Vet Guide 2025: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Snakes 🐍 by Dr Duncan Houston 🩺

Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc and founder of Ask A Vet. Snakes are often misunderstood creatures—but they hold remarkable secrets. In this 2025 guide, we’ll reveal five fascinating snake facts rooted in their ancient past, unique physiology, and surprising senses. Whether you’re a pet owner or admirer of these slithering reptiles, understanding their mysteries leads to better care and appreciation. Let’s dive in! 🌿

1. 🦖 Ancient Origins – Dinosaurs Were Their Roommates

Snake fossils date back over 140–160 million years, which places early snakes alongside dinosaurs in the Jurassic period :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. That deep lineage explains why they display such a wide variety of adaptations and body forms.

Care tip: Appreciate that even your pet snake carries millions of years of evolution—their needs reflect both ancient survival strategies and modern care standards.

2. 👃 Tongue as Super-Scent Organ

While snakes do have nostrils, their primary sensory tool for detecting prey and surroundings is the forked tongue—delicately sweeping in air particles and delivering them to the vomeronasal (Jacobson’s) organ for processing :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Vet insight: Regular tongue flicking is a sign of a curious, alert snake. Lack of response might warrant a check-up.

3. 🍖 Carnivorous & Whole-Prey Eaters

All snakes are strict carnivores and swallow their prey whole, using expandable jaws and powerful muscles :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Reptile nutrition note: Feed appropriately sized, pre-killed or thawed rodents to reduce risk of injury and stress for your snake :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

4. ❌ Not Slimy—Dry, Smooth Scales

Contrary to popular belief, snakes are not slimy. Instead, their scales are dry, smooth, and often cool to the touch. This keratin-covered surface protects against abrasions and helps with movement :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Handling tip: Don’t overthink scale feel—biosynthetic shedding agents, not lotion, ensure proper molting.

5. 👁️ No Eyelids, Permanent Protective Membrane

Snakes lack eyelids entirely; instead, they have a transparent scale (spectacle) covering each eye, which sheds with them during ecdysis :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. They also lack external ears, detecting sound via internal ear bones and vibrations through their jaw :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Health alert: Retained eye spectacles after shedding could signal issues with humidity or illness—get veterinary guidance promptly.

Why These Facts Matter for Your Snake's Care

• Habitat design: Provide secure spaces where tongue-flick sensing can occur—avoid overstimulation.
• Feeding safety: Frozen-thawed whole prey is best to prevent injuries.
• Humidity management:ers shed properly—and eye shed is a vital health indicator.
• Environmental awareness: Loud noises or vibrations may stress your snake despite no visible ear.

Ask A Vet Support 🩺

Curious if your snake is shedding correctly? Concerned about feeding habits or strange behaviors? The Ask A Vet app connects you with reptile-savvy vets who can review photos, behavior notes, and enclosure setups. Get personalized advice anytime at AskAVet.com 📱

Final Thoughts

These surprising truths—from ancient origins to hidden senses—enhance our understanding and appreciation of snakes. With this knowledge, you’re better equipped to nurture their health and happiness in 2025 and beyond. 🐍🌿

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

📝 Key Takeaways

• Snakes evolved alongside dinosaurs—amazing resilience over 140M years.
• They “smell” with their forked tongue and vomeronasal organ.
• All snakes are carnivores; safely feed whole prey.
• Scales are dry and protective—not slimy.
• No eyelids or external ears—shielded eyes and sensitivity to vibration.

Want printable **shedding logs**, **environmental checklists**, or **feeding schedules** customized by species? Just let me know!