Bearded dragons, like all other animals, experience thirst and require water to stay hydrated and healthy. While they get some of their water from food, they also need to drink water. Bearded dragons take in water through their mucus membranes, which can be found in their mouth or vent. It is critical to provide fresh drinking water to your beardie on a daily basis and to monitor how much they drink.
You can also help with hydration by adding humidity to their environment by misting their cage on a regular basis, providing fresh veggies and fruits, and ensuring the air temperature is appropriate for them.
What You'll Learn
Bearded Dragon and Water Intake
Why Bearded Dragons Need Water
Bearded dragons, like other animals, become thirsty and require water to stay healthy and hydrated. They get the majority of their water from their food, but they also require fresh water in their enclosure.
How Bearded Dragons Stay Hydrated
Bearded dragons can take care of their own hydration needs, but they still require assistance from their owners. Bearded dragons get the majority of their water from their food, which is either live food like crickets or plants. They should also have access to water in a small bowl away from the basking light, which can cause the water to become too warm. Giving your pet fresh vegetables and fruits can also help them stay hydrated.
How Much Water Do Bearded Dragons Need?
Bearded dragons require constant access to fresh water and should drink 10-30 ml of water per kilo of bodyweight. While they get the majority of their water from their food, they still require a clean, fresh water source in their enclosure. A water dish, a small bowl or jar can be used and should be changed daily.
Signs of Dehydration
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- Wrinkles and loose skin, sunken eyes, sleeping more than usual, and licking surfaces for moisture are all signs of dehydration.
- If your bearded dragon is drinking a lot of water, he or she may be dehydrated.
- It is critical to keep track of how much water they drink and to provide fresh water on a daily basis.
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Sleeping More
When dehydrated, bearded dragons may sleep more than usual. This is because their bodies are attempting to conserve energy while also reducing water loss. If your bearded dragon is sleeping for an extended period of time, it could be a sign that they are dehydrated and require more water.
Licking Surfaces for Moisture
When a bearded dragon is dehydrated, it may seek moisture in its surroundings. They may begin licking surfaces in their enclosure, such as rocks or branches. If your bearded dragon is still licking surfaces for moisture, consult a veterinarian to ensure there are no underlying health issues.
Drinking a Lot of Water
Bearded dragons will typically drink far more water than usual when dehydrated. This is clearly a good thing. Allow them to drink as much water as they require.
Skin Changes
If you notice that the skin on your bearded dragon is more wrinkled than usual, this could be a sign of dehydration. Furthermore, if the skin appears to be drier than usual, this could be a sign that your bearded dragon needs to be rehydrated.
How to Prevent Dehydration
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- Use a shallow bowl or water dispenser to provide fresh water on a daily basis and to change it on a regular basis.
- By misting the cage, adding a shallow dish of water, or using a humidifier, you can keep proper humidity levels (45-55%).
- For hydration and essential vitamins and minerals, serve fresh vegetables and fruits such as bell peppers, squash, dark leafy greens, mango, papaya, and watermelon.
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Provide Fresh Water Daily
It is critical to provide fresh water to your bearded dragon on a daily basis. This will help to ensure that they are getting the necessary hydration to stay healthy and active. You can use a container with a water dispenser or a shallow bowl of water that is changed daily.
If your dragon is drinking more than usual, you should make more water available to them. Furthermore, if your dragon enjoys soaking in water, you may want to provide a shallow bowl or bath for them to use. Providing clean, fresh water for your bearded dragon is an important part of caring for their health and well-being.
Add Humidity to Their Environment
Bearded dragons require humidity to stay hydrated. Some reptiles, such as snakes, can absorb water through their skin, but bearded dragons do not. As a result, it is critical to provide adequate humidity in their environment. Most bearded dragons prefer a humidity level of 45-55%. It’s also important to have proper ventilation in the tank to keep the air from becoming too humid.
Mist the Cage Regularly
Misting your bearded dragon’s cage on a regular basis is essential for keeping them hydrated. This is especially true in drier climates where the air is less humid than it should be. Mist the cage of your beardie at least once a day, making sure to cover all areas of the cage.
Offer Fresh Veggies and Fruits
Fresh vegetables and fruits are an excellent way to keep your bearded dragon hydrated. Water-rich vegetables such as bell peppers, squash, and dark leafy greens are ideal for your bearded dragon. Fruits like mango, papaya, and watermelon can also help them stay hydrated. As an added bonus, these fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for your pet’s health. Fresh vegetables and fruits can also help stimulate their appetite, which can help them stay hydrated by drinking more water when they eat.
What Causes a Bearded Dragon to Drink Excessively
Bearded dragons may drink excessively for a variety of reasons, including overheating, poor diet, or kidney function issues. Overheating is a common cause of excessive drinking because it can cause dehydration and the need to rehydrate. Inadequate nutrition can also lead to excessive drinking because a lack of vitamins and minerals. Finally, a beardie with kidney problems may drink more water than they should.
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- Bearded dragons do get thirsty and require water to stay healthy and hydrated. They get the majority of their water from their food, but they also require fresh water in their enclosure.
- To keep the bearded dragon hydrated, owners must provide fresh water on a daily basis, add humidity to their environment, and mist their cage on a regular basis.
- A bearded dragon requires 10-30 ml of water per kilo of bodyweight and should have access to water at all times.
- Wrinkles and loose skin, sunken eyes, sleeping more than usual, and licking surfaces for moisture are all signs of dehydration.
- To avoid dehydration, provide fresh water on a daily basis, maintain proper humidity levels, provide fresh vegetables and fruits, and ensure proper ventilation in the cage.
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Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
