A bearded dragon that suddenly stops basking or turns away from dinner can leave any reptile owner feeling worried. Scaled pets hide illness well, so small changes in appetite or behavior deserve a closer look from a veterinarian who knows reptiles.
Oakland Park Animal Hospital is a doctor-owned practice in Oakland Park, FL, and our exotic pet care team welcomes reptiles such as bearded dragons, as well as birds and small mammals. We have cared for local families and their pets for nearly four decades, and your pet is our pet from the first visit.
Our hospital opened in 1987 and remains owner-operated, which lets us practice medicine the way we believe it should be done. Our Medical Director, Dr. Spencer L. Ratnoff, leads our personalized approach to care, and he has two bearded dragons of his own.
Because we are not part of a large corporate chain, we can take the time your reptile needs. Dr. Ratnoff answers your questions, explains each recommendation, and works with you as a family. Our wellness exams also give us a healthy baseline, so we can spot changes sooner at future visits. That personal attention is why families keep coming back, generation after generation.
Much of a reptile’s health is decided in the enclosure long before a visit to our exam room. We talk through your setup with you, and these three areas often matter most.
UVB and heat lighting may support your reptile’s appetite, activity, and bone health. Even a small drop in temperature can change how your reptile eats and digests. The right setup depends on the species, so we review your lamps, temperatures, and basking spots together.
Humidity levels and enclosure design can affect your reptile’s skin and breathing. We help you choose a layout that fits your pet, along with cleaning routines and safe handling habits.
A balanced diet looks different for every reptile and may change as your pet grows. We build a nutrition plan around age, species, and activity level, and small adjustments at home often prevent bigger problems down the road.
Reptiles make fascinating companions, and a few smart habits keep your whole household safe. Millions of households in the United States own a reptile or amphibian, so you are in good company. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reptiles and amphibians tend to carry certain germs more often than other pets, even when they look clean and healthy.
The same page recommends washing your hands after handling your reptile, its food, or anything in its habitat, and it encourages routine veterinary care. It also notes children under 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick, so we are happy to talk through extra precautions for your home.
Reptiles are masters at hiding discomfort, so owners often notice small shifts first. A drop in appetite, less time basking, trouble shedding, or changes in stool may mean something is wrong, and early attention may help your pet recover more comfortably.
Trust your instincts when something feels off. You know your pet’s routine better than anyone, and your observations help us decide which exam steps make sense. Bring photos of your enclosure and notes about feeding and shedding to your visit, and we can review your setup together.
We remember how it feels to bring home a new pet and realize how many questions you did not know to ask. New reptile owners often arrive with a dozen questions, from enclosure setup to feeding schedules, and we welcome every one.
Scheduling a wellness visit soon after your new pet comes home gives us a healthy starting point for comparison later. We also care for the other pets in your home, from puppy and kitten care to senior pet care, so your whole family can find consistent, personal care in one place.
Our team has spent nearly four decades earning local families’ trust, and some longtime clients have trusted us with their fifth dog. That same trust follows your reptile, because the doctor who examines your bearded dragon today can know its history at the next visit and the visit after that.
When your reptile needs a closer look, our advanced diagnostics may help us find answers, and we explain each option clearly before moving forward. We also keep costs transparent and offer financing options, including CareCredit, Cherry, and Zoetis Petcare rewards, so you can plan for your pet’s care with confidence. Our approach centers on prevention, which may save you from larger expenses later.
A healthy reptile starts with the right habitat, regular checkups, and a veterinary team you trust. We bring nearly four decades of experience, personalized attention, and a warm family atmosphere to every visit, all guided by Dr. Ratnoff and our compassionate team.
Whether you have a new bearded dragon or a longtime companion, we would be glad to meet your reptile and answer your questions. Please contact our office today to schedule your visit.
Schedule a visit with our compassionate team and let’s partner in your pet’s lifelong well-being.
