Signs Of A Dehydrated Bearded Dragon

Owning a bearded dragon is an amazing experience, and as a proud owner, you need to make sure that your pet is healthy and hydrated. Water is an extremely important element that offers a host of benefits to pets, especially reptiles. The large plethora of benefits that your pet will enjoy when it is properly hydrated includes increased blood circulation, temperature regulation, good digestive health, and proper shedding of skin. Hence, it is important that you take proper care of your pet so that it does not suffer from dehydration. You should recognize the signs of a dehydrated bearded animal so that it is easier for you to address the problems causing the dehydration. It is the most effective way to ensure that your pet lives a long, healthy, and water-rich life.

Reasons for a bearded dragon’s dehydration

• Improper diet
• Inadequate access to fresh water
• Reduced humidity
• High temperature
• Disease or illness

Dehydration can be very fatal for your pet, and it can have drastic consequences in the long run. While it can lead to mild or moderate problems, neglecting these issues can cause death in extreme cases.

The health issues that your bearded dragon will experience include:

• Kidney disease
• Gout
• Shedding problems
• Constipation

4 Signs of a dehydrated bearded dragon

1. Wrinkled skin:

The first and foremost sign that indicates that your dragon is dehydrated is that your pet will have wrinkled skin. These abnormal wrinkles are caused when the skin loses its ability to stretch or return to its regular size and shape.

2. Sunken eyes:

When your pet is suffering from dehydration, you will find that their eyes are sleepy and sunken. In serious cases, the eyes will get a dark, hollow, and receding look, which indicates severe dehydration. The skin around the bearded dragon’s eyes will become loose, and you need to act quickly to deal with the problem.

3. Decreased appetite:

Food is extremely important for the survival of the pet, but when it is dehydrated, it will lose its appetite. Hence, you need to visit the veterinarian at the earliest because even a slight delay can lead to the quick death of your beloved pet.

4. Layered or flaky skin:

When you notice layered or flaky skin on your bearded dragon, you should be completely sure that it is dehydrated. Skin shedding is also a sign of dehydration that should be treated so that your pet will become healthy again.

Expert tips to keep your bearded dragon hydrated

* Add foods to your diet that are rich in water, like fruits, greens, and vegetables.
* Give fresh water to your pet regularly.
* Hydrate the dragon by giving it water through a syringe for quick results.
* In extreme cases, take your pet to the veterinarian for treatment quickly.
* Feed a balanced diet, as an improper diet leads to dehydration.
* Adjust the heat and humidity levels inside the dragon’s enclosure to avoid excessive drying out.
* Give your pet a bath because it can help solve the problem of dehydration. But keep in mind the preferences of your pet before giving it a bath so that it will be an enjoyable experience.