Quick Answer
Yes, bearded dragons can become dehydrated if they do not receive enough water. Dehydration can be dangerous and even fatal for bearded dragons, so it’s important for owners to provide adequate hydration.
Overview of Bearded Dragon Dehydration
Bearded dragons are susceptible to dehydration for a few key reasons:
- They originate from arid environments and have adapted to conserve water.
- Their kidneys are designed to concentrate urine to prevent water loss.
- They get most of their hydration from their food rather than drinking water.
In the wild, bearded dragons get moisture from eating juicy plant matter like fruits and flowers. But in captivity, their diet is often drier, consisting of vegetables, greens, and insects. This puts pet bearded dragons at risk of dehydration if their water needs aren’t met.
Some signs that a bearded dragon may be dehydrated include:
- Sunken eyes
- Skin that lacks elasticity and remains “tented” when gently pinched and released
- Wrinkled skin
- Lethargy and weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
Mild dehydration can usually be reversed by increasing water intake. But severe, chronic dehydration can cause serious health issues for bearded dragons.
Causes of Dehydration in Bearded Dragons
There are several potential causes of dehydration in pet bearded dragons:
Inadequate Drinking Water
Bearded dragons often don’t recognize standing water as a water source. It’s important to mist vegetables daily to increase moisture content. You can also mist your bearded dragon’s snout to encourage drinking.
Provide fresh, clean water in a shallow bowl daily. Position it near a basking spot so your bearded dragon drinks when warm. Change water regularly.
Low Humidity
Humidity in a bearded dragon’s habitat should range from 30-40%. Low humidity can contribute to dehydration. Increase humidity by misting the tank 1-2 times per day. Provide a large, shallow water bowl. Place damp sphagnum moss in hides.
Excessive Heat
High temperatures can cause bearded dragons to lose more moisture through their skin and breathing. Make sure the warm side of the tank is 88-100°F and the cool side is 70-85°F. Provide adequate shade and cool hides.
Medical Conditions
Certain illnesses can cause increased fluid loss in bearded dragons. Parasites, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and mouth rot can all contribute to dehydration. Have your bearded dragon examined by an exotic vet if illness is suspected.
Improper Diet
A poor diet that lacks moisture can lead to dehydration. Feed fresh greens and fruits high in water content. Avoid too many dry foods like pellets. Gut load feeder insects with hydrating fruits/veggies before feeding them to your bearded dragon.
Substrate
Absorbent substrates like sand can draw moisture away from a bearded dragon’s body as they move across it. Use a substrate like reptile carpet or paper towels to prevent dehydration.
Preventing Dehydration in Bearded Dragons
Here are some tips to keep your bearded dragon hydrated:
- Provide fresh water changed daily in a shallow bowl.
- Mist veggies to increase moisture. Feed hydrating fruits & veggies like bell peppers, squash, melon, berries, and greens.
- Use a hygrometer to maintain 30-40% humidity.
- Regularly mist your bearded dragon’s snout and tank.
- Soak your bearded dragon in lukewarm water 10-20 minutes 2-3 times per week.
- Use the proper temperature gradient and basking temperatures.
- House your bearded dragon on paper towels, reptile carpet, or tile substrate rather than sand.
- Take your bearded dragon to an exotic vet for wellness checks and if illness is suspected.
Monitoring your bearded dragon’s hydration levels and making adjustments as needed is key to keeping your pet healthy.
Signs of Dehydration in Bearded Dragons
It’s important to recognize the signs of dehydration in bearded dragons early so you can take steps to increase hydration before it becomes severe. Here are some telltale signs your bearded dragon may be dehydrated:
Sunken Eyes
One of the most obvious signs of dehydration in bearded dragons are sunken, wrinkled eyes as the eyeballs lose support from the surrounding fluids.
Skin Tenting
Dehydrated skin loses elasticity. Gently pinch and release the skin on your bearded dragon’s back or legs. If the skin is dehydrated, it will remain elevated or “tented” instead of snapping back flat.
Wrinkled Skin
You may notice winkles and folds in your bearded dragon’s skin if they are dehydrated, especially around their legs and neck. Skin may appear flaky as well.
Lethargy
A dehydrated bearded dragon may act tired, inactive, or sleepy. They may not move around the tank as much or be as alert as usual.
Reduced Appetite
Appetite typically decreases when a bearded dragon is dehydrated. This compounds the problem, as they take in less food and moisture.
Constipation
Well-hydrated feces should be firm and well-formed. Constipation from dehydration causes feces to be dry and hard. Urates may also stick to the feces.
Other Symptoms
Weight loss, dark and scanty urates, dry shed, thick saliva, and sunken sides over the hips/legs can also indicate dehydration.
If your bearded dragon is showing any signs of dehydration, contact your exotic vet right away for an evaluation. Mild cases can usually be treated at home with increased hydration. More severe dehydration requires immediate veterinary treatment with intravenous or subcutaneous fluids.
Treating Dehydration in Bearded Dragons
Here are some methods for treating a mildly dehydrated bearded dragon at home:
Provide More Drinking Water
Change your bearded dragon’s water bowl 2-3 times daily and mist vegetables with water to increase moisture intake. You can also mist your bearded dragon’s snout to encourage drinking.
