Chapter 09

Diseases & Health

Brumation, parasites, appetite loss, mites, respiratory infection.

Has your hognose stopped eating? Are you worried that your hognose may be sick? Welcome to ReptiFiles’ table of contents for all things hognose snake health. Click on any topic to learn more.

In the wild, a sick or weakened snake is a target for predators, so snakes have become experts at pretending to be well. In captivity, this means that any reptile owner must be extra diligent in order to notice changes that may indicate illness.

  • Weigh your snake weekly – sudden weight loss often indicates illness.
  • Keep a weekly record of weight, feeding habits, behavior, shedding, etc.
  • Prepare a reptile first-aid kit so you won’t be left scrambling if your snake becomes sick or injured.

Disclaimer: I am not a reptile veterinarian nor a reptile health expert. The contents of these pages are to be used as guidelines, not professional medical advice. If you have an emergency, call an experienced reptile veterinarian immediately.

Photo contributed by Zeshan Ashfaq.
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