UK reptiles
Reptile Health
Bearded dragons, geckos and snakes — UVB lighting, heating, shedding problems and exotic vet care in the UK.
Quick answer
PETHEALTH+ publishes 12 plain-English reptile health guides for UK owners covering heating, UVB lighting, diet and winter care. Every guide opens with a direct answer and is reviewed against UK veterinary guidance from the PDSA, RSPCA and BVA — information only, not a substitute for seeing your vet.
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What housing do UK pet reptiles need?
A thermogradient with basking spot, appropriate UVB for diurnal species, species-correct humidity, and secure enclosures sized to RSPCA minimum standards. Never use heat rocks — they cause burns.
All 12 reptile guides
Reptile Health
- Bearded Dragon Care in the UK
- Bearded Dragon Not Eating? UK Vet Guide
- Corn Snake Care in the UK
- Leopard Gecko Care in the UK
- Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles (UK)
- Reptile Care in the UK
- Reptile Heating in Winter UK
- Reptile Impaction: UK Signs & Vet Advice
- Reptile Overheating UK
- Reptile Respiratory Infection: UK Guide
- Reptile Shedding Problems: UK Guide
- Tortoise Care in the UK
UK reference sources
We check our guides against publicly available advice from these organisations. Links are for further reading — they do not mean these bodies endorse PETHEALTH+.
Worried about your reptile?
Our free symptom checker gives plain-English triage guidance based on UK veterinary rules — it does not replace a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do reptiles need a specialist vet in the UK?
- Yes. Reptiles need vets experienced in exotic species. Incorrect husbandry (temperature, UVB, humidity) is the leading cause of illness — register with a practice that sees reptiles before you need one.
- What are signs my reptile is unwell?
- Weight loss, retained shed, diarrhoea, mouth rot, lethargy, sunken eyes, or breathing with an open mouth. Any loss of appetite lasting more than a few days needs a vet check.