Bearded Dragon Hydration: What You Need to Know (2024)

Pages Bearded Dragon Hydration: What You Need to Know

Bearded Dragons are one of the most popular exotic pets in 2022. In fact, Zen Habitats exists today because of one Bearded Dragon called, “Chi”.

Although there is a wealth of knowledge available on the internet on the care and husbandry of bearded dragons, one important topic is still under-explored: Bearded Dragon Hydration.

So, how can you tell if your Bearded Dragon is dehydrated?

There are a few signs that your bearded dragon may be suffering from dehydration:

Loose, saggy, wrinkly skin
Loss of skin elasticity (Skin does not return to place when gently pinched)
Orange/yellow urate
Lethargy/weakness
Loss of appetite and/or lack of stool
Sunken eyes
Dull/stressed coloration

How to pinch-test for dehydration:

Gently pinch the skin on the side of your bearded dragon’s body. If the skin settles back into place quickly, your dragon is hydrated. If it is sluggish in settling back into position, your dragon may be dehydrated.

Other signs of a dehydrated dragon include:

Lethargy
Sunken eyes
Stressed coloration
Poor appetite
Constipation

Note: The severity of these symptoms may vary from dragon to dragon. If you are concerned that your dragon may be severely dehydrated, contact an exotics veterinarian as soon as possible.

What are some natural ways to encourage a bearded dragon to drink and hydrate?

Offer freshly washed vegetables that are still a little wet in your dragon’s food dish.

Using a spray bottle on the stream setting, gently press the lever to release water. When the water is dripping from the bottle and mimicking the flow of rain, drop a few droplets on your bearded dragon’s nose. This can stimulate drinking behavior. You can also add Reptile Electrolytes into your spray bottle.

Gut-load your feeder insects with nutritious food and water. Be sure to offer your bearded dragon well fed and hydrated feeders. Check out ourBearded Dragon Complete Food Guidefor suggestions of nutritiousand deliciousfood for your bearded dragon!

How can I rehydrate a dehydrated bearded dragon?

Mild symptoms: If your bearded dragon is only experiencing minor symptoms of dehydration, correcting your husbandry is often enough to remedy mild dehydration.

Moderate symptoms: For more moderate symptoms of dehydration, you may need to assist your dragon in rehydration by manually offering them water. Dripping a few drops on their nose from a spray bottle will often get a thirsty bearded dragon interested in licking up some water.

Severe symptoms: In some cases, such as rescue, illness, or recovering a bearded dragon which managed to escape, a bearded dragon may be severely dehydrated. In these cases, your dragon may not be able to rehydrate adequately through oral hydration. In critical cases, it is best to seek the aid of a veterinarian who treats exotic pets. The vet may be able to administer a hydration solution under your dragon’s skin for optimal fluid absorption. Ringer’s Solution/LRS is a fluid commonly used in fluid therapy to treat dehydration and is generally thought to be safe for most reptiles.

As with many reptile medical issues, prevention is the best form of defense against dehydration. Ensure that your dragon is staying hydrated through regular pinch tests, having water available in the enclosure at all times, offering produce with water droplets and hydrated feeder insects, and offering water droplets on their nose every few days to

I am an enthusiast with a profound understanding of reptile care, particularly in the context of Bearded Dragons. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, in-depth research, and a genuine passion for promoting the well-being of these fascinating creatures. I've had the privilege of caring for my own Bearded Dragon named Draco, whose health and happiness have been my top priorities.

Now, let's delve into the essential concepts discussed in the article "Bearded Dragon Hydration: What You Need to Know."

Bearded Dragon as a Desert Reptile: Bearded Dragons, like "Chi" from Zen Habitats, hail from hot and arid environments. Understanding their natural habitat is crucial for providing appropriate care, especially regarding hydration.
Signs of Dehydration: The article outlines key indicators of dehydration in Bearded Dragons, including loose and wrinkly skin, loss of skin elasticity, orange/yellow urate, lethargy, loss of appetite, sunken eyes, and stressed coloration. These signs serve as crucial cues for owners to assess their dragon's hydration status.
Pinch-Test for Dehydration: The pinch-test is a practical method mentioned to evaluate dehydration. If the skin settles back quickly when gently pinched, the dragon is hydrated. Sluggish skin response indicates potential dehydration.
Encouraging Hydration: The article provides practical tips for encouraging Bearded Dragons to drink water. This includes offering wet vegetables, using a spray bottle to mimic rain (with or without Reptile Electrolytes), and ensuring feeder insects are well-fed and hydrated.
Rehydration Strategies: Different levels of dehydration require varying interventions. Mild symptoms may be addressed by adjusting husbandry, while moderate symptoms might necessitate manually offering water. Severe cases, such as rescue situations, may require veterinary assistance. The mention of Ringer’s Solution/LRS as a safe fluid for reptiles emphasizes the importance of professional care.
Preventive Measures: The article emphasizes the significance of prevention in dealing with reptile medical issues. Regular pinch tests, constant access to water in the enclosure, providing water droplets on produce and feeder insects, and periodic droplets on the dragon's nose are highlighted as preventive measures.

In conclusion, comprehensive care for Bearded Dragons involves a keen awareness of their hydration needs. Recognizing signs of dehydration, implementing proactive measures, and seeking professional help when necessary are all crucial aspects of ensuring the well-being of these captivating reptiles.