Hand Sanitizer?

[Shijadi]

Had a question about how to keep germs from spreading to my gecko and vice versa. It will be a while before I start handling my gecko because I recently bought him, and is only 3-4 months. However, I'm also considering germs that might spread from handling things in the tank, like the water dish or a hide spot. If I use hand sanitizer to keep myself germ free, will it have any harmful effects on my gecko or am I just better off using hand soap and water? And how often to I need to sterilize my hands?

 

[Aimless]

according to our local herp vets, hand sanitizers containing alcohol (like Purell and most of the stuff you see at the store) can be harmful on mucous membranes of reptiles. I would only use quaternary ammonium-based sanitizer, which you can find if you look in drug stores, etc.

however, if you only have one gecko and don't come into contact with other reptiles, you don't have to sterilize your hands before touching him.

I would advise a soap and water wash before and after handling, and that should be more than sufficient.

 

[Shijadi]

Yeah I only have the one gecko. I'm just thinking in instances where I get sick, or if other people would like to eventually hold him. College student living in an apartment suite dorm with 3 other people.

 

[Aimless]

have the other people wash with soap and water too. honestly, it's much more effective and sanitizer should never be a substitute if you have access to water.

if you get sick, your germs are very unlikely to infect your gecko.

 

[Shijadi]

Will do, thanks!