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hooked_on_dragons
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Post subject: HYDRATION ISSUES
 Posted: Mar 02, 2005 - 11:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1160
Location: United Kingdom
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HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR BEARDED DRAGON IS DEHYDRATED
Pinch his/her skin on the side of their back (just above their side spikes). If it falls back in place immediately, with no wrinkles, then chances are your beardie is not dehydrated. If it takes a while for the skin to settle then you need to get some fluids into him/her.
Other symptoms include lack of appetite, lethargy, sunken eyes and changes in fecal habits.
METHODS TO KEEP THEM HYDRATED
As you may already know from reading other articles, here on DragonTank or on the keepers care sheets, bearded dragons do not require (nor do they NEED) access to a water bowl in their habitat. This is because in the wild they would have no access to standing water due to the fact they are desert dwellers. In fact, very few dragon even recognize standing water as being water! If you provide a bowl for them all it serves to do is raise the humidity level which in turn could cause respiratory infections. Bearded dragons need a very dry environment.
OK, so we have established that no water bowl should be provided, so how do you ensure that your dragon gets the necessary moisture so they don't dehydrate?? Well, there is a couple of things you can do.
One is bathing!! Take one medium sized plastic storage tub (cheap from Walmart) and put enough warm water in it to cover your dragons back but not allowing it to be so deep that your dragon cannot relax comfortably . Make sure the water is WARM.....NOT HOT!! An ideal temperature is 95 -99 degrees. It is also a good idea to place a washcloth on the bottom of the tub so your dragon has something to cling onto and feel safe. Place your dragon in the bath making sure that you supervise the ENTIRE bathing session!!!! NEVER leave a dragon unattended whilst in the bath!!
You should bathe your sub-adult or adult dragon at least once or twice a week for about 20 minutes each time. Babies require misting with WARM water three times daily. They can also be put into a tub for a nice warm soak, but again, only under a keeper's constant supervision.
 Did you know that bathing is not only beneficial to hydration but it also help them with shedding and makes them feel better!! So next time you see your beardie shedding, imagine how itchy that must feel.......take out the tub and let them soak it away....they will love you for it!! 
The other thing you can do is feed them a variety of greens on a DAILY basis. Follow this link.... http://www.dragontank.com/main/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=312
for a list of approved fruits & Veggies. Did you know that an adult diet should primarily be veggies!!?? Feasting on veggies, and greens really helps to keep your dragon hydrated. 
NOTE: If your dragon is severely dehydrated then you can try mixing some Pedialyte or fruit flavoured Gatorade in with some chicken baby food. You would then use a needleless syringe to feed this to your dragon. You can also give just the liquids by using Pedialyte full strength, or using a 50/50 water-Gatorade solution.
DISCLAIMER: This post is in no way a substitute for getting veterinary attention if you are worried about any aspect of care for your dragon. This is purely a guide to help you care for your dragon and keep it healthy. |
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