How to Know if a Newt is Ill

Newts, like other pets, sometimes have health problems. However, because they are small and often solitary pets, diagnosing an illness can be a little complicated. An official diagnosis should be left to a certified veterinarian, but you can help to combat your newt's illness by being able to identify certain symptoms before the illness progresses into something serious.

Instructions

    • 1

      Recall past events that may have led to injury for your newt. Injuries that result in cuts, abrasions and scrapes can be a springboard for illness, as the wound on your newt's body allows bacteria to infect them.

    • 2

      Inspect the newt's skin for burns and fungal diseases. White or red spots and patches on your newt's skin may indicate burns or a fungal infection that needs to be treated.

    • 3

      Note the elasticity of your newt's skin. Wrinkly or overly-soft skin may indicate an abnormal condition.

    • 4

      Look at your newt's legs and feet for signs of swelling.

    • 5

      Watch your newt's behavior. Lethargy, walking impediments and a refusal to eat can signify that your newt is ill.

    • 6

      Quarantine your newt. Separation from other newts ensures a containment of the disease or illness and provides your newt with a safe, controlled space in which to get well.

    • 7

      Use medications, homemade and prescribed, wisely. Newts' skins are very porous and treatment of diseases or illnesses should be done only when considering their sensitivity. Treating a newt for an illness or disease that they do not have, or over-medicating a newt may have disastrous effects.