Bearded dragons originate from the arid Australian desert, so they like the temperature hot—but that doesn’t mean they like it dry! They need water to stay healthy and happy. In fact, dehydration can cause (or be a sign of) some major health concerns, so it’s important to know what to look out for and how to protect your bearded dragon from getting dehydrated in the first place.
So how do you know if your bearded dragon is dehydrated, and what can you do about it? How can you prevent dehydration in your bearded dragon? Let’s find out.
Keeping your bearded dragon hydrated is essential for its health and wellbeing. In the wild bearded dragons get most of their moisture from the food they eat. But in captivity they need some additional help from us to stay hydrated.
Bearded dragons are native to the arid deserts of Australia So they are adapted to getting by with less water than other reptiles. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore their hydration needs! Dehydration in bearded dragons can cause serious health issues over time
In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about bearded dragon hydration. You’ll learn:
- How much water bearded dragons need
- Signs of dehydration to look out for
- 5 fail-proof ways to hydrate your bearded dragon
- Common questions on water for bearded dragons
Let’s dive in!
How Much Water Do Bearded Dragons Need?
The exact amount of water a bearded dragon needs varies based on factors like age, size, and environment. But generally, an adult bearded dragon needs around 10-30 ml per kg of body weight per day.
This includes water obtained through their diet. The more greens and veggies they eat, the less additional water they need.
Here’s a rough guide to the daily water needs of a bearded dragon based on weight:
- 100g – 1-3 ml (0.2 – 0.6 tsp)
- 200g – 2-6 ml (0.4 – 1.2 tsp)
- 300g – 3-9 ml (0.6 – 1.8 tsp)
- 400g – 4-12 ml (0.8 – 2.4 tsp)
- 500g – 5-15 ml (1 – 3 tsp)
Hatchlings and juveniles generally need more water relative to their size than adults. And certain morphs like silkbacks tend to dehydrate faster.
The best gauge is to look for signs of dehydration. As long as your bearded dragon is showing no symptoms (see next section), then their hydration needs are being met.
Signs of Dehydration in Bearded Dragons
Learning to spot the signs of dehydration is important so you can take action before it becomes a bigger issue. Here are the main symptoms to look out for:
Physical signs:
- Sunken eyes
- Wrinkled skin
- Loss of skin elasticity (skin remains “tented” when pinched)
- Difficulty shedding
Behavioral signs:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased activity
- Gaping mouth
Urinary signs:
- Decreased urates (white part of poop)
- Constipation
Advanced signs:
- Muscle weakness
- Unintended weight loss
- Kidney problems
- Inability to thermoregulate
If you notice any of these dehydration symptoms in your bearded dragon, it’s time to take action. Mild dehydration can turn serious pretty quickly in reptiles.
5 Fail-Proof Ways to Hydrate Your Bearded Dragon
Keeping a bearded dragon hydrated isn’t difficult once you learn their preferences. Here are 5 simple but effective ways to get water into your beardie:
1. Offer a shallow water dish
Provide fresh, clean water in a shallow bowl or dish daily. Change the water daily. The bowl should be large enough for the bearded dragon to soak in if desired.
Some beardies may not recognize standing water, so you can add dripping decor to attract them. But don’t rely solely on the water dish to meet their hydration needs.
2. Mist the enclosure
Misting provides water droplets for the bearded dragon to lick up. Aim for misting just parts of the tank, not the whole thing. Some beardies love to drink dripping water from tank decor after misting.
Avoid misting loose substrates, as this can increase humidity. Glass tanks in particular may not be suitable for regular misting.
3. Spray or moisten food
Spray salad greens and vegetables before feeding. The bearded dragon will lick water droplets as it eats. You can also moisten feeder insects. This ensures water intake even if the bearded dragon ignores the water bowl.
4. Provide a soak bowl
A soak bowl or “pond” that the bearded dragon can fully immerse itself in helps increase hydration. Provide at least a few times per week for 10-20 minutes at a time. The water should be lukewarm and shallow.
5. Use an oral syringe
For a sick or unwilling bearded dragon, slowly drip water into their mouth via syringe or eyedropper. Go very slowly and avoid the nostrils. This may take patience and training.
Mix and match several of these methods to cover your bases. Observe your bearded dragon’s behaviors and tweak your approach based on their preferences. Consistency is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s review answers to some common questions about bearded dragon water needs:
How often should I change my bearded dragon’s water?
Change water daily, or more often if it gets soiled. Stagnant water can harbor bacteria.
What kind of water bowl is best?
Use a sturdy, somewhat heavy bowl that cannot be tipped over easily. Ceramic and stone bowls work well. Size should allow soaking.
Should I mist my bearded dragon?
Some beardies enjoy misting while others don’t. Avoid misting loose substrates. Monitor humidity levels in glass tanks when misting.
Can bearded dragons drink tap water?
Yes, tap water is fine for bearded dragons as long as it is safe for human consumption. Avoid distilled water.
How can I get my bearded dragon to drink more?
Make the water movable by dripping, misting, or stirring. Offer water on food. Provide a soak bowl. Try different methods until you find what works.
Do bearded dragons need extra water if eating veggies?
Yes, hydration needs don’t go down much even when eating water-rich foods. Veggies help but don’t eliminate the need for additional drinking water.
Can bearded dragons absorb water through their vent?
No. Bearded dragon’s don’t absorb water through their vent/cloaca. Bathing helps hydrate them by encouraging drinking.
Conclusion
While bearded dragons are adapted to dry environments, they still need adequate hydration in captivity to stay healthy. Provide fresh drinking water daily in a bowl or through misting, food, and baths. Get to know your bearded dragon’s preferences.
Monitor for signs of dehydration like sunken eyes and wrinkled skin. Take action at the first symptoms by increasing hydration opportunities. With a little observation and experimentation, keeping your bearded dragon hydrated is easy. Proper hydration is one of the most important things you can do for your beardie’s health.
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Bearded dragons originate from the arid Australian desert, so they like the temperature hot—but that doesn’t mean they like it dry! They need water to stay healthy and happy. In fact, dehydration can cause (or be a sign of) some major health concerns, so it’s important to know what to look out for and how to protect your bearded dragon from getting dehydrated in the first place.
So how do you know if your bearded dragon is dehydrated, and what can you do about it? How can you prevent dehydration in your bearded dragon? Let’s find out.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Is Dehydrated
- Give your vet a call. Do this immediately if signs point to a severe case. In a milder case, it’s still worth a call to get their advice.
- Give your dragon a bath if they enjoy drinking in the bath.
- Grab your misting bottle and spray the tank walls and floor (if it’s tile or another smooth material). This tends to work well because moving water usually attracts bearded dragons, and they’ll lick the droplets off the surface you’re spraying. You can also mist your bearded dragon’s feeder insects and salad so they end up unintentionally getting more hydration.
- Try dropping an insect or two right into the water bowl during feeding time. Your dragon will inadvertently drink as she goes after the feeders.
- Use a medicine syringe or dropper to feed your bearded dragon water directly. If you feel comfortable doing so, and know how to handle your dragon well, you can try this option. This technique can be especially useful for dehydrated baby bearded dragons.
- Offer small portions of foods with high water content (just be careful not to offer too many, or your dragon may get diarrhea). Some fruits and veggies that are high in water content include:
- Cucumbers – 96% water
- Celery – 95% water
- Radishes – 95% water
- Watermelon – 92% water
- Raspberries – 87% water
- Grapes – 45% to 68% water