure that it is not so close to any heating unit that it could become uncomfortably hot.

7. Be ready to assist if portions of the old skin fail to shed completely. You can place the snake in a damp towel and gently rub off any bits of skin that have not slid off, particularly those around the eyes.

8. Observe carefully the skin on your pet snake's nose after the shedding is complete. Persistent nosing and bumping to find an escape (typical of most snakes) may cause some damage that needs to be checked by a qualified veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling your pet snake or items in its cage. Snakes can carry salmonella infections that could make you ill.
• Do not use chlorine bleach or other household chemicals to clean your pet snake's cage. Special cage cleaning and disinfecting solutions are available at pet stores.