How to Know if a Pet Insect is Sick

Part of taking care of your pet is knowing if it is feeling well. With most animals this is relatively simple since they have physiology somewhat similar to a human. This isn't so with insects. Various species of insects can get different maladies. Most commonly, parasitic nematodes infect pets and cause distress in the alimentary, circulatory, excretory or other systems. After getting to know your pet, there are some rules of thumb for identifying behavior that is not standard.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check your pets droppings for changes in consistency and color. Looser stool could mean your pet is sick, but it could mean a dietary irregularity as well.

2. Watch for loss of appetite or reduced water intake. A regular feeding routine helps to catch this in the early stages.

3. Look out for molting, but don't be invasive.

4. Watch for signs of lethargy in active pets or aggressiveness in normally meek pets.

5. Take heed of unusual activity of other sorts if it seems totally out of place for your pet.

6. Consult a veterinarian. They can help or direct you to someone who can.

Tips & Warnings

• Researching your pet insect is invaluable. Knowing its natural habitat can prevent it from getting exposed to conditions which would affect its physical health and well-being.
• Lethargy, pacing or abnormal aggressiveness can also be signs of inadequate caging.
• Tarantulas molt naturally. If your tarantula becomes lethargic, changes color or refuses to eat, this may be its molting time. Try not to bother the pet and keep its environment a little more humid to facilitate the process.