1.)  Check your reptile's cage.  Make sure the temperature and humidity range is adequate for your pet.  Remove any materials and substrate that could be toxic or harmful to your pet, or that might cause unhygienic conditions, such as uneaten food and droppings.

 

2.)  Examine the animal and evaluate its physical condition.  Learn what is normal for its age and species, and for your individual reptile; and pay attention to any abrupt changes.  Check for problems with respiration, discharge from the nose and mouth, and skin discoloration, wounds or other abnormalities.  If necessary, open teh animal's mouth and check for healthy color.

 

3.)Look carefully for mites or other external parasites, especially near the vent and in the folds of skin around the ears and legs.  You may wish to use a magnifying glass.

 

4.) Check the animal's stool for parasites or other abnormalities.  You should familiarize yourself with what a normal, healthy dropping looks like, so you can recognize any aberration.

 

5.)  Know what is normal behavior for your animal.  Pay attention to its eating, sleeping and locomotion habits, and note when any changes occur.

Most of the problems you will encounter, such as mites or a dirty cage, can be solved quickly and at home.  But if you discover any warning signs of a more serious health problem, seek expert advice and treatment right away.  The longer you delay, the worse your pet's chances of recover.