It’s a familiar sight for most bearded dragon owners; their beloved pet plopped into its water bowl, soaking wet and content.
Bearded dragons may lay in their water bowl for several reasons. Here’s a table summarizing the main reasons:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Bearded dragons may lay in their water bowl to drink water and rehydrate. |
| Thermoregulation | Laying in water can help bearded dragons regulate their body temperature by cooling off. |
| Shedding Assistance | Water can help soften the skin and make it easier for bearded dragons to shed their old skin. |
| Humidity Control | Bearded dragons may seek additional humidity by laying in their water bowl. |
| Curiosity or Comfort | Bearded dragons may lay in their water bowl due to curiosity, or simply because they find it comfortable. |
Some bearded dragons may also sleep in their water bowl to regulate their body temperature and save energy.
It’s not a good idea to let bearded dragons sleep in their water bowl, especially overnight, because it can make them more likely to get respiratory infections and other health issues.
Is It Safe For Bearded Dragons To Lay In Their Water Bowl?
Well, the answer isn’t straightforward.
On one hand, there are no known health risks associated with this behavior. But on the other hand, if they stay too long in a damp environment it can lead to skin and respiratory problems due to bacteria growth and fungal infections.
However, it is safe for bearded dragons to lay in their water bowl for short periods of time, especially if they are rehydrating themselves
The best way to ensure that your bearded dragon doesn’t develop any of these issues is by monitoring their activity closely.
If you see them spending more than 10 minutes inside their water bowls then you should remove them immediately and dry out the area around where they were sitting.
Additionally, make sure that the temperature of the room or tank stays between 75-85°F (24-29°C) at all times – otherwise, your pet might be looking for cooler temperatures which could make staying in the water bowl even more appealing!
It’s also important to change the water regularly and replace any decorations or items that have become wet after being exposed to saliva or droppings from your pet.
This will help keep bacterial levels low and prevent any potential health complications down the line.
Do All Bearded Dragons Lay In Their Water Bowl?
To answer this question and provide a deeper understanding, let’s look at an example of one particular dragon named Lucy who loves spending her time soaking in her bowl.
First off, we can assume that not all bearded dragons like laying in the water. As with any living creature, individual preferences differ greatly between individuals.
Some dragons, simply don’t enjoy getting wet or may find it uncomfortable due to their size or temperature.
However, for others such as Lucy, she finds great comfort lounging around in the shallow pool of warm water; she even has been known to take naps there!
There are three main reasons why certain dragons choose to relax in their bowl:
It helps keep them cool – Being able to submerge themselves into cold water provides relief on hot days when temperatures rise outside and inside their enclosure.
It offers additional hydration – Drinking directly from a bowl rather than licking drops of dew allows them to absorb more moisture quickly without having to search for sources elsewhere.
It’s calming – The feeling of being submerged creates a sense of calmness which can reduce stress levels and help promote better sleep patterns.
How Much Water Should My Bearded Dragon Drink Each Day?
On average, an adult beardie should consume around 50 milliliters (mL) per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day. That means if you have a reptile that weighs between 250-300 grams, he or she will need about 125 mL of fresh water every day. This is equivalent to roughly two tablespoons!
However, you should also take into account any other sources of moisture such as foods like grapes and melons which are high in water content or misting with a spray bottle 2-3 times/day. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your bearded dragon remains hydrated and healthy throughout its life span.
What Are The Signs Of Dehydration In Bearded Dragons?
To check for dehydration, gently press your finger against their nose; the area should feel moist but not overly wet. If it feels dry, this could mean that your bearded dragon isn’t drinking enough water.
Here is a table summarizing the signs of dehydration in bearded dragons:
| Sign | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sunken Eyes | Dehydrated bearded dragons may have sunken eyes, indicating a lack of fluid in their body. |
| Wrinkled Skin | Wrinkled or loose skin is another sign of dehydration, as the skin loses elasticity when lacking water. |
| Reduced Activity | Dehydrated bearded dragons may become lethargic and less active than usual. |
| Loss of Appetite | A loss of appetite can be a sign of dehydration or other health issues. |
| Constipation | Dehydration may cause constipation, as the body tries to conserve water by reducing waste production. |
| Sticky Mucus in Mouth | Dehydrated bearded dragons may have thick, sticky mucus in their mouth, indicating a lack of moisture. |
| Poor Skin Shedding | Dehydration can make shedding more difficult and may result in incomplete or patchy shedding. |
How Can I Make Sure My Bearded Dragon Is Always Hydrated?
While some bearded dragons may lay in their water bowl as a sign of being dehydrated, this is not always the case. To ensure your bearded dragon stays hydrated, there are several steps you can take:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Provide access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times. Refill the water when needed and change out any dirty or contaminated water regularly. If possible, invest in an automatic waterer that will keep your beardie’s water dish full! |
| 2 | Offer food items with high moisture content such as fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, squash, apples, grapes, and melons on a regular basis. This will help increase the number of fluids your pet receives from its diet. Be sure to provide chopped-up pieces that your beardie can easily consume without choking hazards. |
| 3 | Introduce humidity into the environment by misting regularly with lukewarm water or investing in a humidifier if necessary. The optimal range should be between 40-60%. Monitor levels using a hygrometer which measures relative humidity (RH). Check often during particularly dry periods or seasons to make sure they stay within this range. Additionally, adding more plants to the enclosure helps maintain appropriate levels of humidity naturally! |
What Should I Do If My Bearded Dragon Is Constantly Dehydrated?
To begin with, the first thing you should do is check for any underlying health issues that could cause dehydration. Conditions like parasites or metabolic bone disease can lead to a decrease in water intake and an increase in water loss. If these conditions are present, they must be treated promptly by a qualified veterinarian.
Next, make sure the environment of its enclosure is suitable for proper hydration. Bearded dragons need access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times, and their habitat needs to have temperatures between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Additionally, misting the cage regularly will provide additional moisture which helps keep them well hydrated.
Finally, providing high-quality food with plenty of leafy greens and vegetables that contain lots of water will help ensure your pet gets enough moisture from their diet as well. This can also encourage increased fluid consumption when combined with other efforts mentioned above.
Conclusion
From what we know about bearded dragons, it appears that their aquatic lounging might be an attempt at staying cool and hydrated during hot summer days. Although laying in one’s own water bowl isn’t necessarily ideal for keeping clean or healthy, it can provide relief from the heat—a sort of “lifesaver” to a parched dragon.