Increase Humidity
Boost the humidity in your bearded dragon’s tank to 35-45%. Mist the tank 1-3 times per day and place damp moss hides.
Adjust Temperatures
Make sure your bearded dragon’s basking area is not too hot (88-100°F) and the overall temperature gradient in the tank is correct.
Soak in Lukewarm Water
Soak your bearded dragon in shallow, lukewarm water for 10-20 minutes 2-3 times per day. Do not submerge the head.
Offer High-Moisture Foods
Feed greens, fruits, and veggies with a high water content like cilantro, bell peppers, squash, and melon. Gut load insects with hydrating foods before feeding them.
Oral Hydration Products
You can use specially formulated powders and gels for reptiles that provide electrolytes and fluids. Add them to your bearded dragon’s drinking water according to product instructions. Consult your exotic vet before use.
Medical Treatment
For severe dehydration, your exotic vet may administer subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. Hospitalization for fluid therapy may be required in life-threatening cases.
With prompt treatment at home or professional medical care as needed, most mildly dehydrated bearded dragons make a full recovery. Prevent future dehydration incidents by optimizing their habitat, hydration, and diet. Monitor for any signs of recurring dehydration.
Preventing Dehydration in Baby Bearded Dragons
Baby and juvenile bearded dragons under 1 year old are especially prone to dehydration. Here are some tips for keeping them well-hydrated:
- Provide fresh water changed 2-3 times daily.
- Mist your baby dragon’s greens and vegetables daily.
- Soak for 5-10 minutes in shallow, lukewarm water 1-2 times per day.
- Boost tank humidity to 40-50%.
- Feed juicy fruits like berries, melon, grapes, and oranges.
- Choose vegetables with high water content like bell peppers, squash, cucumber, and zucchini.
- Gut load feeder insects with moisture-rich foods.
- Use paper towel or reptile carpet substrate.
- Avoid excess heat over 105°F basking spot.
Baby dragons have higher hydration needs that are easily overlooked. Stick to a regimen of misting, soaking, proper lighting/heating, and diet to keep your baby bearded dragon hydrated.
Can Dehydration Be Fatal for Bearded Dragons?
Yes, dehydration can be fatal for bearded dragons if left untreated. Here’s an overview of how severe dehydration impacts bearded dragons:
- Electrolyte imbalances can cause heart, nerve, and muscle abnormalities.
- Lack of fluids causes the blood to thicken, forcing the heart to work harder to pump it through the body.
- Organs like the kidneys and liver may start to fail without adequate fluid.
- The digestive system is disrupted, causing problems with digestion and constipation.
- Dehydration stresses the body, depresssing the immune system and increasing risk of sepsis.
- Without treatment, severe dehydration ultimately results in shock, organ failure, and death.
Mild cases resolve with increased hydration. But if dehydration progresses to the point of causing systemic organ failure, it can quickly become fatal without veterinary intervention.
Bearded dragon owners should watch closely for early signs of dehydration like sunken eyes and wrinkled skin. Seek exotic veterinary treatment immediately if your bearded dragon stops eating, drinking, defecating, or shows signs of lethargy or distress. With aggressive fluid therapy, advanced dehydration can often be successfully treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if a bearded dragon is dehydrated?
Signs include sunken eyes, loose skin that doesn’t snap back when pinched, wrinkled skin, lethargy, decreased appetite, dry sticky urates, and constipation.
What causes dehydration in bearded dragons?
Common causes include inadequate drinking water, low humidity, excessive heat, medical conditions, poor diet, and absorbent substrates like sand.
How do you rehydrate a bearded dragon?
Provide more drinking water, mist the tank for increased humidity, adjust temperatures, soak in lukewarm water, feed high-moisture foods, and use oral hydration products. Seek veterinary treatment for advanced dehydration.
How much water should a bearded dragon drink?
A healthy adult bearded dragon should drink around 2-4 milliliters (ml) of water per day, either from a bowl or by eating mist vegetables. More is needed for juveniles, babies, or sick dragons.
Do bearded dragons need a water bowl?
Yes, providing fresh drinking water in a shallow bowl daily helps ensure adequate hydration, though some bearded dragons rarely drink from bowls. Mist the dragon directly as well to encourage drinking.
How often should you bathe a bearded dragon?
Bathing helps hydration and shedding. Aim to soak healthy adult bearded dragons 2-3 times per week for 10-20 minutes in shallow, lukewarm water. Increase frequency for juveniles and dragons showing signs of dehydration.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are prone to dehydration due to their adaptations for desert life. Pet owners must be diligent in providing adequate hydration through their habitat, diet, and soaking routine. Watch for telltale signs of dehydration like sunken eyes. Mild cases can be treated at home with increased access to drinking water and humidity. But severe dehydration can have serious consequences, including heart failure, organ damage, and even death if left untreated. Staying aware of your bearded dragon’s hydration needs and acting quickly when problems arise is key to the health and happiness of your scaly friend.